The Hyundai Genesis sedan keeps adding to its already impressive resume. Already the 2009 North American Car of the Year and a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, Hyundai is now playing in the big league if it wasn’t already before.

Images of the Hyundai Genesis Prada edition have been released prior to the car’s debut at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. That’s right – Prada, the Italian fashion label has joined forces with Hyundai for a special edition of the Genesis saloon (just sounds more exquisite than sedan).

Two images were released showing the upgrades which include a dark-blue matte-finish paint on the outside along with 20-inch wheels, illuminated flooring and white “Saffiano” leather seats and dash.

Hyundai and Prada worked on only three examples of the Genesis Prada. The one you see here will be in Seoul and will be later put on display at Hyundai’s headquarters. The other two units will be auctioned off at Prada Transformer with the proceeds going to charity.

Hyundai Genesis Prada:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Hyundai-Blog

The 2009 North American Car of the Year, 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan, is adding another award to its already impressive resume. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has been named the Insurance Institute for High Safety’s Top Safety Pick” for 2009. The IIHS said that the Korean car earned a score of “good” in overall testing in side impact, frontal and rear crash tests. The rating of “good” is the highest rating provided by the IIHS.

To qualify for the Top Safety Pick award a vehicle must earn the rating of “good” in side, front and rear tests and must be equipped with ESC as standard. The IIHS said that the Top Safety Pick status is applicable for all 2009 Genesis models built after November 2008.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is on sale now with prices starting at $32,250 for the 3.8L model and $37,250 for the 4.6L model.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

After a successful Super Bowl XLIII campaign, Hyundai Motor America plans to take over the Oscars tomorrow. The Korean automaker has purchased eight spots during Sunday’s Academy Awards including a new ad for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Along with its Genesis Sedan 2009 North American Car of the Year ad, Hyundai will debut a new Hyundai Assurance Plus spot. The company will run a total of seven 30-second spots and one 60-second spot during the Oscars.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe ad is expected to feature score by Yo-Yo Ma and his solo of “Gigue” from Bach’s Suite No. 3 in C Major.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Source: Inside Line

We’ve previously heard that the Hyundai Genesis sedan will get an 8-speed automatic transmission and now its confirmed. According to Lee Hyun-Soon, head of r&d for Hyundai and Kia, the 8-speed automatic will be offered in the Genesis sedan when it is refreshed in the 2011 model year.

Speaking to Automotive News at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Lee said that the Korean automaker is developing the new transaxle in-house. He said that the Kia Borrego SUV may also get the 8-speed in the future.

“This new transmission is for our rear-drive vehicles,” Lee said. “It will improve fuel economy by almost 2 percent. It gives better acceleration” and better noise, vibration and handling performance.”

Hyundai’s Genesis and Kia’s Borrego both use a 6-speed automatic transmission that was also developed in-house. Lee said that Hyundai is aiming to develop all future transmission itself. The redesign Santa Fe, which will arrive later this year, will also get the new 6-speed automatic.

Hyundai Genesis:

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has outscored four rivals to become Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the “Upsacle Sedan” category beating out the Lexus ES 350. The Genesis which achieved an “Excellent” overall road test score, outranking 20 cars from competitors including the Pontiac G8, Lincoln MKS and the Acura TL

“The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. “Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price.”

The Acura TL ad Nissan Maxima also received scores of Excellent while the G8 and the LKS received scores of Very Good. Other models in this class that will make their market debut in 2009 include the redesigned Audi A6 and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: Consumer Reports

Hyundai Motor America has killed speculations and rumors that it will build a convertible version of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. According to Miles Johnson, manager of product public relations, a Genesis Convertible was never in Hyundai’s pipeline.

“It’s never been in the plan,” Johnson told Inside Line. “There was some internal discussion early on, but since we unveiled the coupe in New York, there’s been no talk.”

Johnson said the coupe version of the Genesis was never buit to be a convertible and was made to be a global car. He said Koreans aren’t “down” with the idea of wind in your hair and there isn’t enough traction for Hyundai in the U.S. to offer a convertible. He said Hyundai has no plans to offer any convertible on any of its models in the near future.

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe will hit dealerships in March.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Source: InsideLine

When you hear that a major Italian designer is going to team up with an automaker to build custom versions of their vehicles, you automatically think it’ll be posh brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari or even Mercedes-Benz. However, Prada is teaming up with someone who you, or anyone else for that matter, would least expect them to team up with. South Korean automaker Hyundai and Italian design firm Prada will built three custom Genesis sedans to display at the Seoul Motor Show.

