Hyundai's next sedan

[Torpedo Fodder]

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So apparently, Hyundai (of all automakers) is going to build a full-size rear-wheel drive sedan with available V8 power. It will supposedly be priced in the same range as the Chrysler 300 and upcoming Pontiac G8. The name of the production version has yet to be decided, but the "Genesis" name on the concept seems most likely.

The base engine will be a 3.8 L V6, which currently gets 263 hp in the Azera sedan, with an all new 4.6 L V8 available, which according to Hyundai will get "well over" 300 hp and 300 lbf-lf torque, and propel the car to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The V8 will be mated to a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic.

This is another indication of the strides Hyundai has made in the last few years, and although I'm still wrapping my head around the concept of a car like this built by an automaker known for econo-boxes, the more mainstream RWD on the market, the better. And although no new ground is being broken here, if Hyundai can execute this car well, then more power to them.

On the other hand, this will definitely hurt Chrysler, because a big factor in the continued success of the LX cars (one of Chrysler's few bright spots these days) is their uniqueness as the only modern non-luxury RWD sedans on the North American market. With GM going to import the Holden Commodore as the Pontiac G8 and build the next Impala on the same RWD platform, plus the possibility of Ford turning the Interceptor concept into a production car that would replace the aging Crown Victoria, the LX cars are suddenly going to have a lot of competition where previously they had none, and that will undoubtedly hurt sales. On the other hand, competition is good for everyone, so Chrysler had better find a way to adapt and make the next Charger and 300 unique in some way from the gaggle of competitors that are about the hit the market. I wonder how many other automakers will jump on this bandwagon?