2007 L.A. Auto Show
Hyundai unveiled a coupe version of its forthcoming 2009 or 2010 Genesis sedan at the L.A. Show.

Confirming recent spy photos of prototype testing in the desert Southwest, South Korea's biggest automaker showed off a concept coupe based on its upcoming Genesis midsize sedan. Designed at the company's Southern California studios, it previews a production model that's due to arrive in spring 2009, likely as a 2010 entry. But contrary to rumor, Hyundai also says this new rear-wheel drive coupe will not replace its sporty front-wheel-drive Tiburon compact, which will be redesigned for later introduction. Officials suggest that car may draw styling cues from the square-lined Veloster concept coupe, which came to L.A. after a recent world debut in Europe.

The Genesis coupe will not be quite the "Hyundai Mustang" some had forecast. Though it's about the same overall size as Ford's ponycar and has a similar "2+2" seating package, it won't offer a V8 option like Mustang--or the Genesis sedan. The base engine is said to be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and Hyundai confirms an optional 3.8-liter V6, borrowed from the Genesis sedan, with at least 300 horsepower--the same as Mustang's current base V8. Both engines will mate to six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. Hyundai claims the manual V6 version will run 0-60 mph in less than six seconds.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
Hyundai officials suggested that the soon-to-be-redesigned Tiburon may draw styling cues from the square-lined Veloster concept coupe, also on the Hyundai stand at the L.A. Show.
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Both Genesis coupes should come with antilock disc brakes, traction control, and curtain side airbags. Likely options include stability control, navigation system, and an upscale leather interior. Styling will be much like the racy concept's, though certain elements may be changed, such as the window-sill "dip" aft of the doors and the carbon-fiber inserts on the hood and roof panels. The concept's 20-inch wheels may not survive either. But dimensions likely won't change a wit, so length-width-height should be close to 183.7 x 74.9 x 54.5 inches over a 111-inch wheelbase. As for price, Hyundai suggests the Genesis coupe will slot between the Mitsubishi Eclipse and upscale Infiniti G37, which implies a starting point in the high $20,000 area. Stay tuned.

2007 L.A. Auto Show
Genesis coupe's base engine will be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with an optional 3.8-liter V6 shared with the sedan version.

As for the Veloster concept, it was created for younger style-conscious buyers, the same audience that Tiburon courts now, but it's hard to say how much of this design might carry over to a new Tiburon. Still, it's the only clue we have, so let's note that it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a compact package standing 161.4 inches long, 70.5 inches wide and 57.1 inches high over a 102.4-inch wheelbase. The Veloster name is a combination of "velocity" and "roadster," and the styling fits those descriptions, with lots of muscular curves and a distinctive "breadvan" profile. Whatever the concept lends to the next Tiburon, we'd guess pricing will be only a bit higher than today's figures, ranging from the mid-teens to the low-$20,000s. Again, we'll keep you posted.

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