Hyundai Aims High: Now it wants to take on Lexus and Infiniti, too
By Editors of Motor Trend
Hyundai is about to launch its third and largest crossover sport/utility vehicle, named Veracruz. It's designed to compete with the Honda {{{Pilot}}}, {{{Subaru B9 Tribeca}}}, and, although the Veracruz comes with a third-row seat, also the {{{Nissan Murano}}} and Lexus RX 350. Yes, Lexus.
A 3.8-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic will be standard as well as electronic stability control and side and curtain airbags. All-wheel drive will be an option. The standard third-row seat folds flat into what its maker calls the Hyundai Hideaway Seat. It's on sale before the end of the year.
Hyundai's forthcoming rear-drive coupe will target the Infiniti G35. Expected next year as a 2008 model, the coupe will be a companion to a rear-drive sport sedan expected by the 2009 model year.
But while we've described the sport sedan as a "poor man's BMW," the 2008 coupe has been viewed as more of a G35-killer, which is to say, a competitive car at a typically lower Hyundai price. Its premium powerplant probably will be a turbocharged V-6, although the engine compartment does have room for a V-8.