Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible

Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible The original Hyundai Genesis sedan made quite the entrance into the premium car market, but the automaker’s luxury offerings will only become more ambitious in the next few years. Automobile Magazine recently talked with Hyundai’s John Krafcik, who shared a few interesting details on the automaker’s future in the U.S.

 Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible

Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible

Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible
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Next Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feel More “German,” Four-Door Coupe Possible

The continued success of the Hyundai Genesis sedan will start with available all-wheel drive. Krafcik says the new Genesis sedan that’s unveiled at the 2014 Detroit auto show will feel more “German.” In a Second Take review of a 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec sedan, we noted that the R-Spec model “lacks the high-speed handling feel that its name indicates, but not once was it difficult to keep the car on its intended course.” We also had minor issues with the quality of certain interior parts of the R-Spec sedan, which accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Krafcik told Automobile that the new Genesis will be more traditional — perhaps making that possible is a boldly styled coupe-like four-door. Using a few basic design elements from the controversial HCD-14 concept from the 2013 Detroit auto show, a coupe-like four-door Hyundai priced right could help the automaker steal customers away from cars like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLS, and Audi A7.
Those who want a real coupe, however, may still consider the Hyundai Genesis two-door. While the current car can’t fit a V-8 under its hood, Krafcik says the next-gen Genesis Coupe may offer power from a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 or even a naturally aspirated V-8. Though Hyundai doesn’t distinguish sales of the Genesis coupe from the sedan, Genesis sales pale in comparison to other rear-drive coupes like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang as well as the Dodge Challenger.
For more on Krafcik’s visit to Automobile Magazine‘s offices, including what brand Hyundai looks up to and why it isn’t pursuing EV technology, head to the full story here.