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Hyundai planning pure electric Genesis model
Sun, Jun 5 2016The market for luxury EVs is set to grow bigger by at least one model. The latest is set to come from Genesis, the new luxury brand launched by Hyundai. The news, according to Reuters, was revealed by the brand's chief executive Manfred Fitzgerald at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. "We will definitely go as Genesis brand down the road of alternative propulsions and it is very, very obvious that EV is definitely on the map," said Fitzgerald "I think full electric cars will be the future in the auto industry." The executive stopped short of providing further details or a timeline for the EV's eventual launch, however it's not the first alternative powertrain the brand will offer. The G80 (pictured) is set to gain a diesel version to join the existing gasoline model, aimed principally at the vital European market that Genesis' key rivals call home. The electric Genesis would join a growing field of luxury EVs. Faraday Future is taking aim at Tesla, German automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche are expected to launch upscale electric vehicles – and others are likely to follow. Fitzgerald recently signed on as Senior Vice President at the Hyundai group to oversee the Genesis brand, having previously served as branding chief at Lamborghini. He is one of a number of Westerners recruited by Hyundai's vice chairman and heir apparent Chung Eui-sun, the impetus for the upscale brand's launch, alongside the likes of designer Luc Donckerwolke and performance engineer Albert Biermann. Related Video:
Hyundai planning luxury plug-in hybrids for Genesis line
Mon, May 9 2016Ever since Hyundai split the Genesis off into its own brand, we've all been clamoring to find out what other models would join the lineup. And here we have one more piece of the puzzle. According to Automotive News, the Korean luxury brand is set to get its own plug-in hybrids. We just don't know which model or models will serve as the basis. "We believe alternative-propulsion engines are going to be really important." - Hyundai MA CEO David Zuchowski "Some of those [plug-in hybrids] will take the form of the Genesis side of our business," was all that Hyundai Motor America CEO David Zuchowski said. "We believe alternative-propulsion engines are going to be really important – even more important in the luxury market than they are in the mainstream market." Hyundai's Genesis brand would not, of course, be the first luxury marque to launch a PHEV. Premium brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo all offer plug-in versions of their mainstream models, while others like Cadillac and Infiniti prepare to join in the near future. Hyundai and its Kia brand both offer plug-in hybrids, though nothing at the level of the Genesis or Equus that have now been rebranded in the new lineup. So far we've seen the Genesis G80 take over from the previous Genesis sedan and the G90 take the place of the Equus. A new G70 sports sedan is slated to join soon, along with a two-door to replace the Genesis Coupe and a crossover expected to take over from the defunct Veracruz. Pictured here is the Genesis Hybrid Sports Sedan, an electrified concept that the automaker showcased at the New York Auto Show less than two months ago that previewed the brand's new design direction and 3 Series-fighter as much as any specific powertrain configuration. If we were the betting type, we'd anticipate the hybrid propulsion system to be offered first on one of the sedans, but we'll have to hold on to find out what they decide in Seoul. Related Video:
Hyundai's Western designers want a Genesis supercar
Tue, Mar 29 2016Will Genesis build a supercar? The answer is that it could, eventually ... if the Hyundai Motor executives are convinced by the Western designers they've hired. Speaking with Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke at the New York Auto Show last week, Australia's CarAdvice reports that there is a desire within the company to create a supercar to cap the Genesis lineup, but that it might take a while. "It's still some time away, something like this," Schreyer told CarAdvice. "All these things take a little bit of time. We're just at the beginning and things like that, you know, we need to talk about and develop more." Donkerwolke seemed even more optimistic. "I won't reveal the secret now because it's still my baby! Obviously, yes, this is part of the interest of designing a brand, being able to create [supercars]. It's not just something which we'll do, let's say a rational traditional project, but there will be some highlights." The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Grand Turismo concept is shown above. Both Schreyer and Donkerwolke came to Hyundai from the Volkswagen Group. Schreyer now serves as one of three presidents at Kia and chief designer for the entire Hyundai portfolio. Donkerwolke recently joined him to run the premium design office for the Genesis brand, having designed the Lamborghini Gallardo, Murcielago, and Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 concept, among others. Joining the likes of the Acura NSX, Lexus LFA, and Audi R8 may be a priority for the designers, but they'll like face a difficult task in convincing the bean-counters in Seoul to ever green-light such a project. "This is very difficult for them, the company is there to exist," said Schreyer. "It's a business." Related Video: Featured Gallery Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept: Frankfurt 2015 View 17 Photos News Source: CarAdviceImage Credit: Copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Design/Style Genesis Hyundai Supercars supercar
Peter Schreyer designs the future of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis
Fri, Mar 25 2016Peter Schreyer now leads the design teams at Hyundai, Kia, and the new Genesis brand. He has the difficult task of differentiating the three brands aesthetically, even if they share mechanical components. A new profile about the designer by Bloomberg shows just how much he means to the Korean brands, and it's well worth a read. According to Bloomberg, Schreyer has distinctive ideas for the Korean brands' design. A Kia should look sporty and appeal to young buyers. In contrast, a Hyundai would be for someone who prefers a minimalist design. So far, Genesis is blending those traits for its Athletic Elegance design language. Schreyer went to Kia from Volkswagen Group in 2006, and his mission was to revolutionize the Korean's brand's boring look. He succeeded with sharper, more modern designs for vehicles like the Optima and Sorento that arrived after he took over. He did such a good job there that Hyundai-Kia Motor Group appointed him as its first non-Korean president at the end of 2012. He also now oversees former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke at the Genesis luxury brand. Bloomberg speaks with industry analysts and other designers to get a better idea of Schreyer's meaning to the company. The piece presents him as an easygoing person who knows exactly how each vehicle should look. If you want to get a better Schreyer and his work at Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, the story is worth checking out. Related Video:
