Hyundai & Proton

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe represents a shift in Hyundai’s design strategy with a V6 and rear-wheel drive.

Presented by the very American Design Chief Joel Piaskowski, he spoke of a carbon fibre “hood” and a “Zee shape” in the profile of the Genesis. Aimed at the ‘tuner’ crowd (pronounced “toona”), Joel explained the Genesis was close to production. What is remarkable is the fact that Hyundai is known for its conventional front-engined front wheel drive but the Genesis is a massive departure, running a 3.8-litre V6 with rear-drive and over 300 horsepower – or 224kW for the metrically converted.

Squatting over 20-inch wheels with a front nose and splitter, Joel confirmed the Genesis is very close to production with the Brembo brakes and carbon fibre additions with its squinting design creating a predator look “like an Eagle”.

Stunning looking, mechanically impressive and marking the return of the compact powerful rear-drive coupe not seen since the Nissan 200SX, the production version of the Genesis will be unveiled on March 19 at the Geneva motor show.

Malaysia’s Proton may dominate its home market, but sales in Australia in its 12 year life are even ‘self-described’ as modest. But two new models launched at the Melbourne motor show should add some sales success and profile to the cash-rich brand that owns Lotus.

Proton has high expectations for the new Persona, a car which is the fastest selling in Proton history. In its homeland, it sold 30,000 units in six months. Using Lotus tuned suspension, the key figures include a 1.6-litre producing 82kW and 148Nm, modest by any means, but so is the fuel consumption of 4.5l/100km. Pricing starts at $16,990 for the manual, adding $2000 for the auto.

But it’s the R3 concept that fast four-cylinder buyers are waiting for. As the spiritual successor to the Satria GTi, the R3 (Race, Rally, Research) Malaysian performance and motorsport arm has developed a host of upgrades for the Satria Neo.

With a striking body kit, 17-inch alloys, the R3 focuses on looks and performance as a whole.

No news of engine or power, but with the 1.6-litre Campro engine as the basis, rumours suggest the R3 might be looking at forced induction and power output around 120kW, around 20 percent more than the Satria GTi.

Proton Cars Australia managing director John Startari says the presence of the R3 Satria on the Proton stand at Melbourne will be a huge drawcard.

“The question we get asked all the time is when will the next Satria GTi be here?,” Startari says. “The first-generation GTi carved a real niche for itself and it is a bit of a cult car."

At this stage, it looks R3 might arrive in early 2009.