Auto Channel

Hyundai goes upmarket

With production set to commence a little over a year from now, Hyundai is on track with final testing of the much anticipated rear-wheel-drive premium sports sedan model, Genesis. Unlike the concept, this prototype is still wearing one of the two "test" grilles that didn't pass in consumer and design clinics. The vertical grille, as seen on these prototypes, was passed over and replaced by the horizontal grille as shown on the New York Auto Show concept.

The Genesis will be powered by a newly developed DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing well over 300hp, which propels the vehicle from 0-60mph in under 6 seconds. This vehicle marks an important milestone for the Hyundai brand as it enters the mid-size premium market segment. The Genesis takes a leap past Acura who doesn't even offer a rear-wheel-drive platform no less a V8 engine and places it with such competitors as BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes to name a few.

We expect to see the Genesis driving around for the next year or so, just like this, wearing a few yards of black vinyl to hide the final details, until the production version arrives in dealership in autumn 2008. The Genesis will be priced under $30,000.