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Meet Hyundai's new flagship, the Genesis G90

Hyundai just revealed the first vehicle for its new Genesis luxury brand. It'll be called the EQ900 back home in Korea, but to the rest of us, it will be known as the Genesis G90, effectively replacing the Hyundai Equus. The G90 is as big as a Mercedes S-Class, but like the outgoing Equus, will be priced closer to the E-Class. Exterior dimensions are incrementally larger than the outgoing Equus, and compare roughly to the Mercedes S-Class (in the long-wheelbase form we get in America). But if Hyundai keeps pricing in line with the Equus we currently know, the G90 will be priced closer to the smaller E-Class. Design was carried out under the watchful eye of Peter Schreyer at the company's new Prestige Design Division, headlining a new Athletic Elegance design language that will expand to the five new Genesis-branded models coming after the G90. The front end is characterized by a Crest-shaped grille with the Genesis brand's new winged emblem (also projected onto the pavement from the side mirrors), and flanked by LED headlamps. A chrome beltline bridges to the rear with its dual exhaust tips. While the interior of the Equus may not have been up to par with the competition, the G90's cabin looks poised to rival the best of them. Italian leather offsets real wood trim. The ergonomic seats are certified by German back specialists, with 22-way power adjustment for the driver and 14 ways for the other occupants. In Korea the EQ900 even features a Smart Posture Caring system that positions the seat, steering wheel, head-up display, and outside mirrors to the driver's optimal position. There's a 12.3-inch high-definition screen in the dashboard, a megapixel parking camera, 360-degree around-view monitor, Lexicon surround sound system, and wireless inductive phone charging – all of which adds up to what looks like a sumptuous environment in which to pass the miles. While the Equus is powered exclusively by a V8, the G90 offers three engine options. While the Equus is powered exclusively by a V8, the G90 offers three engine options: Least potent is the new 3.8-liter V6 launched in the Kia K900, rated at 311 horsepower. There's a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 good for 365 hp. And the 5.0-liter V8 carries over at 419 hp (though the current version is quoted at 429 hp), propelling the sedan to 62 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds. Power in any case is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or all four.

Hyundai Vision G Coupe Concept debuts ahead of Pebble Beach

This is the Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G Coupe Concept, and it previews the automaker's future upmarket offerings. At an intimate gathering at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hyundai offered us an early sneak peek of its Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance concept car, one that takes a deliberately scaled-back approach to premium, luxurious design. Peter Schreyer, Hyundai-Kia design chief, says the Vision G reflects "a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don't need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues." The coupe sends a decidedly different message than the last luxury concept that came from Hyundai's California Design center, the HCD-14. While that model was striking – albeit a little gaudy with suicide rear doors and oversized carbon-fiber wheels – the Vision G aims to be understated, despite its grand size and dramatic lines. The end result is an attractive package, with an alluring, sleek style. The HCD-16's design is characterized by a long hood, high beltline, and cabin that presents a "slingshot-like" appearance. Christopher Chapman, head of Hyundai's US design center, says the styling is meant to speak to the owner, rather than "the spectators" that might see the car on the road. Hyundai says the idea of respectful luxury carries through to the interior, where elegant lines and finishes are meant to set the mood, rather than stand out as over-the-top elegance. At the heart of the Vision G Coupe Concept is Hyundai's 5.0-liter Tau V8 – the same engine found in the Equus and Genesis – with 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. That said, the Vision G solely represents Hyundai's upscale inspiration moving forward. It might seem like good inspiration for a next-generation Genesis Coupe, but that isn't necessarily the case. One particularly neat feature is the "valet door," that opens when the driver approaches, as if by a valet. Perhaps this is something that could work its way into the next-generation Equus as an upscale option? The HCD-16 derives its nomenclature from the studio in which it was designed, with "HCD" being an acronym for Hyundai California Design, and the number 16 representing the 16th concept to come out of that center.

Hyundai to launch European performance sub-brand

Hyundai has quickly emerged from the sidelines as one of the biggest players in the industry, outselling rivals left, right and center. Still, a dedicated performance division is still something that separates it from the big boys. Now, according to the latest reports, that's just what it's getting.
After setting up its own Nürburgring test center and gearing up to launch its assault on the World Rally Championship, the next step in the ramping up of Hyundai's performance credentials - in Europe, especially - will reportedly be to set up its own performance division along the lines of what Nissan has done with Nismo.
The first product in Hyundai's new European performance portfolio is expected to be a version of the next i20 hatchback that's set to launch in 2015. That in turn will be used as the basis for the company's next WRC challenger, to replace the upcoming model, pictured above undergoing testing. After that it's anyone's guess, but performance versions of the Veloster, Genesis Coupe and Elantra could be in the cards.