Genesis Hybrid Sports Sedan Concept previews future styling
Thu, Mar 24 2016The Genesis Hybrid Sports Sedan Concept, also simply called the New York Concept, shows Hyundai's new Genesis luxury sub-brand swinging for the fences. The Korean automaker only established the premium marque in December, and its designers have already settled their aim on segment stalwarts like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Genesis is clear that this shape represents the brand's future direction. The stylists call this design language Athletic Elegance, and that's a perfect way to describe the way the C-pillar transitions into the rear deck. The sedan's face also looks aggressive. The combination could appeal to buyers that want something different in this segment. Inside, the 21-inch 4K display from LG might lure tech-focused buyers, if it makes it into a production model. Underneath the hood, the New York Concept also takes a different direction than its competitors. Where turbocharging in this class is rapidly becoming the norm, the Hybrid Sports Sedan Concept is (as the name suggests) a hybrid. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder with electric assist makes 242 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and sends power through an eight-speed gearbox. We're curious to watch the Hybrid Sports Sedan's transition from concept to production. If Genesis can restrain itself from diluting the concept too much, it could establish itself as an attractive alternative to the established players. View 19 Photos Related Gallery Genesis Hybrid Sport Sedan Concept View 10 Photos Image Credit: Genesis, Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / AOL Design/Style Green New York Auto Show Genesis Concept Cars Hybrid Videos Original Video Sedan 2016 new york auto show
Genesis' hybrid New York concept previews 3 Series fighter
Wed, Mar 23 2016Once upon a time, picking out a compact luxury sports sedan was an easy thing. You bought a BMW 3 Series. It's gotten significantly more difficult of late – the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is effectively a baby S-Class and Audi's new A4 is better than ever. The Lexus IS isn't going away, and Cadillac will eventually get the ATS right. Picking from one of these is not easy, and it's going to get harder. That's because Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, will be entering the fray. The brand's smallest offering – below the G80 and G90 – is being previewed in concept form at the 2016 New York Auto Show. Details at this stage are understandably limited, but Hyundai has confirmed that a 2.0-liter, direct-injected engine sits under the hood and is helped out by an unspecified hybrid system. That's good for 242 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which puts the new Genesis on roughly equal footing with most of its 2.0-liter, turbocharged competitors. And like those competitors, the engine will be backed up by an 8-speed automatic. The design, meanwhile, is the most progressive we've seen from the Genesis brand. There's a prominent trapezoidal grille, but sharper, thinner headlights than the G80 or G90. The hood and front wings are strong, and the overall look is handsome. The real trick will be whether Genesis can bring it to production looking this good. That will be a much taller order in the cabin, largely thanks to the curved, floating 21-inch touchscreen. Yes, there's nearly two feet of continuous screen real estate in this cabin, and blends the instrument cluster with the center stack while still, according to Hyundai, retaining analog instrument dials. We also wouldn't count on seeing this car's four-seat layout, as the production model would likely end up with a conventional five-seat arrangement. We previously reported that Genesis' entry level sedan would be called the G70, which would match up neatly with the G80 and G90. Check out the Genesis brand's first-ever concept up top. And then scroll down for the official release.
NHTSA, IIHS, and 20 automakers to make auto braking standard by 2022
Thu, Mar 17 2016The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and virtually every automaker in the US domestic market have announced a pact to make automatic emergency braking standard by 2022. Here's the full rundown of companies involved: BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo (not to mention the brands that fall under each automaker's respective umbrella). Like we reported yesterday, AEB will be as ubiquitous in the future as traction and stability control are today. But the thing to note here is that this is not a governmental mandate. It's truly an agreement between automakers and the government, a fact that NHTSA claims will lead to widespread adoption three years sooner than a formal rule. That fact in itself should prevent up to 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries. The agreement will come into effect in two waves. For the majority of vehicles on the road – those with gross vehicle weights below 8,500 pounds – AEB will need to be standard equipment by September 1, 2022. Vehicles between 8,501 and 10,000 pounds will have an extra three years to offer AEB. "It's an exciting time for vehicle safety. By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives," said Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in an official statement. "It's a win for safety and a win for consumers." Read on for the official press release from NHTSA. Related Video: U.S. DOT and IIHS announce historic commitment of 20 automakers to make automatic emergency braking standard on new vehicles McLEAN, Va. – The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today a historic commitment by 20 automakers representing more than 99 percent of the U.S. auto market to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on virtually all new cars no later than NHTSA's 2022 reporting year, which begins Sept 1, 2022. Automakers making the commitment are Audi, BMW, FCA US LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla Motors Inc., Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car USA.
