As we settle into 2016, Hyundai will be lopping off the Genesis Coupe from its line-up, thereby capping its production run to 8 years. But with slumping sales and a corporate structure geared towards volume sellers and their Genesis sedan being absorbed into its ‘Genesis’ sub-brand as the G80, the Coupe’s numbered days are actually no surprise.
The Genesis Coupe is something of a unicorn, especially in the context of a company like Hyundai circa 2008. It’s very existence doesn’t quite tally up, and its limited availability confined to the North American market confounded some folk who thought that it’s nimble chassis, big V6, relative affordability and rear-wheel drive 2+2 GT layout has broader appeal.
But speaking of Hyundai’s newly-formed luxury brand, Autoblog reveals that a replacement for the Genesis Coupe is indeed already in the works and is earmarked for a 2017 debut under the Genesis badge. As such, it will likely be priced higher and geared as a more upmarket product – a plush interior, cutting-edge convenience features, and a slick design.
Christine Henley, Hyundai’s Product PR Manager, said: "In regards to the Genesis Coupe, 2016 will in fact be the last model year for this popular, rear-drive sporty coupe,” and added, "A new, more sophisticated and luxurious coupe appropriate for the new Genesis brand is currently under development."
Where previously the Genesis Coupe might have gone up against the Nissan 370Z or the Toyota 86 (at least in its 2.0-litre turbo petrol variant), this successor would gun down the Lexus RC and Infiniti G60.
Reportedly, Hyundai will be using the HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept as a reference point for the upcoming Genesis model. In its purely experimental form, the car is said to have a turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 producing over 276kW. Hopefully they stay faithful to that concept, or at least keep those scissor doors.
However, it is also possible for Genesis to drop in a turbocharged version of the G80’s 3.8-litre Lambda V6 and, even more enticingly, a retuned version of the 314kW 5.0-litre Tau V8 to match the Lexus RC F.
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