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Hyundai pitches Genesis at upmarket buyers

Hyundai has revealed its Genesis sports sedan at the Detroit Motor Show. It is based on a new rear-wheel-drive architecture and the OEM hopes it will win it customers from more expensive brands in the US.

Hyundai Motor America strategic planning chief John Krafcik said: “Genesis will compete with cars like Chrysler 300, but our benchmarks were the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS.”

Prices, performance and fuel economy figures are not yet available for the car, but the OEM indicated it would cost the same as a BMW 3-Series. The platform will be the basis for vehicles in other segments – a coupe version is likely.

The top-end version vehicle will have a 4.6-litre V8 and a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai is also planning 3.3-litre and 3.8-litre V6s, which will use Aisin six-speed gearboxes.

The car will have five-link front and rear suspension to refine the ride. Upper and lower arms link the front wheels to the chassis. This articulated arrangement creates a virtual “king pin” axis that reduces feedback and improves responsiveness.