Hyundai angling for right-hook Genesis coupe

The response to the Genesis coupe concept shown at the Melbourne International Motor Show back in March (more here) has encouraged the locals to push the factory for a right-hand drive model they can sell here.

Hyundai has developed the Genesis coupe on the same platform as the rear-wheel drive sedan, but neither variant has been engineered for right-hand drive. In the US -- where left-hand drive prevails -- Hyundai plans for the Genesis coupe to do battle with Ford's Mustang, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Nissan's Altima coupe.

Locally, Hyundai has released photos and information concerning the coupe in production trim, even though it's by no means a done deal that the car will come here.

According to Hyundai Australia's Senior Manager Product Communications and Public Relations, Ben Hershman, the Sydney-based distributor would be keen for the Genesis coupe to be offered here, but it's very early days and there are no details on how the car would be positioned in the local market -- or even when it might be expected to go on sale if the factory gives the go-ahead.

"The product's just been released in Korea -- and obviously we're very excited by that -- but I have no information on [possible pricing or a launch date]."

Hershman's enthusiasm for the car is tempered by his pragmatic view of the car's tangible impact on Hyundai's sales in Australia.

"We wouldn't see the coupe as a massive volume seller... but in terms of emotion and desirability -- and all the other things that come with bringing a vehicle like that -- there are other reasons you bring it... having a halo-type product. And that's what will happen in the North American market."

In Australia, the Genesis coupe would represent Hyundai's answer to the Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z (soon to be 370Z), but Hershman emphasises that the sporty Hyundai's fate in Australia rests on the factory's willingness to ship it here -- such a small market by global standards.

"We're at the first stage of the program," says Hershman.

"We're having those negotiations about converting the vehicle to right-hand drive, as are other right-hand drive markets. We tend to do these things in phases, so we put our hand up and, should there be a possibility, a feasibility study takes place in Korea. Then, it's at that point we start to have those sorts of discussions.

Hershman says though, that the Genesis coupe can help the company raise its public profile and brand image, with or without turning a wheel in this country.

"It would add great value to changing the brand image in Australia, in the same way that the i30 has started to positively work on our brand," he told the Carsales Network. "A product like the Genesis coupe would add to that -- a rear-wheel drive sports car."

"Even if it's not launched here -- and that's why we put the press release out: for people to see that Hyundai's producing this type of motor car around the world -- it all adds up and changes people's perception. Frankly, the brand and the product [are] ready for that."

Power for the Genesis coupe comes from either the standard 157kW 2.0-litre turbo four -- developing 299Nm of peak torque -- or a 3.8-litre naturally aspirated V6 developing 228kW of power. The V6, which produces 361Nm of torque, will be coupled to either a six-speed manual or a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission.

Fitted with MacPherson struts up front and a five-link IRS system behind, the Genesis coupe boasts a 55/45 weight balance, from front to rear.

For a time, the Genesis coupe was expected to be the replacement for the Tiburon, but that's now known to be incorrect (more here). It's about 290mm longer in the wheelbase -- and although that's not going to translate to an extra foot of rear-seat legroom in the RWD coupe -- it's still substantially longer than the front-wheel drive car. In the local market, its size and drivetrain configuration will conspire to place the Genesis well upmarket from the Tiburon, with a corresponding purchase price.

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