What can you expect? No details as of yet but we’re thinking some custom leather/wood trims, a two-tone color interior and Prada logos embedded into the leather seats.

Hyundai will take one of the three custom Prada Genesis sedans and will keep it at its headquarters and will auction off the other two at the Prada Transformer exhibition. Proceeds will go to charity.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: auto.lenta.ru

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis starts at $33,000 for the 3.8L V6 model making 290-hp and $38,000 for the range-topping 4.6L Tau V8 making 375-hp. Both are mated to Hyundai’s Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM.

However, the Korean automaker is getting ready to add a fuel-saving 8-speed transmission after 2010. According to Asia Pulse, Hyundai’s powertrain chief Park Seong-hyun said that the new transmission will be available to customers within 2 years.

Park didn’t confirm which other vehicles it may use the transmission on but says the Genesis sedan is the only one on the list right now.

Click through for high-resolution images of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: Edmunds

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe and sedan are one of the major highlights of the 2008 SEMA Auto Show this year. We’ve already seen RIDES take on the Genesis sedan for Mac lovers and yesterday we saw a Rhys Millen Racing’s Genesis Coupe. Joining RIDES, DUB Magazine and RKSport today revealed their take on the 4.6L V8 Genesis Sedan.

RKSport’s Genesis sedan is sure to be one of the main highlights of Hyundai’s SEMA stage. The tuner supercharged 4.6L Tau V8 for a total of 460-hp – up from 375-hp. RKSport also added an advanced cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the sedan to estimate18/27 mpg (city/highway). Appearance wise the RKSport Genesis gets a new body kit with a new front and rear fascia, side skirts, a composite hood, a rear roof spoiler and a trunk spoiler. The company also added Enkei Performance LS-5 wheels, a Baer performance brake package, K&N performance air intake, Eibach lowering springs and a Magnaflow performance exhaust.

DUB Magazine’s take on the Hyundai Genesis includes two vehicles – one in black and the other in white. Upgrades include color-matched exterior pieces, custom lowering kits, an elaborate audio and video system, DUB emblems and tinted windows.

Follow the jump for more high-res images.

Hyundai Genesis Sedan at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

The Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe will be creating quite a distraction at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show with over two to three customized models of each variant. The most recent tuner to join the Genesis display is RIDES with their Genesis sedan turning the car into a complete mobile office.

Enter the RIDES Genesis sedan and you’ll be greeted by two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi connection and movie theater surround sound. In the back seat, a center console holds the iPhone 3G, MacBook Air and a wireless keyboard and mouse for the backseat Mac Mini. Each rear-seat passenger gets their own 8.4 inch VGA screen mounted to the headrest. RIDES has also mounted one Mac Mini in the trunk with a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display complete with a motorized tray for the mouse and keyboard.

RIDES also added 22-inch custom MHT wheels, Pirelli tires, a new front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension and smoked headlights. The tuner also added dual-tip stacked exhausts and custom-molded rear bumper. To get show goers to visit the Hyundai display, RIDES will hand out 5,000 iTunes cards from the car’s Wi-Fi network.

Click through for more images.

RIDES Hyundai Genesis:

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been released to the Korean market but won’t arrive in U.S. showrooms until Spring 2009. But thanks to the Korean press release we get some official technical specs on the upcoming Hyundai coupe.

Power for the base Genesis coupe comes from a 2.0L turbocharged unit that produces 210-hp on regular fuel and 223-hp on premium fuel. The range-topping 3.8L V6 Lambda RS makes 310-hp with a maximum torque of 266 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.3 seconds.

Hyundai says it hopes to sell 40,000 units of the Genesis Coupe annually, 5,000 in Korea and 35,000 in other markets. Korean prices starts at 23,200,000 ($18,789) Korean won for the base version and 33,920,000 ($27,472) Korean won for the range-topper. U.S. pricing will be announced closer to launch

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Press Release:

Hyundai Launches Newest Halo Vehicle Genesis Coupe

    – A new benchmark for affordable 300-Horsepower Sport Coupes
    – Benchmarked to Infiniti G37 levels
    – 0-60 in under 6.5 sec
    – Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling performance coupe yet from Hyundai

(Jeju Island, Korea) Hyundai Motor Co. today launched its Genesis Coupe in the Korean market at an event on Jeju Island attended by members of the Korean and international press. The logical extension of the highly acclaimed Genesis sports sedan launched earlier this year, the Genesis Coupe raises the Hyundai brand’s emotional quotient to a new level with its high performance capabilities and front engine rear wheel drive architecture. Genesis Coupe is an exemplification of Hyundai’s design evolution: simple, modern, crisp lines with wonderful proportions and aspiration appeal.

