Forthcoming Genesis 3-Series fighter?

[YEH]

Hyundai sources say the two architectures are quite different in several key areas beyond the Coupe's 4.6-inch-shorter wheelbase. The sedan's Tau 4.6-liter V-8 won't fit in the engine bay of the Coupe, for example. Even the five-link rear suspension on each, though similar, is different. Which raises a key point: Why?

The cost of developing a new vehicle architecture can be anything from $500 million to $1 billion. You don't spend that sort of money just to build a niche model like a two-door coupe. So the only logical conclusion to draw is the Genesis Coupe is the first in a family of BK-based cars.

I put that scenario to Hyundai sources after the Genesis Coupe's spectacular reveal at the New York show yesterday. They confirmed that Hyundai could do other variants of the BK. Like a sedan, for instance? All I got in response was a wry smile.

Working off the Genesis Coupe's 111.0-inch wheelbase, a BK-based sedan would fit neatly between the BMW 3 Series sedan (108.7 in) and the Infiniti G35 sedan (112.0 inches). Powertrains would obviously include the Genesis Coupe's 212-223-horse turbocharged I-4, and 306-310-horse, 3.8-liter V-6. Hyundai also has a 3.3-liter V-6 and a 240-horse, 3.0-liter V-6 diesel it could throw into the mix.

http://blogs.motortrend.com/6237507...coupe-birth-of-the-korean-3-series/index.html

Totally makes sense for Hyundai to come out w/ a 3-Series fighter that is btwn the size of a 3 and a 5.

 

[redassag00]

I'd roll a big coupe.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Are we getting the hint that this would be a 3-Series Coupe fighter? Or both it and the Sedan? Why would there be a Genesis Coupe sedan (for lack of a better term)? Why not just put the Sonata on the BK platform and make IT the 3-Series fighter? How many Genesi' variants do there need to be?

 

[Samifumi]

From my perspective "Genesis" is the new brand name Hyundai didn't want to put up the upfront costs towards developing. This would explain the styling dichotomy between the Genesis Coupe and Sedans. (in addition to the BH380 name in Korea and the new Genesis logo). The two cars share very little in common other than they are possibly the first models of an entirely new Korean luxury brand: they were never intended to be derivatives of each other and I wouldn't be surprised to see a 4 door version of the Coupe to compete with the 3 series, the G37s, A4, C class, etc.

The automotive media has already noted the similarity between the Lexus/Toyota introduction and the Genesis/Hyundai introduction. Maybe this is where the Korean's forge their own business method.

 

[BaywayRic]

I think you're right, Samifumi.. After a little more thought, I can definitely see the Genesis Sedan being more of an M35 / M45 or Q45 and the Genesis Coupe being more of a G37 / G37 Sedan. I just wonder what they'll call the Genesis Coupe in 4 door trim...

 

[BaywayRic]

Are we even sure the Genesis Coupe is going to be named "Genesis"?

 

[YEH]

Are we getting the hint that this would be a 3-Series Coupe fighter? Or both it and the Sedan? Why would there be a Genesis Coupe sedan (for lack of a better term)? Why not just put the Sonata on the BK platform and make IT the 3-Series fighter? How many Genesi' variants do there need to be?

The Sonata and the new sedan/coupe (if it does come to fruition) would target different audiences.

Plus, the 3 Series/G37 fighter would likely be a bit smaller than the current Sonata.