The Korean automaker takes the wraps off of their luxurious concept car.
Hyundai sent a clear signal at today’s New York Auto Show that it is attempting to move its brand upscale in the automotive market. Once known primarily for economical, inexpensive cars, Hyundai debuted the Genesis luxury sedan concept, just a few weeks after the press introduction of the company’s Veracruz crossover SUV. The Veracruz tops out around US$38,000, making it the most expensive production Hyundai currently available.
Genesis is an elegant large sedan that rides on Hyundai’s first U.S. application of a rear-wheel-drive platform. The exterior dimensions were described by Hyundai as being larger than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which also exposes the brands being targeted with this car.
More than just a pretty face, the Genesis concept carries through the luxury car theme under its skin. Power comes from an all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine expected to deliver “well over 300 horsepower.” The power is routed through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. This powertrain combination is expected to move this car from standstill to 60 mph in “well under six seconds.”
In addition to offering an abundance of power, Genesis boasts a very rigid structure thanks to the use of ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody. Features also include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), a sophisticated sport-tuned suspension and driver-selectable dynamic settings.
There are a few exterior styling treatments, such as the unique headlights, that show that this car is clearly still in concept form, however Hyundai plans to bring this car to market next year.
“Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai’s extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With Genesis, we’ve got a unique product position — an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel-drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design — all at a price starting well under US$30,000.”
While the introduction of this new luxury concept indicates the direction Hyundai is taking with its new car lineup, Krafcik assured us that they don’t plan to abandon the market that made the company what it is today. This means that even when Hyundai is selling a high-performance luxury sedan, it will continue to invest in and sell high-quality inexpensive vehicles such as the Elantra and Accent.
Hyundai sent a clear signal at today’s New York Auto Show that it is attempting to move its brand upscale in the automotive market. Once known primarily for economical, inexpensive cars, Hyundai debuted the Genesis luxury sedan concept, just a few weeks after the press introduction of the company’s Veracruz crossover SUV. The Veracruz tops out around US$38,000, making it the most expensive production Hyundai currently available.
Genesis is an elegant large sedan that rides on Hyundai’s first U.S. application of a rear-wheel-drive platform. The exterior dimensions were described by Hyundai as being larger than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which also exposes the brands being targeted with this car.
More than just a pretty face, the Genesis concept carries through the luxury car theme under its skin. Power comes from an all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine expected to deliver “well over 300 horsepower.” The power is routed through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. This powertrain combination is expected to move this car from standstill to 60 mph in “well under six seconds.”
In addition to offering an abundance of power, Genesis boasts a very rigid structure thanks to the use of ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody. Features also include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), a sophisticated sport-tuned suspension and driver-selectable dynamic settings.
There are a few exterior styling treatments, such as the unique headlights, that show that this car is clearly still in concept form, however Hyundai plans to bring this car to market next year.
“Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai’s extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With Genesis, we’ve got a unique product position — an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel-drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design — all at a price starting well under US$30,000.”
While the introduction of this new luxury concept indicates the direction Hyundai is taking with its new car lineup, Krafcik assured us that they don’t plan to abandon the market that made the company what it is today. This means that even when Hyundai is selling a high-performance luxury sedan, it will continue to invest in and sell high-quality inexpensive vehicles such as the Elantra and Accent.
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