Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Production	2009—
Body and chassis
Class	Sports Car
Body style	2 door Coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BH
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L Turbo I4 3.8L Lambda V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic 6-speedmanual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, officially referred to as "Concept Genesis Coupe" is Hyundai's newest RWD concept car. This concept car has been green-lighted by Hyundai and is scheduled to hit dealerships early 2009. It was designed in Hyundai's California based design studio in Orange County, California.

The Coupe debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show after much anticipation from the tuner crowd and Hyundai faithful.

This coupe should not be confused with the new Hyundai Genesis Sedan unveiled in the 2007New York International Auto Show, although the two cars will share the same basic platform.

The 2 + 2 coupe will be Hyundai's 2nd recent rear-drive vehicle released, and Hyundai's first proper sports car.

Spy-shots

Heavily camouflaged spy-photos and rumor threads started popping up across the internet as early as May 2007 which fueled anticipation and speculation.

The pictures confirmed rumors that Hyundai's new coupe would be Rear-Wheel Drive, as under-hood pictures clearly showed a longitudinal engine orientation, typical of front-engine rear-drive vehicles. Also noticeable to the competent observer was a four-cylinder engine (assumed to be Hyundai's Theta engine) with a heat wrapped turbocharger.

These photographs sparked debates across the internet as to the potential engines the new coupe may receive, ranging from just the turbo 4-cylinder pictured, all the way up to the new Tau V-8 that Hyundai recently developed for the luxury-oriented Genesis Sedan.

Days prior to the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto show, more photo's were leaked of an uncovered silver Genesis Coupe next to a silver Ford Mustang, which is presumed to be the Genesis Coupe's target competitor.

Unveiling

On November 14th, 2007 Hyundai officially unveiled the concept version of the Genesis Coupe. The unveiling was hosted by John Krafcick VP of Corporate Planning for Hyundai and Joel Piaskowski Chief Designer for Hyundai North America. John and Joel briefly talked about the new cars they had in the works and debunked myths that the new Genesis Coupe would replace the current front-drive Tiburon. The actual unveiling was prefaced by a skit (dramatizing the leaked spy-photos) where an orange camouflaged coupe performed a burnout and attempted to elude a motorcycle photographer, demonstrating its sports car capabilities. After the skit, the car was unveiled with the help of the motorcycle photographer.

The car was then described by Krafcick as the "The most emotional, most passionate car from Hyundai ever." Piaskowski explains that the car unveiled is the production version of the coupe modified to reflect what the tuner crowd may do when they "get a hold of it".

The car featured a vented carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber "ground effects" lip kit, carbon fiber fog light surround, carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber spoiler, and carbon fiber diffuser for weight saving and aesthetic reasons. The car is also said to be the most affordable 300hp sports car.

The complete unveiling can be seen here

Specs

The Genesis Coupe will have two available engines, the base model engine will be a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 220 hp and 218 ft*lbs torque with an optional 3.8L Lambda Azera engine modified to produce in excess of 300 hp and 250ft*lbs torque . Transmissions will be either a 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual. It's Wheelbase will be 111 inches, with an overall length of 183.7", width of 74.9", height of 54.5". It will have a Limited slip differential, which is great for handling and drag launches. Brakes will be twin piston Brembo, with 13.4" rotors in the front and 13" in the rear. Wheels will be 20" five-spoke wrapped in Dunlop 255/35 tires in front and 275/35 in the rear.

Price

Little specific details have been officially revealed by Hyundai, there are rumors of its base model turbo-I4 being released at $19,900 and its V6 model starting at $25,900. These prices make the Genesis coupe a relative bargain to its AWD competitors the Subaru WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Official mentions of price includes Krafcick saying the 3.8L coupe will be the most affordable 300hp sports car available.

With additional comments from Krafcick stating "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"