“The Genesis Coupe is our very first thoroughbred, a true halo car with all the hallmarks of a high performance car,” said Dr. Hyun–Soon Lee, president of the Corporate Research and Development Division. “The Coupe will do exactly what it was designed to do: Provide a thrilling driving experience and attract new customers to Hyundai showrooms and continue the transformation of our brand.”

Styled to Thrill

Genesis Coupe projects a unique sports car look with strong character lines, pronounced shoulders and dynamic details. The aggressive, wedge-like silhouette, short overhangs and long wheelbase give it classic sports car proportions.

Inside and out, the design is thoroughly provocative and emotionally-charged. The exterior front styling radiates a sporty character. Its dynamic, voluminous hood, carefully articulated bumper surfacing and sharply distinctive headlamps combine to give hints of strong performance.

Two signature design elements truly define the Genesis Coupe’s highly distinctive look and escalate its dynamic appeal: the emotionally sculpted Z-line and the unique day light opening of the quarter glass. The rear view with its two-tone bumper and dual square-shaped exhaust tips project a solid, vigorous look.

The interior with its aggressive and futuristic design reflects sophistication and sportiness in every detail. Powerful and elegant, exclusive materials have been applied to the interior to create a unique atmosphere. Dual cylinder-type gauge cluster, a floor-mounted accelerator pedal and engine start button are among the innovative design touches.

A full bucket-type driver’s seat provides excellent support at all critical points. For convenient entry and egress, the front seat backrests feature walk-in memory design so that the original position of the backrest is restored on entry or egress of the rear seat passengers. Rear seats can be made to quickly fold down with the folding lever in the cabin or the folding button in the trunk.

With its 2820mm wheelbase (290mm longer than the Tiburon/Coupe), Genesis Coupe’s cabin provides more headroom, legroom and shoulder room than its predecessor.

The 55/45 front-rear weight distribution endows Genesis Coupe with near-ideal balance for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics.

The advantages of a rear-wheel-drive setup include:

    – Transfer of weight to the rear axle during heavy acceleration which improves traction
    – Larger steering radius as there are no complicated drive shaft joints in the front wheels so that they can now be turned farther
    – Better handling and braking thanks to even weight distribution so that the front and rear tires and springs are placed under more even loads, allowing for more grip during cornering and braking

Superior Performance

The Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling performance coupe yet from Hyundai and most importantly, it is attainable – It promises to be the most affordable 300-hp sport coupe on the planet!

At the heart of the story are two performance-focused engines: The range-topping, all aluminum 310 horsepower (premium fuel), 306 horsepower (regular fuel), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 Lambda RS. The base engine will be the 223 horsepower (premium fuel), 210 horsepower (regular fuel) 2.0-liter turbocharged Theta.

Based on the highly successful Lambda V-6 first introduced in 2004, the high performance RS edition (Racing Sport) of the Lambda features several key modifications which have raised power to a maximum of 303ps@6300rpm (306 horsepower for US market) and peak torque to 36.8kg/m@4700rpm enabling the Genesis Coupe to catapult from zero to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The Lambda RS features all-aluminum construction, Dual CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) on both the intake and exhaust valves and a revised intake system.

Because of the sporty, low hood line of the Genesis Coupe, RS engineers were forced to redesign the intake and exhaust systems trimming 5cm from its height.

The exhaust manifold’s length and cross section were optimized for reduced resistance which maximizes high speed performance and yields a pleasingly sporty exhaust note. At the same time, the diameter of the intake port in the ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) module was enlarged to improve engine breathing.

Attention was also paid to stiffening the aluminum engine block so it could endure higher stresses while a piston cooling jet was added under each cylinder to reduce thermal loading and prevent heat damage. A further boost in performance was attained by adopting more aggressive camshaft profiles on the Continuously Variable Valve Timing system which governs both the intake and exhaust valves. The V-6 is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic with a 3.4 final drive ratio. A six-speed manual is also available and features a short-stroke shifter (under 41mm), optimized gear ratios and triple cone synchronizers (1st, 2nd and 3rd gears) for smoother shifts.

For economy, Hyundai offers the Theta 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine with a turbocharger for excellent performance. Maximum power is rated 210ps @ 6000rpm (210 horsepower for US market) while peak torque is 30.5kg-m @ 2000rpm (30.8kg-m for US market), sufficient to propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 8.3 sec. Like the V-6, the Theta employs a Dual CVVT system plus a piston oil cooling jet which is positioned under each cylinder to deliver improved cooling and better fuel efficiency.

