Genetic material

Hyundai previews their rear-wheel drive sports sedan, the Genesis, in Korea.

It's been some time coming, and the Genesis concept from the LA Show did nothing to ease the waiting period "� it was a gorgeous looking sedan. Welcome back to reality. And to be honest, it isn't looking that bad either.

Hyundai finally took the wraps off the production version of the Genesis sedan, a luxury product that is expected to slot in above the Azera in the domestic market.

Unexpectedly, the car is reportedly not replacing the Equus at the top of the Hyundai pecking order and will be the second-biggest car from the Korean major.

Hyundai released a special Genesis logo in the days up to the preview, but it will hit the American market with the stylised H logo as usual. The winged Genesis logo will stay on this side of the world "� China and Korea.

But the real buzz leading up to the reveal were the engine specs. Hyundai said they were going to make the 3300cc and 3800cc Lambda V6 engines in the Genesis as well as the range topping 375 bhp Tau V8. A six-speed automatic will be offered on the V8, although other engine-mates remain unclear.

The biggest deal about the Genesis, actually, is that it is rear-wheel drive. A Hyundai first for the international markets. We have driven some of the bigger Hyundai's before in Korea and they already had near-Lexus quality fit-finish, shutlines and so forth. The Genesis represents Hyundai's first serious worldwide big-sedan effort. Yes, this car will take on some serious badges, including Lexus.

Korean sales will begin next month and the US and Chinese markets should get their Genesis' by April. Details remain sketchy, but you have to remember that is the preview. The full specification will be revealed at the official launch at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

In other Genesis news, Hyundai showed off the first hints at its rear-wheel drive coupe with the Genesis Coupe Concept at the LA Show recently.

This car will also be rear-wheel driven, and boast a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. That's serious kit. The Coupe's hype stems from the fact that it is supposed to replace the front-wheel drive Tiburon as the sporty coupe in the line come 2009.

Hyundai promises a tuned 3800cc V6 (from the Veracruz) with more than 300 bhp and 34 kgm on offer, translating into a sub-six second 100 kph time.

Hyundai also promised, according to reports, an entry-level version of the Coupe with a turbocharged four-cylinder motor. Looks like anyone who still refuses to take Hyundai's as seriously as the European/American car brands is going to have to eat their words. And Hyundai tyresmoke.