Osnabrueck
G-Class Explorer
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I'm giving Hyundai a standing ovation today after seeing the photos of this concept. Not only will it elevate perecptions about Hyundai and grow a crop of youthful intenders, but it will fill a serious gap that in the market that hasn't been filled since the exit of the Integra, and arguably, hasn't been filled since the days of the 240Z. Only the Mustang comes close on paper, and the Scion tC in spirit.
This being a German Car forum, it's mandatory for some of us to get defensive with the obligitory "Pfft. Koreans, who do they think they are?"
Before you sling shit, remember that Hyundai hired Mercedes designer Michael Fink back in the GCF days to be their Chief Designer. Michael is no flyweight. His resume includes the CLS and the W208 CLK. The Genesis Coupe is the crowning achievement in what's been roughly 4 or 5 years of hard work, taking Hyundai from a laughingstock also-ran to a genuine value competitor with emerging credibility.
What's fantastic is that Hyundai is tackling territory that its Japanese rivals haven't been willing or able to address, and has an opportunity here to build a genuine fan base that will nourish the brand in the decades to come - provided Hyundai follows-through with more compelling product.
As for the design itself - sure, parts of it look like other parts. But then, we can play that game with virtually any car on the market today. What's important is that the thing WORKS, that it functions as a clear, unified statement, and that it owes no major part to a doner.
As for the details - the scalloped rear window aft of the B-pillar is a masterstroke. It's not just distinctive and fresh, it also affords rear passengers with improved outward visibility. It also give the greenhouse a nice "Switchblade" silhouette. Another excellent touch is the "Flame Surfacing v2.0" action happening behind the front fender. This whole positive-negative twist shit is the kind of brand new stuff Hussaindesign has been forcasting for a while now.
I always had hope for this car, because it was Hyundi's "nothing to lose" effort. This was their chance to just go balls-out with the most exciting lines their designers could crank out and I think the result is excellent. The willingness of Hyundai's brass cast aside their design inhibitions will pay in dividends years from now.
This being a German Car forum, it's mandatory for some of us to get defensive with the obligitory "Pfft. Koreans, who do they think they are?"
Before you sling shit, remember that Hyundai hired Mercedes designer Michael Fink back in the GCF days to be their Chief Designer. Michael is no flyweight. His resume includes the CLS and the W208 CLK. The Genesis Coupe is the crowning achievement in what's been roughly 4 or 5 years of hard work, taking Hyundai from a laughingstock also-ran to a genuine value competitor with emerging credibility.
What's fantastic is that Hyundai is tackling territory that its Japanese rivals haven't been willing or able to address, and has an opportunity here to build a genuine fan base that will nourish the brand in the decades to come - provided Hyundai follows-through with more compelling product.
As for the design itself - sure, parts of it look like other parts. But then, we can play that game with virtually any car on the market today. What's important is that the thing WORKS, that it functions as a clear, unified statement, and that it owes no major part to a doner.
As for the details - the scalloped rear window aft of the B-pillar is a masterstroke. It's not just distinctive and fresh, it also affords rear passengers with improved outward visibility. It also give the greenhouse a nice "Switchblade" silhouette. Another excellent touch is the "Flame Surfacing v2.0" action happening behind the front fender. This whole positive-negative twist shit is the kind of brand new stuff Hussaindesign has been forcasting for a while now.
I always had hope for this car, because it was Hyundi's "nothing to lose" effort. This was their chance to just go balls-out with the most exciting lines their designers could crank out and I think the result is excellent. The willingness of Hyundai's brass cast aside their design inhibitions will pay in dividends years from now.