Genesis Coupe’s chassis has been optimized for dynamic handling and more accurate steering feeling. Dual MacPherson struts in the front improve maneuverability by reducing the offset between the wheel center and the tie rods and increasing the caster angle.

For securing body rigidity while cornering, a front tower strut bar is optional. The rear rides on a five-link setup with reduced toe variation during acceleration, braking and cornering thus yielding precise maneuverability.

The Limited Slip Differential features a torque sensor for improved ride and handling under any road conditions. The rear differential transfer case sits atop a three-point mounting system (including a hydraulic bush mounting) for reduced noise and vibration

Mono tube-type shock absorbers have separate gas and oil chambers to enable stable damping force resulting in better ride and road holding performance.

The use of crash durable adhesives in critical areas has increased dynamic torsional rigidity by 15 percent enabling better ride and handling, increased safety performance and reduced NVH. The Coupe is one of the quietest cars in its class thanks to special reinforcements and applications of various poly-urethane foam as well as sound interceptive materials that have helped eliminate both noise and vibration.

Safety

The use of high strength steel enhances safety and overall performance by achieving a stiffer, lighter body structure. When combined with the six-airbag system, active headrests, Genesis Coupe is expected to earn a five-star crash safety rating.

The Genesis Coupe promises to stop just as fast as it goes. Premium high performance disc brakes from Brembo will be available as part of an optional track–use performance package. For the Genesis Coupe´s front 18–inch wheels, Brembo engineers developed 13.4–inch x 1.1–inch rotors (340mm x 28mm) and four–pot fixed calipers (42mm+42mm) while the rear setup features 13.0–inch x 0.78–inch rotors (330mm x 20mm) gripped by four–pot fixed calipers (32mm+28mm).

At the highest level of international motorsports, Brembo´s signature fixed monobloc brake callipers and oversized rotors are recognized as delivering the ultimate in braking performance. The Italian brake manufacturer is acknowledged as the world leader in high performance braking systems and is a supplier to the world´s best–known formula racing teams as well as Italian and German manufacturers of supercars and sports cars.

Available safety equipment also includes Electronic Stability Program which uses the speed sensors on each wheel and the ability to brake individual wheels that are the basis of antilock brakes. ESP adds a control unit that monitors steering wheel angle and vehicle rotation around the vehicle’s vertical axis.

This unit uses the steering and rotation information to detect that the vehicle is about to travel in a direction different from the one indicated by the steering wheel position. Then ESP automatically brakes the appropriate wheel to help the driver maintain control.

Touches of convenience include USB/iPod connectors, auxilliary audio inputs, 5.6-inch information display unit (for audio controls, digital clock, climate control, inside/outside temperature) and steering wheel-mounted remote controls for the audio system. An eight-speaker Infinity sound system is optional.

Hyundai hopes to sell 40,000 Genesis Coupes annually, 5,000 in Korea and 35,000 in overseas markets. The Genesis Coupe’s target customer is a middle-aged male (64 percent) looking for superior performance in terms of acceleration and handling. The competitive set includes the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan Altima Coupe and Mustang.

Korean retail prices start at 23,200,000 Korean won for the base version and with full options, including the V-6 Lamda RS engine, the Coupe tops out at 33,920,000 Korean won.

Source: WCF

While we’ll get the Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a 2010 model year, the Koreans got theirs yesterday as a 2009 model year. According to the first few test drivers, the 210-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder model returned an estimated 26 mpg while the 306-hp 3.8L V6 returned 21.6 mpg.

The Korean models come with stiff sport suspension – which will be even more stiffened for North American roads. Pricing for the U.S. models is expected to start under $30,000.

Check out the first ever 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe commercial after the jump.

Click through for the video.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Korean Commercial:

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Hyundai has announced that it has developed a new high-performance revised version of the 3.8L V6 Lambda engine that will find its way under the hood of the Genesis Coupe that will be launched in Korea later this month.

Called the V6 Lambda RS, the engine produces a total of 310-hp (an increase of 4-hp) with a maximum torque of 266 lb-ft (an increase of 3 lb-ft). So what’s the big deal for? Engineers have trimmed 5cm from the height of the original Lambda to better accomadate the low hood line of the Genesis Coupe resulting in a redesign of the intake and exhaust system. The length of the exhaust manifold and cross section have been optimized for reduced resistance which maximizes high-speed performance. The ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) module was also enlarged to improve engine breathing.

The Lambda RS will be available with a choice of a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.

