Is this the next Hyundai Genesis?
If you’re wondering where Hyundai might take things when it updates its popular Genesis sedan in a few years you might want to take a close look when the HCD-14 concept vehicle makes its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next week.
The Korean carmaker has offered up this first teaser image of the sedan and while Hyundai isn’t saying much more, the image does reveal quite a bit about what has emerged from the maker’s Southern California design studio, known as HATCHI.
Significantly, the HCD-14 – the name signaling it’s the 14th concept model to come from the California design center – is being described by Hyundai sources as the “first signature car” developed under the guidance of new California design director Chris Chapman. He’s the well-regarded stylist whom Hyundai lured away from BMW last year.
The HCD-14 is the first "signature" design from Chris Chapman, now head of Hyundai's California design center.
Hyundai has put a premium on distinctive styling in recent years and it has paid off handsomely, helping the maker set one annual sales record after another as products like the compact Elantra, midsize Sonata and high-line Genesis sedan have successfully challenged the traditionally dominant Japanese, American and European automakers.
Where the current Sonata has pushed the design envelope to the extremes, Hyundai took a more conservative approach with the Genesis, which underwent a mid-cycle refreshening last year.
If, as we’re being told by sources that HCD-14 is indeed “a luxury sedan concept that wil give hints of the next-generation Genesis,” that would mean a bolder and more modern shape to come. If one wants to find a familiar comparison, he teaser image might suggest a coupe-like sedan shape somewhat reminiscent of the Audi A7.
The long hood line, of course, makes it clear the HCD-14 and the Genesis sedan to follow will maintain a rear-wheel-drive powertrain layout.
A terse note that accompanied the teaser image made reference to “spirited driving dynamics.” Hyundai officials, notably including U.S. CEO John Krafcik, have made a point of acknowledging the need to improve both steering and suspension and the Genesis could clearly use a boost in those dynamics if it’s to become a real challenger in its segment.
Hyundai also hints the HCD-14 will feature some intriguing new infotainment technologies, including “advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls.”
We’ll find out more at the Hyundai news conference at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, which is scheduled for 3 PM on Monday, January 14.