<![CDATA[Jalopnik: Wert Does Korea]]> http://cache.gawker.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/jalopnik.com.png <![CDATA[Jalopnik: Wert Does Korea]]> http://jalopnik.com/tag/wert does korea http://jalopnik.com/tag/wert does korea <![CDATA[ Genesis Crossover/Wagon Not Expected Anytime Soon, Hyundai Deprives Countless Dozens From Buying Another Boring-UV ]]> After our news earlier on the XL-sized Genesis, here's the second piece of news-like rumor-busting for the day: We've been told by Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of R&D at Hyundai, that despite the rumors — and whether it be called a crossover, wagon or whatever-UV — don't expect to see another form factor from Hyundai on the Genesis platform anytime soon. While we mourn the loss of any opportunity for a rear-wheel drive wagon form factor, our dislike of crossovers in general is well documented. So we're both happy and sad. While we go and cry and laugh in a corner, take a moment to reflect yourself. That is all.

]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 08:45:00 EDT Ray Wert http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=387950&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[ Hyundai Shakes Loose Details On Extended-Wheelbase Genesis ]]> As many of you guessed, I'm out here on the Southern tip of the Korean peninsula at the behest of the Mechanics who are quite Popular, getting the scoop on the new Hyundai [REDACTED]. While the driving impressions on the new [REDACTED] from the folks at Hyundai (Yes, Hyundai) are embargoed for a bit, there was other news out here from the little automaker that could in the Republic of Korea that is in no way embargoed. A couple of us auto journalistas had the chance to spend some in-car drive time with Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of R&D at the Kimchi Commander of an automaker. First news is that the Genesis and the Genesis Coupe won't be the only BH-platform vehicles produced on the Ulsan assembly lines. In addition to the two RWD-vehicles we've already seen, the boys n' girls at Hyundai are developing an extended-length version of the Genesis sedan — with the product platform designation of "VI" (which does not stand for "Very Immense") for the Korean domestic and Chinese markets.

This new Genesis that's bigger, longer and more uncut by 8" will replace the Equus JS 380 that's currently the car of choice for Hyundai execs. While the Equus is one big mutha-four-door, this new Genesis XL (or whatever) will out-lengthen the ol' and busted exec-mobile by an extra 2". And as we all know, size does matter — and apparently the U.S. market just isn't big enough to warrant those extra 8" of lengthened platform RWD executive hauling power. We'll live. In the meantime, we'll have more over the next four hours after we get a chance to snag dinner with Hyundai's Vice Chairman & CEO D.J. Kim. We hear he spins the records right-round. Also yes, after this post, we're assuming Hyundai probably won't be inviting me back.

]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 06:19:52 EDT Ray Wert http://jalopnik.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=387932&view=rss&microfeed=true