Another German guy leaves for Hyundai
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Another German guy leaves for Hyundai
I'm usually over in the 2GS forum but this is stunning news. Remember when Peter Schreyer left Audi for Hyundai/Kia in 06? Here's the latest:
"In a stunning move, BMW M VP of Engineering Albert Biermann leaves the M Performance Division for a similar job at Hyundai. Biermann will be in charge of developing performance models and improve ride and handling within the performance cars at a research center.
As executive vice president, Biermann will become the South Korean automakers’ second-highest foreign executive after design chief Peter Schreyer. “We will have him in charge of developing high-performing vehicles and leading [research efforts on] performance, safety, durability, noise oscillation and system development,” Hyundai said in a statement released Monday in Seoul."
I've always said that Asian cars were missing that certain oomph factor. But here, you can gradually see a move by those manufacturers to capture the German car essence by simply buying its expert knowledge.
I know one thing. Kia's and Hyundais emerged as interesting vehicles in recent times. Nice to look at and nice to drive, and that's not a coincidence.
"In a stunning move, BMW M VP of Engineering Albert Biermann leaves the M Performance Division for a similar job at Hyundai. Biermann will be in charge of developing performance models and improve ride and handling within the performance cars at a research center.
As executive vice president, Biermann will become the South Korean automakers’ second-highest foreign executive after design chief Peter Schreyer. “We will have him in charge of developing high-performing vehicles and leading [research efforts on] performance, safety, durability, noise oscillation and system development,” Hyundai said in a statement released Monday in Seoul."
I've always said that Asian cars were missing that certain oomph factor. But here, you can gradually see a move by those manufacturers to capture the German car essence by simply buying its expert knowledge.
I know one thing. Kia's and Hyundais emerged as interesting vehicles in recent times. Nice to look at and nice to drive, and that's not a coincidence.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Wow.......
#4
So, the world is finally starting to see nicely styled performance vehicles with decent reliabiity. And the Asian models are building street cred. About time.
In 20 years, Lexus, Hyundai and Kia may command price premiums over the Germans That is, unless the German fanboys are so locked into the brand they can't see that there are much better cars available.
In 20 years, Lexus, Hyundai and Kia may command price premiums over the Germans That is, unless the German fanboys are so locked into the brand they can't see that there are much better cars available.
#6
Lead Lap
A bit of a different situation. Hyundai/Kia has proven they don't know how to properly set up suspensions and this is a GREAT steal. Also, see Peter Schreyer as an example of someone brought over to let their expertise shine.
EDIT: Also Nysschen wasn't at Infiniti long enough to even see any of the fruits of his efforts hit the market. The only big thing he really did that you can really point at during his short tenure is send the Q60 coupe design proposal back in for a redesign. That was a wise idea as you can see the market is shifting towards differentiated coupes, a la 4-series and A5.
EDIT: Also Nysschen wasn't at Infiniti long enough to even see any of the fruits of his efforts hit the market. The only big thing he really did that you can really point at during his short tenure is send the Q60 coupe design proposal back in for a redesign. That was a wise idea as you can see the market is shifting towards differentiated coupes, a la 4-series and A5.
Last edited by TangoRed; 12-23-14 at 01:12 PM.
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#9
A bit of a different situation. Hyundai/Kia has proven they don't know how to properly set up suspensions and this is a GREAT steal. Also, see Peter Schreyer as an example of someone brought over to let their expertise shine.
EDIT: Also Nysschen wasn't at Infiniti long enough to even see any of the fruits of his efforts hit the market. The only big thing he really did that you can really point at during his short tenure is send the Q60 coupe design proposal back in for a redesign. That was a wise idea as you can see the market is shifting towards differentiated coupes, a la 4-series and A5.
EDIT: Also Nysschen wasn't at Infiniti long enough to even see any of the fruits of his efforts hit the market. The only big thing he really did that you can really point at during his short tenure is send the Q60 coupe design proposal back in for a redesign. That was a wise idea as you can see the market is shifting towards differentiated coupes, a la 4-series and A5.
