Hyundai preps V8 luxury chariot

Newswheel staff :: 26 March 2007 :: Filed under Saloon, Hyundai Genesis, Europe & UK, US

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South Korean Lexus?

First it was the Japanese that came, saw and didn’t quite conquer those crusty old European luxury brands. So, is it South Korea’s turn to take a swing at the Olde Worlde? Hyundai is certainly looking a like a serious contender courtesy of the Geniesis, a new V8 saloon ‘concept’ due to be unsheathed at the New York motorshow next month…

The Genesis is a classic front-engine, RWD design and is claimed to be stiffer than both a BMW 5 and Merc’s E-Class. Weight distribution is 53/47, front / rear. Judging by the plausible, production-ready look of Genesis, expect this to be yet another concept that turns out to be a thinly disguised version of the final production car.

The bent-eight itself is a 4.6-litre unit cranking out something north of 300bhp,. Cog swapping is handled by a six-speed slushbox. However, the series production Genesis will offer a wide range of engine options including a 3.8-litre V6. Active cruise, xenon HIDs, Bluetooth and satnav are among the predictable upmarket accoutrements Hyundai plans to offer.   

North American sales are pencilled in for 2H 2008 with pricing set to nip under the $30k barrier for the base V6 model. No word as yet on Euro or UK availability.