Absolutely. It isn't quite the same as dumping the Integra name, but I think it was a mistake to just let the Tiburon name go and go with Genesis Coupe, which will probably only confuse people. Just like Montero and Montero Sport didn't work out too well for Mitsubishi. I do think Hyundai needs the car though; they're trying too hard to become Lexus. I mean, look how many exciting cars they have. 1. The rest are just really cheap or "isolation chambers". And I don't think having the Coupe in the same showroom as the Sedan gives anywhere near the same image problem as the "Look! Under $10,000" Accent.

When it comes to buyers of the Genesis Coupe, no. People who care enough about vehicle performance are going to know enough to keep the softer Sedan and the sportier Coupe separate in their minds.

However, when it comes to the sedan, people looking for a squishy luxury ride may get turned off if they think it's just the 4-door version of a 2-door sports coupe.

"Does a luxury or premium buyer want to be in the same dealership as some sideways-baseball-cap wearing kid?"

I don't see this as a big deal at all! Afterall, there are "sideways-baseball-cap kids" that drive or buy 3-series BMWs, the same kind of car that appeals to "refined" (for lack of a better word) mid- to high-level executives or professionals. Similarly, the Escalade, Range Rover, S-Class, Bentley, etc appeal to both "unrefined" rappers and "refined" rich people in society.

So I don't think luxury or premium buyers mind who else shows up at the dealership, as long as the car/brand satisfies them in quality and prestige.

For the reasons given by clarkma5, I think it's a good idea for Hyundai to give the cars different names.

Sandcountry, I see one of two scenarios with the Genesis sedan:

1. Hyundai is trying it as an experiment: depending on market response to it, they may eventually establish a separate luxury brand.

2. Hyundai is not aiming for luxury buyers with the Genesis. Rather, they're targeting people what want a refined and comfortable "grown up" car but not a proper luxury car like a Mercedes or Lexus (either because they can't afford one or they don't want one). You know, the type of clientele that would want an Avalon or a Crown Victoria type of car that is not associated with old age. The Genesis sedan is that type of car. I don't think these people would mind seeing a $10k accent in their dealership, just like Avalon buyers don't care $13k Yaris' waering the Toyota badge.

Sandcountry, I see one of two scenarios with the Genesis sedan:

1. Hyundai is trying it as an experiment: depending on market response to it, they may eventually establish a separate luxury brand.

2. Hyundai is not aiming for luxury buyers with the Genesis. Rather, they're targeting people what want a refined and comfortable "grown up" car but not a proper luxury car like a Mercedes or Lexus (either because they can't afford one or they don't want one). You know, the type of clientele that would want an Avalon or a Crown Victoria type of car that is not associated with old age; the Genesis sedan is aimed at these buywers. I don't think these people would mind seeing a $10k accent in their dealership, much like Avalon buyers don't care $13k Yaris' wearing the Toyota badge.

Lee, when would Edmunds bring back the Edit function? LOL!

One note of distinction is that both Genesis models -the sedan and coupe - are rear wheel drive vehicles. The rest of the Hyundai line up is front wheel drive. Giving those new Genesis models a new nameplate raises the brand's image and emphasizes their higher level of engineering. Ultimately Hyundai will follow Toyota's progression and create a separate luxury division with destination Genesis stores or showrooms. That's their only clear long term solution in order to play with the big boys.

Has anyone else noticed that the Tiburon has been discontinued for '09? No. Thought so. Could there be a name-swap in the car's future? I always thought the Genesis coupe would make a good Tiburon.

This has been a hot topic as of late. I believe if they hadn't included the 4-banger that it would have made sense to call it by the same name. By including a car that starts around 22k, you are separating it too far from the sedan. I've tried to think of any other car company that has done this (20k - 40k range between the base coupe and the sedan) and I couldn't come up with one.

I know some might say look at the 3-series to the M3, but that's not what I am getting at, since the 3 series can't be had for much less than 40k.

Naming the Genesis coupe a Tiburon would be the biggest mistake. The latest ones weren't that bad but the name is old Hyundai. They want people to see the new Hyundai.

I thought it was weird they shared a name but I don't think it's a mistake per se. Both cars are a push at a new image, and they are marketing that image so why split the add money? Just push "Genesis".

I was disappointed that the coupe didn't share more of the interior with the sedan though. Coupe body and tuning plus the luxury interior is the car I would really want.

they need to have a little more creativity and come up with a different name