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Hyundai gave us our first glimpse of it’s new premium sports sedan concept, the Genesis. Set to debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show on April 4th, Hyundai says that the Genesis shows off the future architechture and design of their upcoming production premium sports sedan scheduled to bow in 2008.

Interestingly enough, Hyundai has decided to go the way of many tier one luxury automakers, and make the Genesis rear-wheel-drive. This is the first application of rear-wheel-drive in a U.S. spec Hyundai. Hyundai claims this new architecture helps the Genesis achieve a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution, and enhances handling significantly.

Powering the Genesis is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8, mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential. The transmission features Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC, and allows drivers to select their gears “manually”, though don’t confuse this with real sequential manual technologies like DSG and SMG. Hyundai claims the 300 horsepower Tau engine is good for a 0-60 time well under six seconds.

So, what’s the cost of all this rear-wheel-drive, V8 goodness? Hyundai says the production model will come in at under $30,000. We say if it drives anywhere near as good as it looks, Hyundai has a hit on their hands.

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