From a small automaker geared towards the general masses, the South Korea-based Hyundai has been shifting their strategy towards premium products. Company’s Genesis Coupe model has received several accolades and awards and driven by its success, Hyundai is said to be aiming in the future at BMW’s top seller, the 3 Series.
According to Automotive News, Hyundai may add a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan to its growing lineup of upscale products in the United States. The sedan would go head-to-head with BMW’s 3 series, but also with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 or Acura TL.
The rumormill churns out that the sedan will be using a rear-wheel drive platform now used for the Genesis coupe and sedan models.
The design is said to be closer to the Genesis Coupe’s look, a far more attractive design when compared to its sedan sibling. “The Genesis Coupe is in the same segment, really, as the 3-series coupe,” Hyundai CEO John Krafcik said. “One of the things we’re thinking is: Should we do something that’s a sedan version of that?”
For the same auto publication, Krafcik did not offer more details or say whether the car is approved for production. Other sources say the vehicle has been in Hyundai’s future strategy since 2006 and it is referred internally as the “RK”.
Since their introduction in 2008, respectively 2009, the Coupe and Sedan achieved combined sales of 29,122 units.
Only in the U.S., BMW sold 5,763 3 Series units in January 2010.
