The rumor around a Hyundai 3 Series competitor comes back to focus. Just last year we reported on the plans of the Korean automaker to introduce a new model that will compete against BMW, Mercedes and Audi, among others, in the midsize premium market.
Once a small automaker, the South Korea-based Hyundai shifted their strategy years ago towards premium products, and the Genesis Coupe model has received several accolades and awards.
According to Automotive News, Hyundai aims to launch the smaller rear-wheel-drive sedan in 2015. Dubbed “RK” internally, the new Hyundai will use a version of the rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins the Genesis Coupe.
Hyundai’s recent car designs have shown an increase in quality and premium look, therefore there is hope that the RK will turned out to be a looker. The South Koreans even hired former BMW designer Chris Chapman who was appointed as the Chief Designer for the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California.
But to even make a dent in the strong sales of the 3 Series over decades of premium craftsmanship will take more than just design since the 3 Series is almost always praised for its driving dynamics. A rear-wheel drive platform is a good start, but it remains to be seen if the South Korean company can executive on the engineering front.