Genesis is in a New York state of mind with its sedan concept
Thu, Mar 17 2016Hyundai's Genesis luxury brand will roll into the 2016 New York Auto Show with a four-door sport sedan appropriately called the New York Concept. The automaker doesn't have many details about the vehicle yet, but the teaser image shows that it's sharply styled. Genesis' execs say that the New York Concept's design offers a preview of the brand's future products. If that's the case, they could look great. The LED headlights slant into the center to make the front end look both menacing and highly modern. They link to a broad grille, which accentuates the vehicle's width. The brand's teaser video (embedded below) provides an even better look at the New York Concept. The clip showcases the gills just behind the front wheels and narrow taillights, which match well with the front. There's also a brief glimpse at the futuristic interior where the steering wheel looks more like a flight yoke. We'll be curious to see the concept under better lighting in the Big Apple. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Genesis 'New York Concept' Hints at the Brand's Future Design Direction Genesis concept to be revealed at New York International Auto Show 'New York Concept' gives an outlook to the Genesis design in the future March 16, 2016 - Genesis will unveil its 'New York Concept' at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, revealing its ideas of refined design. A design image, together with a teaser film released ahead of the unveiling, hints to the athletic elegance of the four-door sports sedan, expressing the design direction that will distinguish forthcoming Genesis products. Manfred Fitzgerald, head of Genesis brand, said: "The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the athletic elegance, which characterizes Genesis products." The New York Concept will be unveiled at the Genesis Press Conference at 16:25-16:50, March 23 at the New York Auto Show's North Concourse. -Ends- Related Video:
Hyundai's Genesis G90 stretches out back home in Korea
Wed, Mar 16 2016Hyundai is getting serious about competing in the luxury market with the launch of its expanded Genesis line. And in the Far East it calls home, that means stretched limousines. Enter the new EQ900L. The Korean automaker's new luxury flagship stretches the wheelbase of the vehicle we now know as the Genesis G90 – or as the Equus in its previous iteration – by an extra 11.4 inches to give the top executives at Samsung and LG extra room to stretch out while in transit from the office to the Psy concert. The elongated cabin space also allows for first-class reclining rear seats, adjustable in 18 directions and upholstered in semi-aniline leather. A long center console runs the entire length of the cabin loaded with everything from ambient lighting to a Lexicon sound system. The same 5.0-liter Tau V8 still provides motivation, channeling 425 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four of the 19-inch wheels. That may not be enough to keep pace with the V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S600 we get here, but it comes close to the S500 version sold overseas. Unfortunately for those of us living outside of Korea, the EQ900L is only being offered in its domestic market for the time being, where titans of industry can pick one up for 100 million won – equivalent to $84,000 at current exchange rates. Related Video:
This is the Genesis I've been waiting for
Tue, Feb 16 2016In November Hyundai finally confirmed everyone's years long suspicion and announced the creation of its own global luxury brand, naming it the obvious choice, Genesis. The press release revealed a few important details, the biggest probably being that six models will be under the new brand by 2020. We can already account for at least two of these models as newly branded Equus and Genesis sedan models (possibly the coupe as a third) but we are left wondering for the rest. There is a strong argument for the Azera, as it was recently cut from Hyundai's line-up and the obvious choice of bringing in some ever important crossover models, especially while remembering the Veracruz experiment. The newly minted luxury name adds another player to an ever crowded high-end market, but a growing one, where there is room for deviation from the pack. Can Hyundai fill that niche and crack a historically expensive market to enter? I think so. Part of the Genesis plan is in crafting a proper luxury buying environment, what it calls its "hassle-free customer experience." It is unclear if this will mean fixed market pricing and no-negotiating terms but we can certainly draw that conclusion. As much as consumers claim they don't want to hassle, past attempts at fixed pricing have had mixed results. Though, with the emergence of Tesla as a real luxury contender using that kind of pricing model, maybe it's something thats time has finally come. When Hyundai introduced the Equus to the American market they placed an emphasis on the customer experience, requesting that each Equus qualified Hyundai dealership assign an "Equus Champion" to specifically handle all Equus inquires and follow a meticulously designed sales process. This salesperson had to take extra online training and pass multiple choice tests to maintain their position to sell Equus. Hyundai knows that customers buying a $60,000 vehicle expect a different experience than those buying a $30,000 one. The former group is more in tune to the concierge experience, a complete envelopment of the buyers attention and needs. Hyundai achieved this with personal on call attention from the Equus Champion, who went so far as picking up the customers vehicle well after purchase, dropping off a Genesis sedan loaner, and taking care of the entire vehicle service process (included free of charge of course) without barely any customer involvement.