G35Driver - Infiniti G35 & G37 Forum Discussion - '09 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: G37/E92 335i 'Killer'?

'K, I used to think that Hyundais were nothing but el-cheapo POS econboxes but I must admit that their quality and styling have improved dramatically over the past 2 years. And with the recently-released Veracruz, auto journalists are already comparing it to the $10K more expensive RX350. It didn't quite win the comparo, but then again, the costlier RX350 didn't win by much, either.

So imagine what the automotive press was saying when Hyundai announced the development of a V8-powered, RWD midsize luxury sedan - dubbed the Genesis. What, a scrappy little upstart taking on the likes of the luxury stalwarts Lexus and Mercedes? Is this 1989 all over again? Funny, because that's what they said about Toyota's Lexus division some 18 years ago.

Well, this scrappy little upstart, now the 6th largest auto manufacturer in the world in global sales, introduced the spiritual successor to the FWD Tiburon, dubbed the Genesis Coupe. Although Hyundai initially denied aspirations of stuffing the same V8 expected to power the Genesis sedan (it insisted on a 4 cylinder with the option of a V6), the car, based on the BH platform (could this stand for "Beverly Hills" - as in the target market and demographic that it's after?), could conceivably pose a real threat to the G37 and 335i if it stuffs the reported 4.6L 380hp V8 that it plans to power the sedan in the coupe's engine bay. (Initial reports were of a 4.0L 300hp V8, but then rumors started circulating that the specs would just about match Lexus's flagship LS V8.) This could be especially threatening if Hyundai prices the V8 model (if it offers one) in the mid to high $30Ks. (Hyundai was floating ideas of the Genesis sedan starting in the low to mid $30Ks.)

Personally, I think Hyundai should eat Lexus because, for the most part, Lexus is overrated and way, way overpriced. The reliability for the most part is largely perception-based (my friend's dad has an '06 GS300 and it's been in the shop for 3 mos. because Servco Lexus couldn't fix the push button start). Even the flagship LS sedan was accused of having cheap touches (Edmunds, I think, said that it felt like the power windows buttons and other switchgear were ripped off of a Toyota Matrix and that the trunk was poorly and cheaply lined) that didn't come to par with the likes of the S-class or Audi A8. And, c'mon, a $44K el-cheapo Camry-derived ES350 (w/ panoramic roof, which you can't buy in HI, btw)? I like the IS350 and the IS-F seems compelling, but I still think Hyundai should eat Lexus because I think Lexus has seriously lost sight of their original values.

LAS VEGAS — The name is perhaps a giveaway as to the mechanicals underneath the sexy skin: Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

The new two-door is being publicly unveiled as a concept in mid-November at the Los Angeles auto show.

Hyundai has released almost no details on the concept, other than to say it "hints at a design direction for a future rear-wheel-drive sport coupe." However, the use of the name Genesis, which first appeared earlier this year on a concept sedan, suggests the sedan and the coupe will share major mechanical components, including a new rear-wheel-drive chassis.

The production version of the Genesis sedan is expected to hit U.S. showrooms in the first half of next year. The production Genesis coupe should follow in late 2008 as a successor to, but not a direct replacement for, the current front-drive Tiburon.

What this means to you: As the major Japanese players did more than a decade ago, Hyundai is beginning to grow up and mature as a global player.

'09 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
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Flame on! Hyundai Genesis Coupe concept is said to "hint at" the design of a future sport coupe. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company)

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe will be unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show next month. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company)