Hyundai Genesis Coupe goes turbo

Today is a great day for car enthusiasts. Ford has confirmed their Focus RS and Hyundai has confirmed the Genesis Coupe will be given the turbocharged treatment.

Set for debut in the US in 2009, the turbocharged engine will be a landmark for the Korean brand as it moves to catch its Japanese rivals. The Genesis Coupe now has three engine choices; a four-cylinder turbo and naturally-aspirated V6 and V8s.

The engine will be built in South Korea, a result of the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, Hyundai’s joint venture with Mitsubishi and Chrysler.
The new Hyundai has the potential to become the next Nissan 200SX and consequently a cult car. Currently there are no Japanese coupes on the market with a rear-wheel-drive setup and a turbocharger.

Although the rear-wheel-drive Genesis coupe was previously reported as the Tiburon replacement, it now appears that Hyundai will still keep the front-wheel-drive setup for another coupe to replace the Tibi.

According to John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president for product development, the Genesis will not be the last to receive the turbo treatment.

“We like the idea of turbo, so we’ll do others, I think the timing is good because no one else has a four-cylinder, rear-drive platform with a turbocharger.” Krafcik said.

Hyundai has also confirmed there are no immediate plans for hybrid  vehicles.