Hyundai Moves Up in the World with Times Square Billboard

Continuing its high-profile advertising initiatives this year which included the launch of its new Genesis Coupe during the Super Bowl coverage, Hyundai has moved into Times Square in Manhattan, New York with a new outdoor campaign. The cube shaped billboard has three display faces, the front of which has LED screens showing a continuously updated stream of Hyundai video content while the two other sides get vinyl banners.

"As one of the world's largest brands, Hyundai is actively looking for ways to integrate with the world's biggest advertising venues, such as the Super Bowl, Academy Awards and World Cup," said Chris Perry, director of Marketing Communications, Hyundai Motor America. "Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions daily and it is one of the most iconic locations for outdoor advertising, so it aligns perfectly with our overall brand strategy."

The first of a series of ads to be placed on the Times Square billboard features the South Korean firm's new Genesis Coupe.

SEMA 2009: Hyundai Genesis Coupe gets 911 GT3 RS Paintjob

Among the various Hyundai Genesis Coupe proposals showcased at SEMA is this funky example that was co-developed by RIDES and Lux Design. The Korean coupe was sprayed with a coat of Porsche 911 GT3 RS orange paint while the roof was refinished in matte black. It also features a custom body kit from Sarona Design that includes a new front fascia, rear bumper, grille, sideskirts and vented fenders, complemented by a set of 20-inch matte black alloy wheels from Vossen.

The coupe's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was also upgraded with a Turbonetics GT-K 350 ceramic ball bearing turbo and Spearco front-mount intercooler while other performance mods include a full GReddy Racing Ti-C turbo-back exhaust, StopTech brakes and a new coilover kit that lowers the car's ride height.

Tuner-Friendly Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec to Debut at SEMA Show [Official Photos Added]

Next week's 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Hyundai performing the official debut of the Genesis Coupe R-Spec that was first announced at the Chicago Auto Show back in February. The tuner-friendly R-Spec is essentially a stripped down version of the 2.0T Track model with a 210HP 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that does away with several non-essential convenience features such as Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls to reduce both cost and weight.

However, it does keep the performance goodies from the Track model like the sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance Summer tires, Brembo braking system and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

Hyundai said that the R-Spec will also receive a set of front strut camber adjustment bolts (dealer installation - optional for customer to install) to further enhance initial turn-in and handling response.

It will be available only with a manual transmission and a choice of three exterior colors - Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. At $23,750 (not including a $750 freight charge), the new Genesis Coupe R-Spec is priced $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model.

____________________________________________________________________

'R-Spec' Trim Equipment Includes:

-- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine

with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 30 mpg

EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph

-- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission

-- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic

Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist

-- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width

high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires

(225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)

-- Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm

four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear

rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)

-- Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock

absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front

strut brace)

-- Torsen-type limited-slip differential

-- R-Spec badging

-- Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-- Front, side, side curtain air bags

-- Active front head restraints

-- Driver's lumbar support

-- Air conditioning

-- Remote keyless entry system

-- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

-- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors

-- AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers

-- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity

-- Projector beam headlamps

-- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

Hyundai Genesis Coupe with Mid-Mounted 500HP V8 Engine Heads to 2009 SEMA

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe seems to be getting some serious attention at this year's SEMA show. One of the most interesting tuning proposals, or shall we say concept studies, based on the South Korean model is the Rhys Millen Racing fabricated RM460 Genesis Coupe. The American tuner got rid of the two-door model's front-mounted engine and the rear seat bench to make room for a heavily modified version of the Genesis sedan's 4.6-liter Tau V8 powerplant that churns out 500HP.

The tuning firm's engineers modified the chassis to better accommodate the Tau V8 and added a custom rear glass hatch conversion to allow better access to the engine.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a Mendeola five-speed sequential transmission geared up for a maximum speed of 182 mph or 293 km/h, always according to Rhys Millen Racing.

In addition, the Genesis Coupe's MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear suspension setup has been upgraded with KW coilovers while the car comes equipped with a high-performance braking system from StopTech that sit behind 20-inch wheels wrapped in Toyo T1R rubber.

Finally, the RM460 Genesis Coupe will feature a RMR Signature Edition bodykit, a carbon fiber spoiler and custom carbon fiber rear hatch while interior updates will include Sparco Chrono sports seats, Sparco Alcantara and carbon fiber interior panels along with Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers and power amplifier.

Source: Hyundai / RMR , Via: Autoblog.com

Hyundai Previews GReddy Prepped Genesis Coupe 2.0 Turbo with 350HP Ahead of SEMA Show

In less than a month's time, the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas will play host to all things aftermarket including an array of specially tuned models such as the "GReddy X Gen Street Genesis Coupe". Working in conjunction with Hyundai, the folks over at GReddy are preparing a modified version of the entry-level Genesis Coupe with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Japanese tuner's goal is to increase output from 210HP and 223 lb-ft of torque to 350HP and 320 lb-ft with a 0-60mph time under six seconds.

Mechanically, the Genesis Coupe benefits from an upgraded turbo, a large front-mounted intercooler kit, a SE Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust system, MX racing downpipe, Type-S fully adjustable coil-over suspension, six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers and various other mods.

In terms of styling, GReddy offerings will include an lip spoiler, carbon fiber hood, rear wing, Volk Racing G2 alloy wheels shod in Toyo performance tires plus special graphics.

The coupe's interior will feature a set of Sparco racing seats, modified gauges, boost controller and a turbo timer as well as a remote switching system.

