"Concept Genesis extends our product range
into new territories from a performance, design and packaging
perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai
Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai
into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for
the challenge."
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Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of
Hyundai´s all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand´s
desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts.
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Introduction of
the Hyundai Concept Genesis Video Clip
Concept Genesis is powered by
Hyundai´s newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain.
Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance
for the Hyundai brand.
"Concept Genesis is a manifestation
of Hyundai´s extraordinary desire to deliver world-class
products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice
president, Product Development and Strategic Planning,
Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we´ve got a unique
product position -- an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel
drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium,
progressive design - all at a price starting well under
$30,000."
Concept Genesis
features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first
application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive
provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal
handling as well as more refined steering characteristics.
Concept Genesis´ premium handling and steering performance
is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the industry´s most important new safety technology.
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Hyundai leads all popular
car brands in the standard application of ESC, with
more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume
featuring this life-saving technology as standard
equipment. ESC continually analyzes road speed,
steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate
and other factors. An onboard microprocessor
determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer
or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and
reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on
course.
Utilizing ultra
high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody
provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher
dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white
weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz
E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides
a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and
lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.
Adding to the Concept
Genesis´ performance factor is the all-new Tau
4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic
transmission with SHIFTRONICÒ manual control and a
limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well
over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of
performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain
combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour
in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built
with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants
may offer larger displacement, forced induction
options and other technology enhancements.
Genesis features a
suspension design that is among the most
sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price.
The front five-link suspension features upper and
lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis.
This artfully articulated arrangement creates a
virtual king pin axis which dramatically reduces
unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well
as improving responsiveness. The five-link
independent rear suspension is equally
sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry
for an incredible level of ride and handling
prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and
rear-suspension are maximized through driver
selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride
and handling characteristics according to need ...
or desire.
Genesis´ design is a progressive
interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match
its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong,
sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials
and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design
aesthetic.
Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on
delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world
class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents,
and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a
collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of
standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight
airbags and active headrests.
Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by
large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have
single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature
12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.