Hyundai is adapting its business model as more and more Americans are buying small more fuel efficient vehicles. This is not suprising as we are seeing more and more auto companies having to shift their business models in the wake of the recession and rising gas prices.

Hyundai Motor Group said on Tuesday the world’s No. 6 auto maker plans to produce small sedans at a U.S. plant being built by subsidiary Kia Motors Corp, as record-breaking oil prices spur more demand for such cars.

Hyundai Motor Co, the group’s main automaking subsidiary, produces the Sonata mid-sized sedan and the Santa Fe sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the United States at its Alabama factory.

Source: Ground Report

The buzz of anticipation is over as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe production model gets to spin its tires at its own New York Auto Show unveiling. Swirling past the crowd of clicking photographers the Genesis Coupe pranced about, one in silver and one in red, to an old stand-by of a Van Halen classic pumped out by a cover band while narrowly missing the barriers that sealed off the staging area.

Hyundai has been discussing their production intentions for the Genesis Coupe for some time, but now the numbers have been pegged down and are official. With a 2.0 liter turbo-charged four-cylinder model you are looking at 212-hp to get you moving. However, if you are the type that needs a bit more the DOHC 3.8 liter all-aluminum V6 will provide you with 306-hp.

The production version of the Hyundai does not carry the same aggression and flare of the Genesis Coupe shown at the LA Auto Show, but that was to be somewhat expected. With a starting price starting around $21,000 and the 306-hp V6 starting around $25,000 you are sure to have a little coin left over for what is sure to be a plethora of aftermarket accessories to choose from.

For being Hyundai’s first attempt at a rear-wheel drive sports coupe the Genesis Coupe is far from a disappointment. Those who are complaining about plastics on the interior are more then welcomed to spend much more money on other cars… that is why we have so many alternatives. Take a look at the videos provided by AutoBlog of the official unveiling of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the next page, and following that will be Hyundai’s official Press Release.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is following closely behind its fraternal twin the Hyundai Genesis Sedan that was released this year. The Coupe version, that shares none of the design cues of the larger 4-door sedan, will have its own unveiling party at the New York Auto Show that begins on March 21 and runs through the 30th. Hyundai appears to have been working hard to bring this challenger to the Mustangs solo grip on the Pony car market (Camaro is still not out yet, either). While the final version of the Genesis Coupe may not have the aggression of one of its own concept show pieces it still shows plenty of signs of being a strong competitor.

The buzz over the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been pretty strong the last 6-8 months and although the official numbers and specs of the car are yet to be released there has been plenty of speculation. The two engine variants that seem certain for the Coupe are a 2.0 liter turbo-charged 4 cylinder and a 3.6 liter V6. The larger V6 has the necessary target of 300-hp; which is what it will require to stand at the same start marker as a Mustang GT.

There is also the hope of some that a special high performance version of the Genesis Coupe will have its turn with Hyundai’s new Tau V8 engine that is in the big Genesis Sedan. Speculation would be that the Tau would be tuned to around 380-hp. However, Hyundai has denied any inclination to house the Tau V8 inside the narrower hood of the Genesis Coupe, so until we see it there is no point in building up the hope.
…Two Photo Galleries after the Leap…

Hyundai unleashed their first marketing videos for their new Genesis Sedan in two 30 second spots during the Super Bowl Sunday night. Emphasising its ambitious position as an affordable luxury sedan by highlighting its comparable size to the BMW 7 Series and its 375-hp V8 power, Hyundai is sliding onto the scene with both sublty and elegance. The Genesis will be Hyundai’s first legitimate shot of stepping outside of the economy market segment of cars and into a new realm for the Korean car builder. We shall see quite soon how their efforts effect those in the market for a new sedan.

But enough with the hype. Check out the videos below and see for yourself how the Hyundai Genesis steps into its leading role with the grace and class of a premium luxury sedan that comes with an approachable price tag.

***