Should Hyundai Build a Rear-Drive Sedan to Take on the New BMW 3 Series?

Whether purists like it or not, BMW is pressing ahead with its turbo four-cylinder strategy. First it was the Z4 Roadster and 528i, now BMW has just-announced that its all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series will come with a version of the automaker’s new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo rated at 240 horsepower, replacing the naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter straight six that has served so well for so long in the 3 Series.

For more on the 2012 3 Series and tons of photos, click over to our first look.

The 3 Series has long been the benchmark in its segment, and the new car should continue that tradition. The competition has been churning out 3 Series-fighting cars for years, but they’ve generally been beaten to a pulp when the punches start flying in comparison tests. That’s not stopping other automakers from continuing to try. Cadillac has said in no uncertain terms that its upcoming ATS sedan has the 3 Series squarely in its gun sights. Four-cylinder, turbocharged power has also been rumored for the ATS.

There’s another new 3 Series competitor potentially lurking in the shadows – this one from Korean juggernaut Hyundai, who has been churning out new offerings seemingly every week. And Hyundai already has a rear-drive platform seemingly tailor-made to underpin a 3 Series competitor.

“The Genesis Coupe is in the same segment, really, as the 3 Series coupe,” Hyundai’s U.S. CEO John Krafcik told Automotive News in February. “One of the things we’re thinking is: Should we do something that’s a sedan version of that?”

While Krafcik is right to say the Genesis Coupe is in the same general segment as the 3 coupe, it’s not really in its league – yet. The potential is there for Hyundai to deliver a luxury leaning, rear-drive sport sedan off of the Genesis Coupe architecture with enough chops to rival the 3 Series.

Of course it remains to be seen if Hyundai is indeed doing more than just thinking about a sedan version of the Genesis Coupe.  But just for some fun Friday gearhead armchair quarterbacking, let’s speculate on what equipment it might possibly have, as well as come up with a wish-list of desirable goodies.

Competitive Handling: If there’s been one knock against Hyundai, it is that it often emphasizes ride comfort over outright handling and ultimate grip. Considering the vast majority of American consumers define “handling” as how well they can crank the wheel to get into a tight parking space, that’s probably not the worst strategy. Also, South Korea’s aggressive infrastructure plan and modernization favors efficiency over passion, and consequently, most major roads and freeways are straight lines, with tunnels blown through mountains, rather than curvy roads strewn romantically around verdant peaks. But if Hyundai wants to be legitimately discussed in the same breath as the 3 Series, it had better bring its A-game in the handling department.

Bang for the Buck: C’mon, we’re talking about the Koreans. Would you expect anything less? On a percentage-basis, I think the mini-Genesis (or whatever it’s going to be called) needs to cost about 20 percent less than a comparably-equipped 3 Series. Not that I think it’s going to be an inherently inferior product, but when you’re going up against a brand and model as established as the 3, you’d better have a compelling hook to get people into the showroom.

Manual Transmission Option: This may seem like a quaint anachronism to some, but it’s a hugely symbolic gesture to the gearheads that they were being considered during the development process. If Hyundai wants to be viewed as a legitimate contender in the sport sedan market, a DIY shifter option is a must.

A Useable Backseat: I know it’s a delicate balance between turning a car into a bloated pig, and keeping the overall size and weight down. But the rear seat should be at least somewhat accommodating. Perhaps I’m spoiled by my Sonata’s commodious rear quarters, and I know there are some packaging compromises inherent in rear-wheel drive that prevent it from being as space-efficient as a comparably-sized front-driver, but if it’s cramped quarters for four of your average 6-foot American dudes, it’s going to be a fail.

Engine Options: I think Hyundai should match BMW engine-for-engine. Obviously, probably with a V-6 instead of a straight-six. But Hyundai already has a powerhouse of a four-banger in its arsenal with the 2.0T in the Sonata. Perhaps not the smoothest or quietest specimen out there, it delivers plentiful power and torque from just off idle all the way up to 6000+ rpm. Frankly, I think the engine is hampered in a front-drive installation. It’s torque-managed in the Sonata to prevent excessive wheelspin and torque steer. Free from the electronic nannies in a FWD application, this engine could really shine in a 3 Series-sized rear-drive sedan. The coming 3.3 GDI V-6 would also provide a compelling option for those who want a little more refinement and a more traditional driving experience. Offer both engines with a manual or automatic transmission.

Even with all the right hardware, Hyundai will have its work cut out for it convincing sport sedan enthusiasts to give it a shot. Granted, both the Genesis and Equus have exceeded sales expectations, but no other BMW has the same passionate following and loyalty that the 3 Series does.

What do you think? Would you consider a rear-drive Hyundai sport sedan that closely matched the 3-series’ specs for a 20-percent or greater discount? Can the Koreans compete in this hallowed segment?

