LA auto show: Hyundai Genesis coupe

PREVIEWED earlier this month in sketch form, Hyundai’s forthcoming all-new front-engine/rear-drive coupe known as the Genesis emerged in the metal at the Los Angeles motor show last week. Overseas reports indicate that it will not be a direct replacement for the Tiburon, but a more premium model that will be built in both left and right-hand drive and offer, according to the Korean car-maker, “the most dynamic performance yet from Hyundai”. Among the power sources on offer will be an all-aluminium 3.8-litre DOHC V6 (with variable valve timing) offering at least 220kW of power and around 340Nm of torque. It will drive through a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential, accelerating from 0-100km/h in around six seconds. A 4.6-litre V8 is also expected, along with a turbocharged four-cylinder. Emerging from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer concepts, the Californian-designed 2+2 coupe’s looks were apparently inspired by a combination of Le Mans 24 Hour racers, specialist drift cars and die-cast models of the Jada Toys Dub City.

Contrasting with the bright orange paintwork are the black carbon-fibre bonnet, roof and ground-effect spoilers, and 20-inch polished-aluminium deep-set wheels with Z-rated 255/35-section front and 275/35 rear Hankook rubber. Key measurements include 4666mm overall length, 1902mm width and 1386mm height, and a 2820mm wheelbase. Brembo braking hardware on the near-production concept includes twin-piston callipers on the 340mm/330mm front/rear discs. Unlike the Genesis sedan, which is not expected in Australia, the coupe is due to arrive here in 2009.

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