Hyundai lays down luxury Genesis

HYUNDAI has released official renderings of its rear-drive Genesis luxury sedan after images of an undisguised test vehicle found their way online last week.

The renderings give a clear indication of the production-ready model’s exterior design, with Hyundai saying it will be the first model in its line-up to adopt its ‘Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’ design language.

The Genesis sedan features a number of styling elements carried over from the striking HCD-14 concept car that Hyundai unveiled at the Detroit motor show earlier this year, including a large gaping grille, sharp edges and a high crease line running the length of the vehicle.

Up front, large headlights give the Genesis a bold, strong look while at the rear, tail-lights look like a watered-down version of the HDC-14’s lights, and have a Kia Optima-esque feel.

While Hyundai did not release renderings of the interior, it said in a statement that the cabin design took into account ergonomics and “intuitive operation”.

As previously reported, the Genesis will introduce Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system that splits torque between the front and rear axles depending on driving conditions.

It will also feature improved suspension, better weight balance for a stable chassis, electronically controlled suspension for greater stability when cornering, and electric power steering.

Hyundai Motor Group Research and Development Centre chief Moon Sik Kwon said the new Genesis sedan would improve on the current model and give Hyundai serious fire-power in the luxury segment.

“Launched in 2008, Hyundai’s first premium rear-wheel-drive sedan Genesis surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness,” he said. “The evolved all-new Genesis is the product of Hyundai’s best resources and capabilities and we strongly believe it will be a game-changer in the market.” Hyundai Australia has already confirmed the Genesis coupe will get a local launch next year, but the local arm of the South Korean car-maker is yet to give the Lexus GS and BMW 5 Series rival the green light.

“The next-generation Genesis vehicles will be produced in [right-hand drive], with the business case for Genesis sedan currently under review for Australia, whilst the Genesis coupe has been confirmed for the local market but timing has yet to be announced,” Hyundai said in a statement.

The Genesis coupe looks set to follow the design of Hyundai’s stunning HND-9 concept that made its debut at the Seoul motor show in South Korea earlier this year.

It is unclear where the final production-ready sedan will be revealed, but timing suggests it will be unveiled before the end of this year, possibly at the already busy Los Angeles motor show in November.

The current-generation sedan went on sale in global markets in 2008, with minor updates to specification and powertrains in 2011 and 2012.