View the original article here

GM to invest $331M, add 110 jobs to build next-gen SUVs in Texas [Update]

General Motors’ large SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, is about to get a major overhaul to the tune of $331 million in order to prepare for the next-generation versions of the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

The plant will be getting the necessary changes in order to produce the new models, which are expected to arrive sometime in 2013 to 2014, as well as adding additional production capability. GM has seen solid full-size SUV sales in other markets, namely China, Russia and the Middle East, even as decline has diminished in North America compared to its heyday about a decade ago.

As a result of the changes to the facility, GM will also be adding 110 new hires as part of its overall plan to add approximately 4,000 new jobs in the U.S. over the next few years.

It is expected that GM secured a $1.6 million tax break with Tarrant County this week. The abatement represents a 70 percent cut in tax revenue in exchange for expansion of the plant. While GM will surely welcome to savings, it was far from the $3.4 million the automaker originally sought.

What we know about the next-generation SUVs
GM had not publicly and officially confirmed development of a replacement for its current GMT900 platform-based SUVs until today, when Larry Zahner, the automaker’s Manufacturing Manager, announced the investment.

Zahner called Arlington the “home of GM’s full-size SUVs today and tomorrow,” a comment which elicited an uproar of applause from the plant’s workers, who were gathered to hear the good news.

What Zahner wouldn’t comment on was specifics about the vehicles’ replacements. By most accounts, the GMT900s have been a resounding success for GM – especially given that consumers have generally trended away from large SUVs and smaller crossovers. Still, automakers acknowledge that big SUVs account for a decent share of the market, with sales expected to hit around 250,000 units for the non-luxury market alone.

And that’s a market that GM positively dominates. Its GMC and Chevrolet models are up 7 percent this year to 49,490 units through the first four months of 2011. That’s more than twice what Ford, Nissan and Toyota have sold – combined. Dodge is making big headway with its redesigned Durango, although it is smaller and utilizes unibody construction compared to the simpler – but more durable – body-on-frame design of the GMT900s, the Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada and the Toyota Sequoia.

At this point, all we can do is speculate about the big GM ‘utes’ future. Look for them continue sharing a platform with GM’s next-generation full-size pickups, although a changeover to a fully independent rear suspension seems like a necessary move for both packaging – think fold-away third rows – and weight reduction for fuel savings.

GM’s next-generation V8s will offer more power and notably better fuel economy – although the trucks are currently the highest rated in the segment at 15/21 with the 5.3-liter V8.

Look for more news about the next-generation GM SUVs to sneak out of the automaker’s headquarters soon.

View the original article here

GM to invest $331M, add 110 jobs to build next-gen SUVs in Texas [Update]

General Motors’ large SUV plant in Arlington, Texas, is about to get a major overhaul to the tune of $331 million in order to prepare for the next-generation versions of the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade.

The plant will be getting the necessary changes in order to produce the new models, which are expected to arrive sometime in 2013 to 2014, as well as adding additional production capability. GM has seen solid full-size SUV sales in other markets, namely China, Russia and the Middle East, even as decline has diminished in North America compared to its heyday about a decade ago.

As a result of the changes to the facility, GM will also be adding 110 new hires as part of its overall plan to add approximately 4,000 new jobs in the U.S. over the next few years.

It is expected that GM secured a $1.6 million tax break with Tarrant County this week. The abatement represents a 70 percent cut in tax revenue in exchange for expansion of the plant. While GM will surely welcome to savings, it was far from the $3.4 million the automaker originally sought.

What we know about the next-generation SUVs
GM had not publicly and officially confirmed development of a replacement for its current GMT900 platform-based SUVs until today, when Larry Zahner, the automaker’s Manufacturing Manager, announced the investment.

Zahner called Arlington the “home of GM’s full-size SUVs today and tomorrow,” a comment which elicited an uproar of applause from the plant’s workers, who were gathered to hear the good news.

What Zahner wouldn’t comment on was specifics about the vehicles’ replacements. By most accounts, the GMT900s have been a resounding success for GM – especially given that consumers have generally trended away from large SUVs and smaller crossovers. Still, automakers acknowledge that big SUVs account for a decent share of the market, with sales expected to hit around 250,000 units for the non-luxury market alone.

And that’s a market that GM positively dominates. Its GMC and Chevrolet models are up 7 percent this year to 49,490 units through the first four months of 2011. That’s more than twice what Ford, Nissan and Toyota have sold – combined. Dodge is making big headway with its redesigned Durango, although it is smaller and utilizes unibody construction compared to the simpler – but more durable – body-on-frame design of the GMT900s, the Ford Expedition, the Nissan Armada and the Toyota Sequoia.

At this point, all we can do is speculate about the big GM ‘utes’ future. Look for them continue sharing a platform with GM’s next-generation full-size pickups, although a changeover to a fully independent rear suspension seems like a necessary move for both packaging – think fold-away third rows – and weight reduction for fuel savings.

GM’s next-generation V8s will offer more power and notably better fuel economy – although the trucks are currently the highest rated in the segment at 15/21 with the 5.3-liter V8.

Look for more news about the next-generation GM SUVs to sneak out of the automaker’s headquarters soon.

View the original article here