According to GReddy, all of the parts designed for the Genesis Coupe show car are planned to be released as a production kit while the firm also plans to make additional engine modifications, pushing output closer to 500 HP.

Malignant Rumors: The Boys at Hyundai are Coming on Strong

In accordance with the most recent Initial Quality Study performed by J.D. Power and Associates, Hyundai's getting better and better (and that's no rumor). The numbers are in, and Hyundai came in 4th overall, falling behind Lexus, Porsche, and Cadillac, while beating Honda, Mercedes, and Toyota. Building on its drastically improved - and still-rapidly-improving image, it seems as if Hyundai is pumping more and more into its market offensive.

According to just about everyone, Hyundai is happy with it's up-sized vehicles (the Genesis sedan and Coupe) for the moment and feels the need to expand and improve its smaller ones. I agree; it's about time to replace and upgrade cars like the Sonata, Tiburon, and Tucson with cars befitting the new Hyundai.

Over the next few years Hyundai will supposedly be releasing a slew of small and mid-size products, like the Tiburon replacement, a new small CUV, the next Sonata , and a couple of MPVs based on the i20 (which the US market doesn't get) and i30 (the States' Elantra Touring).

The Tiburon replacement will supposedly take themes from the Veloster concept (we can hope), which is a huge improvement over any of the Tiburons to date. This is significant because it will give Hyundai a sporty, affordable, FWD car that will slot in below the RWD Genesis Coupe while taking on the Civic Si and any number of European hot hatches.

The new compact-sized CUV, rumored to be based on the 2009 Geneva Show ix-onic concept, is going to be Hyundai's second volley over the Germans' bow. The ix-onic would make one hell of a replacement for the Tucson (no one actually takes those things off-road anyway, so why not look good?).

Then there's the next-gen Sonata. Everyone seems to be thinking it's going to move up and tackle cars like the Passat and Camry, which would be interesting. If this is the case, we've got to ask ourselves what the point of the Azera is. Maybe it'll be phased out, now that the Genesis is the big-dog full-size Hyundai (and since the Azera is based on the Sonata's platform). If the spy shots are any hint, the 4-door coupe theme is being adopted, and the wagon could end up looking like the slick Genus concept.

What about those MPVs? Well, people are theorizing the States could be getting one. It'll probably be the smaller, i20-based model (if at all), so as not to get too close to the next Tucson. That, and the smaller MPV could be built alongside the Kia Soul, which utilizes the same platform.

As for the engines, the only real solid info is that Hyundai had a 1.6 liter GDi turbo four-cylinder with 175 hp in the ix-onic concept, and it was mated to a double-clutch 6-speed auto. This mill, in one form or another, will probably end up finding its way under the hood of the Tiburon/Veloster and ix-onic/Tucson, and maybe even the Sonata (if they keep those numbers, the Sonata's mid-range engine could be the Genesis Coupe's 2.0T). That means the Sonata's V6 would probably be bumped up to the Azera's Lambda 3.8 liter with 275-horses, putting it just under the Genesis and squarely against the aforementioned Passat and Camry.

At the end of the day this column is still called Malignant Rumors, meaning what's found within is speculation lathered with hopes and dreams. I just wonder if it's really possible for Hyundai's potential future lineup to elevate the brand's status even further (that is, from wannabe-contenders with a few lucky shots to big-time players)? I guess we're about to find out.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel. When not back in Sparkle City, he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. Oh, and if for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.

1/4 Mile Drag Race: Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs Nissan 370Z vs Mustang GT

Not that we consider the quarter mile "drag-race" test as being of any significant importance -there's not much to tell about a car from a straight-line, pedal-to-the-metal sprint- but nevertheless, we were more than curious to see how the all-new Hyundai Genesis Coupe with its 306HP 3.8-liter V6 engine managed against the also new, Nissan 370Z that comes with a 332HP 3.7-liter V6 and the 2010 Ford Mustang GT that is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 with 315HP. We won't spoil the "surprise" by telling you the outcome in MotorTrend's quarter-mile test, so just hit the jump to watch the video.

Link: Motortrend

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: R-Spec Model Announced, Coupe's Pricing Starts from $22,000

At the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai not only announced pricing for its Genesis Coupe, but the Korean automaker also announced a new 'trimmed down' version of its rear-wheel-drive sportscar called "R-Spec". The latter is based on the 210HP 2.0-liter Turbo version of the Genesis Coupe and it is designed to appeal to enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications.

When the Genesis Coupe begins to arrive at Hyundai dealerships later in the month, $22,000 will get you into a fairly well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model while $25,000 is the asking price for a base, 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model.

The Genesis Coupe R-Spec that is priced at $23,750 or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, adds a series of performance orientated goodies such as track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging.

In order to keep the price low and at the same time, reduce weight, Hyundai eliminated some non-essential comfort features like the Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The R-Spec will be available in three exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

2010 Genesis Coupe Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing

Model	Engine	Package	Transmission	MSRP
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Six-Speed Manual	$22,000
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.		Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$23,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Six-Speed Manual	$24,250
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Premium	Five-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$25,500
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$26,750
Genesis Coupe 2.0T	2.0-liter turbo 4-cyl.	R-Spec *	Six-Speed Manual	$23,750
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		Six-Speed Manual	$25,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6		ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$26,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	Six-Speed Manual	$27,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Grand Touring	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$29,000
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	Six-Speed Manual	$29,500
Genesis Coupe 3.8	3.8-liter V6	Track	ZF Six-Speed A/T SHIFTRONIC®	$31,000