- This story is entirely based on rumor. Inside Line has been unable to confirm any of it.
- Hyundai is working on a supercar to rival the Chevy Corvette Z06, Nissan GT-R, Jaguar XK, BMW 650i, Porsche 911 and Cayman.
- The Hyundai supercar would be powered by the company's new all-aluminum 5.0-liter V8 used in the Genesis R-Spec and Equus sedans.
- Front and midengine designs are being considered.
SANTA MONICA, California — There's a rumor running around the auto industry's hallways that Hyundai, the South Korean automaker that recently began kicking everyone's butt, is working on a V8-powered supercar that would cost between $80,000 and $100,000 and take on some of the most storied performance machines on the road, including the Nissan GT-R and the Porsche 911.
It would be a coupe, according to the rumblings, and its owners would get the same perks as buyers of the Equus sedan, including an iPad owners manual and pick-up and delivery service when the car needs servicing.
But Hyundai CEO John Krafcik says there is no supercar in the works. "No, no," was his response when we asked him about the rumor, which he called "scurrilous nonsense."
Still the rumors persist. We hear front engine and midengine designs are being considered, but the only engine in the plans is the company's new all-aluminum Tao 5.0-liter V8 that is now powering the Genesis R-Spec and will soon be under the hood of the larger and more expensive Equus sedan. It's a bored-out version of the 4.6-liter V8 bolstered by direct injection and a higher compression ratio. In the Genesis R-Spec sedan the engine is rated at 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.
If the supercar becomes real, the V8 will power the rear wheels only. Because of cost and weight, all-wheel drive probably isn't being considered. But the real question is: What transmission would Hyundai use?
Purists will want a true manual with three pedals, but Hyundai only has one and it's the six-speed used in the much less powerful Genesis Coupe. No good, speculation is that the transmission can't handle the torque of the V8. The market will demand a twin-clutch automanual similar to what the company uses in the upcoming Veloster hatchback. But that unit isn't suitable for a rear-drive V8 supercar. So the question remains.
Inside Line says: Hyundai should do it. Krafcik definitely has the guts. But does Korea?
Add A Comment »
shortzakilla says:
03:41 PM, 07/27/2011
yeah looks like they ripped a page out of the Aston Martin design book
italjob says:
10:15 PM, 07/22/2011
Does this look like the new Lotus Elite or it is just me? A little hint from Aston Martin Vantage, may be? That said, the current Genesis sedan is a Mercedes C-Class rip off, isn't it?
pchang7 says:
07:46 AM, 07/22/2011
Can you say disaster?
jukiemcjuke says:
02:28 PM, 07/21/2011
...But Hyundai CEO John Krafcik says there is no supercar in the works. "No, no," was his response when we asked him about the rumor, which he called "scurrilous nonsense."
OMG, they're actually going to build this thing! If life has taught me anything about leaders and liars it's that they never casually deny what later is discovered to be true, that requires an emphatic denial, which Krafcik clearly gave.
I wouldn't expect too many to sell, though. The supercar racket isn't easy for Jonny-come-latelies or budget-car mass manufacturers and Hyundai just happens to be both. This thing had better make a GT-R look overpriced for what it can do, or be so farcically overpriced and over-engineered the Hyundai badge becomes irrelevent (paving the way for future cars they won't lose money on).
krankshafted says:
10:55 PM, 07/20/2011
Meh, they can do it.
djc1969 says:
09:07 PM, 07/20/2011
WOW
I have never been agreable with ALL posts... this time I am indeed in line with all of you. One thing I MUST mention is there is no 'supercar' notice I didn't capitalize that word... Hyundai is not a sports car builder let alone a Supercar maker. I must say I have bought several Hyundais ALL were new... never a problem period! However. 429/375 (hp's/tq) is NOT going to cut it. You need a MINIMUM of 550 horspower and that is MINIMUM... WHY???? I am glad you ask! the ZO6 is not 400 nothing horsepower... it's 505 and only a mid-line Vette next; Porshe 911GT2 620; Corvette ZR1 638; Lamborghini Gallardo 562; Ferrari 458 Italia 562; Ferrari's 599 611 etc... etc...
Hyundai GET REAL IF YOU ARE GOING TO BUILD THIS CAR. I BELIEVE IN YOU IF YOU DON'T DO WHAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE... AND THAT'S COME IN DEAD LAST! This manufacturer has ALWAYS been out powered in ever car catagory, from accent to Genesis... since 1986 to today, bump up the power of 5.0 not a little, but over do it... go for it Hyundai jump 120 horsepower, get serious go for 550 hp's and then you'll compete, 'cause 429 ain't cutting it against the big boys!
freak000 says:
08:37 AM, 07/20/2011
Renderings do in fact take in the style of the cars Hyundai is producing. The C7 corvette renderings are by various artists and all seem to take in the blending of styles from c3 thru c6. The new camaro is a prime example since the renderings were pretty close to the production model. I can see a super car but not priced higher than a Z06 vette which is the target market. The GTR is really a non player since it sells only a few hundred in the US. Pricing should be around $50-60k at the top end.
phonebook says:
05:23 PM, 07/15/2011
I'm definitely taking this with a large helping of salt, but if the Oullim Spirra exists I don't see why Hyundai can't build one. In fact, I think Hyundai should invest/buy Oullim and expand on the Spirra, considering it uses the same 2.7L Delta V6 from the older Hyundai/Kias.
phonebook says:
05:17 PM, 07/15/2011
It's funny how people comment on similarities of the renderings to other vehicles when the renderings weren't even done by Hyundai (all speculation). Basically seems like any vehicle with a Hyundai badge is always going to be compared to another model...
pathos says:
11:41 PM, 07/14/2011
The odds are against them. They don't have a strong racing history to build upon. Their sports car culture and roads (tracks) are also not well developed for such. Think lots and lots of traffic and no autobahn or even a nearby GMR or Angeles Crest. Lots of people mover-mobiles (which are cool in their own weird way), sort of like Japan and most of Western Europe.
That said I would not be surprised if they pull it off. They will probably need to develop it where most auto-makers have been going: Germany. They have such a nice set up with the autobahn and the Ring. Can't drive over 100mph for any stretch in the US without some serious fear of getting arrested.
I would imagine that a good price and an FI engine (a la GT-R) would really get the tuners excited as well.