Hyundai "Serious" About Genesis Coupe V8

Colum Wood
by Colum Wood

Proving that the V8-powered Genesis Coupe is in fact possible, Hyundai unveiled the RMR500 concept at the SEMA Show recently, built with its motorsports partner Rhys Millen Racing. Powered by the brand’s new 5.0-liter Tau V8, as found in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec and with a few modifications, it makes an incredible 450-hp.

During a Q&A session today at the automaker’s technical center in Ann Arbor, MI, when asked if the company was serious about bringing such a car to market, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik replied: “How could you not be serious about that? How could you not be serious about a 450-hp Tau-V8 powered Genesis Coupe?”

Stopping just short of confirming the V8 Genesis Coupe, Krafcik did exclaim, “I want that for my next company car.”

Hyundai recently revealed photos of its facelifted 2013 Genesis Coupe, which will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. While specific details aren’t yet available, the 2.0T base engine is expected to increase from 210-hp to 274-hp, while the 3.8-liter V6 is expected to jump from 306 to 333-hp thanks to direct-injection technology. If Krafcik’s comments are any indication, those waiting for a V8-powered Genesis Coupe, might not be waiting in vain.

GALLERY: Hyundai Genesis Coupe RMR500

Colum Wood
Colum Wood

With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.

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