#10
Lead Lap
#12
Lexus Test Driver
EDIT: Also Nysschen wasn't at Infiniti long enough to even see any of the fruits of his efforts hit the market. The only big thing he really did that you can really point at during his short tenure is send the Q60 coupe design proposal back in for a redesign. That was a wise idea as you can see the market is shifting towards differentiated coupes, a la 4-series and A5.
Again, though, wait for results before getting excited. With no support from corporate higher-ups, even enthusiast-oriented engineers like Biermann will get nowhere. Just look at Lexus - even with engineers capable of making great cars via skunk works / pet projects like the IS-F and LFA, what has come since or is even in the pipeline? Nothing.
#13
That's my point - the mere fact that de Nysschen went to Infiniti meant virtually no tangible benefits for the company or its enthusiasts. The better argument re: Biermann is that he is an engineer with racing background and extensive experience in car engineering and that's what Hyundai is hiring him for, and so hopefully they will give room to do his work.
Again, though, wait for results before getting excited. With no support from corporate higher-ups, even enthusiast-oriented engineers like Biermann will get nowhere. Just look at Lexus - even with engineers capable of making great cars via skunk works / pet projects like the IS-F and LFA, what has come since or is even in the pipeline? Nothing.
Again, though, wait for results before getting excited. With no support from corporate higher-ups, even enthusiast-oriented engineers like Biermann will get nowhere. Just look at Lexus - even with engineers capable of making great cars via skunk works / pet projects like the IS-F and LFA, what has come since or is even in the pipeline? Nothing.
#14
Lexus Test Driver
The GS-F is the only addition and while I suppose it is 'in the pipeline', it's been rumored forever and ultimately it's still only playing catchup with the Germans. Plus, the low production volume of the RC-F is a farce, so if they do the same thing with the GS-F...
I do agree the 3IS F-Sport is really good, but I never think of those as real performance (just like I think M Sport is stupid from a branding perspective.) I mean, if that's all Biermann does at Hyundai, well, good luck with that.
Meanwhile, BMW and MB took huge steps forward with the i8 and GT. I think Lexus had a lot of chances to capitalize here and is failing to do so, and my point re: the OP is that without backing from corporate, even the best engineers won't be able to make much impact.
I do agree the 3IS F-Sport is really good, but I never think of those as real performance (just like I think M Sport is stupid from a branding perspective.) I mean, if that's all Biermann does at Hyundai, well, good luck with that.
Meanwhile, BMW and MB took huge steps forward with the i8 and GT. I think Lexus had a lot of chances to capitalize here and is failing to do so, and my point re: the OP is that without backing from corporate, even the best engineers won't be able to make much impact.
Last edited by gengar; 12-23-14 at 03:24 PM.
#15
The GS-F is the only addition and while I suppose it is 'in the pipeline', it's been rumored forever and ultimately it's still only playing catchup with the Germans. Plus, the low production volume of the RC-F is a farce, so if they do the same thing with the GS-F...
I do agree the 3IS F-Sport is really good, but I never think of those as real performance (just like I think M Sport is stupid from a branding perspective.) I mean, if that's all Biermann does at Hyundai, well, good luck with that.
Meanwhile, BMW and MB took huge steps forward with the i8 and GT. I think Lexus had a lot of chances to capitalize here and is failing to do so, and my point re: the OP is that without backing from corporate, even the best engineers won't be able to make much impact.
I do agree the 3IS F-Sport is really good, but I never think of those as real performance (just like I think M Sport is stupid from a branding perspective.) I mean, if that's all Biermann does at Hyundai, well, good luck with that.
Meanwhile, BMW and MB took huge steps forward with the i8 and GT. I think Lexus had a lot of chances to capitalize here and is failing to do so, and my point re: the OP is that without backing from corporate, even the best engineers won't be able to make much impact.