“When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse.” A bold claim from a company that seems hell bent on bringing a new crossover vehicle to market every couple of months.
Although the car shown today at the 2007 LA Auto show was nothing more than a shell, Hyundai product chief John Krafcik made some big promises to back up Hyundai’s claim. He glossed right over the turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s expected to power base models and went right to the top-of-the-line 3.8-liter V6. “We plan to offer the most affordable 300-hp coupe on the market,” Krafcik boasted.
The all-aluminum engine will also have more than 250 pound-feet of torque and continuously variable valve timing. Hyundai also said that the new rear-wheel-drive coupe will go from zero to 60 in less than 6 seconds. Other notable performance parts include a six-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential.
This coupe is often described as Hyundai’s Mustang, and its dimensions are pretty close to Ford’s pony car. Both cars are the same height, but the Hyundai is nearly an inch wider and 4 inches shorter in overall length. The wheels on the Hyundai must be pushed to the corners, however, as it rides on a wheelbase that's 4 inches longer than the Mustang.
If a big rear-wheel-drive coupe with 300 hp doesn’t interest you for some reason, Krafcik told the audience that Hyundai is also working on a smaller, front-wheel-drive replacement for the current Tiburon. He said to look to the Veloster concept for an idea of what the company has in mind. – Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
estreka says:
05:38 PM, 11/14/07
That's a fantastic-looking car. They kept many of the sexy elements of the Tib and really put some additional pizzaz into it. Replace the goofy concept-y front lip and hood and you've got one superb RWD ricer. RX-8, eat your heart out.
Could you not get any closer pics of the real thing?
SubyTrojan says:
06:46 PM, 11/14/07
This is a very interesting car. I'm a fan of it until/unless it gives me a reason not to be one.
opfreak says:
08:20 PM, 11/14/07
compared to that overprice bwm 1 this seems like a great deal
iancar says:
09:58 PM, 11/14/07
I doubt it will handle like RX-8 or BMW 1. But god! Koreans do learn how to make proper cars fast.
langjie says:
07:57 AM, 11/15/07
it's nice
spartanic says:
11:52 AM, 11/15/07
There's one small problem. Its still a Hyundai.
blueguydotcom says:
01:56 PM, 11/15/07
What's wrong with Hyundai? It's not like it's a GM or Ford...
Soon, very soon - like within 5 years - Hyundai will be challenging Lexus and Infiniti directly. Hyundai is basically where Toyota was in the mid 80s.
hondacura4 says:
03:41 PM, 11/15/07
Spartanic, have you seen the turn around Hyundai has made in quite a short time? Although I need a little more proof from them I do consider them a serious/major competitor.
I have to say that Im impressed with the overall design as its very aggressive and sporty. Honda..... make something like this PLEASE!
lexuslvr says:
04:10 PM, 11/15/07
If they don't offer a V-8 then they should put a supercharger on the V-6.
fst1 says:
04:45 PM, 11/15/07
Estreka: Added some new pics from the floor. Enjoy.
estreka says:
05:46 PM, 11/15/07
Ah, thank you very much!
ateixeira says:
11:14 AM, 11/16/07
Dang, that looks really good!
I see some cues from Nissans and Toyotas, but overall it's distinctive enough, and if they can really deliver the performance and price they claim, it'll have major bang for the buck.
mike_belknap says:
05:13 PM, 11/20/07
This does look great, though I personally like the cleaner look of the production version better.
(And hey, that's not a bad problem to have! ;-)
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071108.002/photo1/hyundai-rwd-genesis-sports-coupe-uncovered
Mike