Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?

[unsakred]

Hyundai "officially" unveiled the rear-wheel drive Genesis concept on Tuesday by issuing a press release and high-res versions of the pics that were already floating around. The release got us thinking that Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive platform underpinning the production version of the Genesis when it arrives Stateside in 2008 would make a killer chassis on which to build the next Hyundai Tiburon. The Tiburon has more than run its course as a value-based, front-wheel-drive sport compact coupe with an eensy-weensy V6. We have no idea when a Tiburon replacement will surface, but the arrival of Hyundai's first rear-driver gives us hope that the South Korean automaker may decide to grab a gun and stand to post in the upcoming pony car wars. Even if the intended target turns out not to be the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger, Hyundai could easily aim at the Infiniti G37 Coupe, BMW 335i and upcoming Audi A5 with a coupe powered by a 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 driving the back wheels. The mind reels at the possibility, and we hope Hyundai has the foresight to let the chassis flourish under models other than the new Genesis luxury sedan.

Check out Hyundai's official press release on the Genesis Concept after the jump, as it reveals many details that could easily apply to a coupe. Also check out the gallery of desktop wallpaper-sized pics.

More Information and Pics (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/could-the-hyundai-genesis-lead-to-a-rear-wheel-drive-tiburon/)

[ValuePack]

Fabulous idea, but if it comes to fruition, I worry that it'll be like every other Hyundai made in the past 10 years. Reliable, kind of fun, loads of potential, *no* aftermarket support whatsoever.

[banned4life]

Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke

DUBS!!!

[LordBass]

Hyundai could clean up with a simple, ~$20k, attractive, rear-drive Celica-like sports car. Picture a fun Scion tC.

My favorite Hyundai that nobody is buying:
http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/accent_13.jpg

If that thing had a 140hp 2.0L, more agressive seats, and a better shift linkage, I'd be all over it.

[ValuePack]

Hyundai could clean up with a simple, ~$20k, attractive, rear-drive Celica-like sports car. Picture a fun Scion tC.

My favorite Hyundai that nobody is buying:
http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/accent_13.jpg

If that thing had a 140hp 2.0L, more agressive seats, and a better shift linkage, I'd be all over it.

Here here. It's about time they took a few chances with their cars. The Tib got a V6 and a six speed, what... nearly 5 years ago? Time for something newer and more daring.

+1 For the Accent. Nice little car that needs gobs more power and stick.

[banned4life]

i am hoping my gf will get a vera cruz in a year or so when her leased Tuscon gets returned

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/detroit-auto-show-2007-hyundai-veracruz/

[Nate8409]

Nice car. I loved my 96 Sonata. Unkillable and was not too bad at holding its own speed wise.

Still it was a clam box.

[Bu11dogg2]

the answer to your question is: yes

[98Wagoon]

a guy I work with has a genesis 2.0t.. its actually pretty nice :shrug:

[snow05gtRI]

damn bu11dogg you're a gravedigger today

[shamankjm]

damn...old thread...
and now there is talk that an AWD Genny may be around the corner

[Bu11dogg2]

link that rumor

[RCKSTR]

link that rumor

what he said!

[shamankjm]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-2014my-to-bring-awd-to-hyundai-genesis-and-equus-models.html

[Bu11dogg2]

that's the sedan

[shamankjm]

that's the sedan

Unfortunately, no strict timeline was offered and many assumed that the technology would arrive for the 2012 model year refresh. Not so, says Car and Driver, who claims the Genesis Coupe and Sedan models will have to wait until the next-generation platform arrives for the 2014 model year.

[Bu11dogg2]

I bet they won't for the coupe

[shamankjm]

i told hyundai twice that I would not be getting another Hyundai after my tiburon; not because I did not like it, I loved my tib, but because it was not offered in AWD...and here we are!

I hope they do...i would love to have an AWD coupe for play.

[WeldingHank]

tiburon isn't coming back. Thats what the veloster is for. 1.6l turbo? YES!

[fbodydude53]

It is probably just me, but im glad the genesis coupe is RWD only, hopefully it really brings back the rwd sports coupe market and there is pleanty of compitition. A benefit of working for a Hyundai Dealership is I have driven them, and they are just a bit too big and the turbo motor is pathetic. Otherwise its a pretty good car.

[RobE]

I bet they won't for the coupe

Why not?

[shamankjm]

tiburon isn't coming back. Thats what the veloster is for. 1.6l turbo? YES!

oh i know the tiburon isnt coming back...but an AWD, 4.6L or the fabled 5L engine in the genesis would be incredible