The Genesis sedan is the first V-8-powered vehicle from the brand to be sold in the United States. As it arrives in U.S. showrooms this month, it offers a choice of V-6 or V-8 engines—the latter with 375 horsepower—along with a six-speed automatic transmission, a roomy interior, and a choice of upscale options like a Lexicon audio system, a navigation system, an in-car controller like the Audi MMI or BMW iDrive controllers, and abundant leather and aluminum trim.
Later this year, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe breaks cover, with a 300-horsepower V-6 engine but no V-8 option. Also on the docket: The new Hyundai Elantra Touring, which is based on the i30 hatchback already on sale in Europe.
Moving forward, Hyundai’s plans for a new range of cars are being dubbed internally as “24/7 2.0.” Earlier this decade, Hyundai brought out vehicles like the Tucson and Sonata under the first “24/7” plan, which stood for seven new vehicles in 24 months. The 2.0 version of the plan, set for the 2009-2011 model years, includes the Genesis Coupe, the Elantra Touring, and replacements for the Sonata sedan and Tucson small crossover.
Also a part of the plan are replacements for the Accent sedan and coupe. Those vehicles will share some design elements with last year’s Veloster concept shown above; the coupe, in fact, could adopt the Tiburon name that’s not being applied to the Genesis Coupe.
Also in the offing: a new crossover vehicle that could be a “bit of a surprise for the industry,” according to Hyundai product planning chief John Krafcik.
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