While the svelte Korean coupe will make its official debut a few days from now at the Chicago Motor Show, Hyundai has released full price details for US-bound models.
The base model is powered by a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder coupes will start at $22,750 for the base model and top out at $24,500 for the well-equipped R-Spec version due later this year.
The V-6 powered coupes belt out 306-horsepower from a naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter motor. $25,750 will get you the base V-6 with six-speed manual. The fully-loaded Track model with a ZF-built six-speed Shiftronic transmission will sell for $31,750. All prices include a $750 destination charge. [IL]
As anyone watching television lately can tell you, Hyundai has stepped up their advertising game for the launch of the Genesis luxury sedan this fall.
In Hyundai's home market, the first ads for the Genesis Coupe hit the airwaves this week. Naturally, we've got a sneak peek of the coupe's first TV ad spot for our Friday video fix.
Trim levels, pricing details emerge
Along with the video, we now have detailed specs and probable prices for the US lineup.
The base model 2.0GL will be powered by a 210-horsepower 2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. 18-inch alloys, antilock brakes, traction control, heated seats and bluetooth cellphone integration will all come standard, along with dual front airbags.
Options will include side and head curtain airbags, a five-speed automatic transmission, a sunroof and an ultrasonic reverse assist to aid parking.
The 2.0 SP will include all the standard 2.0GL features, with upgrades to 19-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, full leather interior, xenon headlights and fully automatic climate control.
Further up the line lies the 2.0 GLS, which adds Brembo brakes, upgraded audio, parking assist and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (of a size yet unknown). At the top of the range lies the flagship 3.8 GLS model.
Powered by a 303-horsepower, 3.8 liter DOHC V-6 and a six-speed manual transmission, Hyundai will be gunning straight for Nissan's 350Z Touring. Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, upgraded audio, automatic climate control, parking assist and leather seats will all come standard.
Options for the range-topper will include side and head curtain airbags, a six-speed automatic with manual shift control and a sunroof.
Judging by Korean market prices and adding a bit to cover shipping, US customers should expect to pay about $24,500 for a 2.0GL up to about $30,500 for the 3.8GLS.
Ten years ago, the idea of a $30,000 Hyundai would have been dismissed as ludicrous. But then again, the same criticisms were levied against Toyota when they dared to challenge the Germans with the Lexus LS400.
Judging by sheer technical prowess and the recent leaps and bounds in product quality, it would be foolish to underestimate Hyundai's ambitious plans for the future.
[Video: Hyundai via Daum.net] [Images: Hyundai via SCS]
Ten years ago, the thought than Hyundai would produce a luxury car on an equal footing with the Japanese would've been deemed ludicrous.
At the time, the Korean automaker had just passed it's tenth year of sales on US shores. While competitive on price, product quality and level of execution continued to lag behind their Japanese rivals.
But what a difference a decade makes.
In the coming weeks, Hyundai will launch the Genesis, their first bonafide luxury sedan. Powered at the rear wheels by the company's first V-8 — a 375 horsepower, DOHC 32-valve motor with variable valve timing — Hyundai hopes to sell 50,000 units per year, once the coupe joins the model lineup early next year.
Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Hyundai Genesis a five-star test ratings for front and side-impact crashes -- the highest rankings possible in the New Car Assessment Program.
"Genesis was engineered with a lightweight but strong body shell, featuring ultrahigh-tensile steel, laser welding and advanced adhesive bonding," said John Krafcik, vice president of strategic planning and product development at Hyundai Motor America.
"Add eight airbags and electronic active head restraints, and you can see the focus we placed on designing Genesis for occupant safety," Krafcik said in a statement.
We will have more on the Genesis coupe as its launch date nears in early 2009. In addition to the V-8 shared with it's sedan sibling, the Genesis coupe will likely offer a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, possibly with direct fuel injection.
Beginning next June, Hyundai will leapfrog Toyota and Honda in the next-generation battery race with their first LPG hybrid, the Elantra LPI.
Based on the Elantra wagon available in Europe and Asia, the Elantra LPI will feature a liquid petroleum gas version of their 1.6 liter Gamma inline-4 paired with a 15kW electric motor bolstered by lithium polymer batteries.
Sales of the LPI be restricted to the Korean market at first; distribution is expected to include to Asia and Europe in early 2010.
While the svelte Korean coupe will make its official debut a few days from now at the Chicago Motor Show, Hyundai has released full price details for US-bound models.
