Hyundai Concept Genesis: Rear-Wheel Drive Korean V8

Motoring Channel Staff - 28/Mar/2007

New York, USA — Australian customers have been begging Mitsubishi for a rear-wheel drive large sedan to rival the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon for years, but the recovering Japanese automaker has been beaten to the punch by Korean car maker Hyundai, who has plans to build a rear-wheel drive sedan for the North American market, a car that would no doubt be welcomed in Australia.

The Concept Genesis is Hyundai's first-ever V8-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, and will be launched at the 2007 New York International Auto Show on April the 4th. 

While the design is far from radical like some concept cars - save for the LED headlights - this makes sense as the car is heading to production in the short-term future. According to Hyundai, it hopes to have a 'premium' rear-wheel drive sports sedan in left-hand-drive (US, European) markets by 2008.

"Concept Genesis extends our model range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective. When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge," said Steve Wilhite, who is the COO of Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai's new rear drive concept car is based on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel-drive platform says the company, which signals the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to driving enthusiasts. The Korean car maker has been hard at work on a new V8 engine, codenamed Tau, which features a variable induction system and variable valve timing. 

Vital statistics - though preliminary for the concept - are as follows:

     Power: 223kW+ (300hp+)
     Torque: 407Nm+ (300 lb. ft.+)
     Displacement: 4627cc
     Block: High pressure die casting aluminium block
     Cylinder head: Aluminium
     Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Camshafts (DOHC)
     0-60 mph: (96km/h): under 6.0 seconds
     Top speed: 130mph (209km/h) restricted

Based on the performance statistics given, a zero to 96km/h sprint of under 6.0 seconds would suggest that the car is much lighter than its rivals, most of which in the large sports sedan segment need around 500Nm to perform at such levels. Another interesting point is the 209km/h speed restriction - is this a sign of things to come?

The 4.6-litre V8 engine will be mated with a German-built ZF 6-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential will also be part of the package. Hyundai says the Tau V8 is a flexible powerplant, and has left door open to future modifications, suggesting possible changes like forced induction, larger displacement, and and other technology enhancements (read: hybrid).

Standard features expected to make the transition from concept to production include things like advanced adaptive cruise control, heated/cooled seats, satellite navigation with a reversing camera, an electronic parking brake, a premium surround audio system and no less than eight airbags.

With all these features and specifications, Hyundai's new rear-drive V8 sedan should represent significant value and could prove to be massively popular in the US, especially if it's asking price remains below the US$30,000 price point.

The driver can select various suspension settings that Hyundai says will tailor the ride and handling characteristics according to need or desire, but hasn't explained the particulars of this adjustable suspension system, which consists offive-link independent suspension at the front, and also five-link independent rear suspension. Comfort will be further improved by the cars size: it measures more than 5.0 metres long and 1.86 metres wide, which makes it slightly longer than the Holden Commodore.

Hyundai has been very forthcoming with information on the new model, revealing that safety systems will be mainly comprised of ESP with traction control, eight airbags and active head restraints. Other features for the new premium sports sedan include 320mm front and 315mm rear disc brakes connected to ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's determination to deliver world-class models across all segments. With Genesis, we’ve got a unique product position -- an all-new, highly capable rear-wheel-drive platform, a high-performance power train and premium, progressive design – all at a price starting well under $US30,000," said John Krafcik, who is the vice president of product development and strategic planning for Hyundai's American branch.

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- Hyundai Vera Cruz
- Hyundai Elantra