Hyundai’s new Genesis concept is an indication of the company’s ambitious plans for the US market. It’s a V8-powered RWD sedan designed to put Hyundai in the same class as brands like Chrysler. The Genesis will be Hyundai’s first American RWD drive car and has been designed from the ground-up to be capable dynamically. Weight distribution is a healthy 53:47 and the body structure is claimed to be stiffer than a BMW 5-series or Mercedes E-class.
To give the big sedan some go, Hyundai has fitted it with a “Tau” 4.6L V8 engine developing more than 300hp. The Genesis will accelerate to 60mph in 6 seconds using the V8, but there are plans to use a range of engines, as well as the possibility of a supercharged or turbo model. Transmission duties are done by a 6-speed automatic.
The Genesis is similar in size to a Chrysler 300, which would be one of its main competitors.
Interior features fitted to the model include HID xenons, Bluetooth, HD radio, active cruise control, and sat-nav. You can expect the production model to have an up-market interior complete with woodgrain and leather seats and leather trim, too.
A production version is expected to go on sale in the second-half of 2008, with prices for a 3.8L V6 expected below $30,000.
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