Down at the pub, any conversation over performance coupes usually ensues with banter about the Camaro topping than Mustang, the Challenger besting the Camaro or the Mustang being better at something. Pipe up and mention anything about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and you’ll be met with blank stares, beer bottles and a cacophony of laughter.
However don’t be fooled; the South Korean automaker may be a new-comer to the RWD two-door scene, but they’re progressing fast. While the big three Detroit carmakers have had many years to refine their pony cars, Hyundai are still in the process of developing their second-generation Genesis Coupe.
So what form could this 2nd generation car take? Well unlike its American competitors and their subsequent muscle-car tones, I’ve decided to look closer at the Hyundai’s own HND-9 Concept and illustratively explore where the company should head.
Design:
While the current Genesis Coupe is a handsome-looker, it doesn’t deliver much visual clout. Granted the MY2013 update helped with an aggressive snout but it still suffers from a dose of generic mediocrity.
To counteract this, the proposal I’ve drawn up embodies a large portion of design cues found on the HND-9 Concept car. The front in particular uses the Catfish-like chrome spears that flank outboard of the headlights, intersecting the grille before looping back under the headlights.
Glancing back over the bodywork will see surfacing inspired by Hyundai’s latest evolution of ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Tense and yet simple surfaces dominate the shoulder and hip lines, creating a stronger, more purposeful stance.
This stronger visual imprint is also carried on by the glasshouse; sure, there may be overtones of Nissan GT-R in the A-Pillars, but it makes for a more modern silhouette. Gone are the ‘dipped’ rear quarter windows of the current car – instead replaced with ‘new Mustang-like’ window glass for an uncluttered look.
Interior:
Hyundai have been progressing well with its interiors recently – compared with the horrid rubbish they were pumping out years ago, most of the brand’s lineup now provides decent materials and build quality.
However, there is always room for improvement – design in particular needs to standout in comparison to the rest Hyundai’s passenger car range. Like the HND-9 concept, a strong emphasis should be placed on making the cockpit as driver-focused as possible.
Cue large sweeping cut-aways and satin-chrome spears that mimic those on the front. For the HVAC controls – a larger, more intuitive touch-screen panel would integrated just off the dash with a partial floating effect.
Don’t expect cabin space be vast; but rather evolutionary improvements to comfortably seat its two rear occupants with improved hip and legroom.
What Could Power It:
Its main method of propulsion should come from Hyundai’s new 3.3-Litre turbocharged GDi V6 engine pumping out a tidy 360hp, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Of course, like the MY2015 Ford Mustang, one could also expect a highly efficient and powerful 2.0-Litre four-cylinder as an option.
There have been rumors of using a meatier engine option too – and fortunately this one is a V8. Although not confirmed, it would likely be a re-worked version of 5.0-litre V8, as found in the previous generation Genesis R-Spec sedan.
Market Positioning:
It has been said that the next generation Genesis coupe will ride upon a shortened platform shared with its larger sedan sibling, which should yield ride and handling benefits in comparison to its most direct ‘two-door’ competitors.
Speaking of rivals, its greatest competition will no doubt come from Detroit’s own Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. However, one should also not exclude opponents from Subaru/Scion and their BR-Z/FR-S twins and Nissan’s slightly older 370Z.
An ‘on sale’ date is likely to fall somewhere late next year, marketed as an MY2016 release.
Final Thoughts: This design proposal might be the ticket in making the Korean upstart appear as a genuine challenger for the established pony-car club, however does it go far enough or should it be chucked back in the ocean? Oh and Hyundai – make it with a V8 please…
Let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the discussion area below.
By Josh Byrnes
Photo Renderings Copyright: Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes
PHOTO GALLERY
