HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER AND RKSPORT, INC. TO UNVEIL HIGH-PERFORMAN

10/08/2008

Hyundai

Hyundai America Technical Center is partnering with RKSport, Inc. to develop a customized, high-performance Genesis sedan for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The recently launched rear-wheel drive Genesis will be one of the main attractions at Hyundai's booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 4 - Nov. 7, 2008. In addition to various exterior modifications, the RKSport Genesis will reveal a never-seen-before enhanced version of the Tau V8 engine developed by Hyundai's U.S. powertrain engineering team in Michigan.

"The 2009 Hyundai Genesis provides us a great opportunity to expand on the overall concepts originally designed by Hyundai engineers," says Bob Smith, owner, RKSport. "We plan on maximizing the performance abilities of the Genesis and are looking forward to developing a must-see car at this year's SEMA show."

The RKSport Genesis is designed around a European look and feel. The Platinum Silver color scheme highlights the body kit, exterior components, clean lines and contours of the vehicle.

"SEMA allows Hyundai to experiment with the rear-wheel drive performance and design of our Genesis platform," says John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "We expect the home-grown surprise under the hood of this Genesis will spark some interest with the crowd at SEMA."

Styling modifications to the RKSport Genesis include a composite hood, unique front and rear lower fascias, side skirts, a composite rear roof spoiler and trunk spoiler. RKSport will partner with well-known aftermarket companies to add TSW alloy wheels, a Baer performance brake package, K&N performance air intake, Eibach lowering springs and a Magnaflow performance exhaust.

HYUNDAI GENESIS

Genesis is built on Hyundai's all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers two powertrains, including a 3.8-liter V6 engine and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau produces 375 horsepower, leading all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon(R) audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

RKSPORT, INC.

Established in 1993 by R.K. (Bob) Smith, RKSport's products are founded on appearance, performance, style and functionality from RK's extensive racing background. Located in Murrieta, Calif., RKSport manufactures its own brand of high performing and aesthetically pleasing polyurethane and composite material products. RKSport also builds tooling and private label products for several well-known companies around the globe. For more information about RKSport visit www.rksport.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of South Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 800 dealerships nationwide