Click through for high-res images of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Along with a couple concept versions of the 2010 Genesis Coupe, Hyundai will team up with RKSport to do a version of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan. RKSport will give the Genesis Sedan some major visual upgrades and more power.

The appearance package will include a body kit that consists of a new front and rear fascia, side skirts, a composite hood, a rear roof spoiler and a trunk spoiler. Besides being lowered, TSW will provide RKSport with alloy wheel in a new Platinum Silver color.

The 376-hp 4.6L Tau V8 will get more power courtesy of a K&N performance air intake package and a Magnaflow performance exhaust. Performance will be enhanced with a Baer performance brake package and Eibach lowering springs.

RKSport Hyundai Genesis Sedan SEMA 2008:

Source: Motor Trend

Things can’t get better for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Korean luxury-sedan was just awarded National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star crash test rating. The rating is the highest government ranking a car can receive.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints. Hyundai pointed out that until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models.

The 2009 Genesis is on sale now with prices starting at $33,000 for the base entry-level model which is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 unit producing 290-hp and $38,000 for the 4.6 liter V8 that produces 375-hp. We’ve added a new gallery of the 4.6 Genesis after the jump.

Click through for a new 2009 Hyundai Genesis gallery and the press release.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Press Release:

2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS DELIVERS NHTSA FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATINGS

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/27/2008 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rankings under the agency’s New Car Assessment Program, to the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

“Genesis was engineered with a lightweight but strong body shell, featuring ultra-high tensile steel, laser welding, and advanced adhesive bonding,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “Add eight airbags and electronic active head restraints and you can see the focus we placed on designing Genesis for occupant safety. These five-star results are just one indication of the dedication Hyundai engineers place on safety.”

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features that both prevent accidents and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

ESC compares the driver’s intended course with the vehicle’s actual response. It then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer.

Genesis’ eight airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, a standard feature on the 2009 Genesis, which are an improvement over mechanically-based active head restraint systems. Until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models. Active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.

Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The V6 models feature 12.6-inch front rotors with single-piston floating calipers, while the V8 models feature 13-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers. All models are equipped with 12.4-inch rear rotors.

Earlier this week Hyundai teased us with a teaser image of what was said to be an upcoming large-luxury sedan from the Korean automaker. We now have more details along with this spy video from Auto Motor und Sport.

Hyundai executives have confirmed that the car you see in the video below (check it out after the jump) is indeed a companion model to the Hyundai Genesis that will compete with the like of the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Known internally as the ‘VG’ the car is expected carry Hyundai’s Eqqus badge when it hits the markets.

Power will come from the 2009 Hyundai Genesis powertrain lineup including the 290-hp 3.6L V6 and the 375-hp Tau 4.6L V8. Pricing details have not been revealed as of yet but the car will arrive in 2009 as a 2010 model.

Click through for the video.

Source: Auto Motor Und Sport

John Krafcik, Hyundai’s vice president for product development said that Hyundai expects to sell up to 50,000 units of the Genesis in the U.S. market once both the sedan and the coupe are in showrooms. Krafcik says that Hyundai is targeting 20,000 units for the sedan and 30,000 for the coupe annually.

Hyundai is hoping that both cars will help elevate its image in the U.S. from a cheaper to a more established and quality brand.

The base 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan starts at $33,000 while the range-topping sedan starts at $38,000. As for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe, sources say that pricing will start just under $26,000.

Krafcik also said that Hyundai will launch its first hybrid in the U.S. in early 2010 with a lithium-ion battery powered Sonata sedan.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe :

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Hyundai recently invited 20 aftermarket companies to its North American headquarters in Fountain Valley, California to measure the capabilities of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Calling it the official SEMA measuring session for the company’s latest rear-wheel-drive coupe, Hyundai said it really wanted to get aftermarket companies a head start on the Genesis Coupe.

Unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show , the base Hyundai Genesis coupe is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo that produces 223 horsepower along with a range-topping 3.8 liter V6 version producing 310 horsepower.

"If you look under the hood, there’s more room to do stuff," said John Espino of Gale Banks Engineering. Espino said that his company is already working on a supercharger for the V6 Genesis Coupe along with a upgrades for the 4-cylinder turbocharger and intercooler on the four-cylinder model.

At the event, Hyundai officials confirmed that they will offer a track versions of both Hyundai Genesis Coupe versions. The track versions will a be a low percentage of the production mix but will offer outstanding performance. The models will get a retuned suspension, Brembo brakes and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires,

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will arrive in showrooms around the same time as the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro in February 2009. Pricing is expected to start under $26,000 .

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe :

Source: InsideLine