Thai
Elite Member
Wow, Hyundai is really trying to jump into the luxury market with the Genesis: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/a...l.home.photopanel..1.*#09hyundaigenesisint500
What is it?
2009 Hyundai Genesis
What's special about it?
There are only two production cars in the world with a Lexicon-branded audio system. One is the $360,000 Rolls Royce Phantom; the other is the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis will not cost $360,000. In fact, it will start below $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
For that bargain price, you'll get a near-luxury sedan with all the value you would expect in a Hyundai. Base models will use a 3.3-liter V6 that delivers 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, while the midrange Genesis gets a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both use a standard six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
Competing with more expensive European sedans takes more than a V6, so the top-of-the-line Genesis will offer Hyundai's first-ever V8. The new 4.6-liter engine generates an impressive 368 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, and uses the same ZF six-speed automatic found in many BMW and Jaguar sedans. Hyundai says the combination is enough to get the V8 Genesis from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds running on regular unleaded gas.
A new rear-wheel-drive chassis helps deliver all that power to the ground. It gets help from front and rear suspensions that use a sophisticated five-link design and the car's 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. Hyundai also says that the use of high-tensile steel gives the Genesis higher torsional rigidity and a lighter structure than the BMW 5 Series.
Hyundai is hoping to give its new flagship sedan an even bigger boost in the cachet department by offering high-end options similar to that of more expensive European sport sedans. In addition to the 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, the Hyundai Genesis will offer adaptive xenon headlights, heated and cooled front seats, iPod and USB audio inputs, adaptive cruise control, a factory HD Radio receiver and even reflective leather on the steering wheel to keep it cool in direct sunlight.
With a wheelbase of 115.6 inches, the Genesis has more room between the wheels than both the Infiniti M and Lexus GS sedans. It's also roughly 2 inches wider, so interior passenger space should be generous. There's the usual array of front, side and side curtain airbags along with electronic active head restraints, a feature Hyundai points out is only offered on select BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models.
What's Edmunds' take?
It has all the right specs and a competitive price, but it's the little things that separate real luxury cars from the posers. We'll see if the Genesis has what it takes after some time behind the wheel.
What is it?
2009 Hyundai Genesis
What's special about it?
There are only two production cars in the world with a Lexicon-branded audio system. One is the $360,000 Rolls Royce Phantom; the other is the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis will not cost $360,000. In fact, it will start below $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
For that bargain price, you'll get a near-luxury sedan with all the value you would expect in a Hyundai. Base models will use a 3.3-liter V6 that delivers 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, while the midrange Genesis gets a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both use a standard six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
Competing with more expensive European sedans takes more than a V6, so the top-of-the-line Genesis will offer Hyundai's first-ever V8. The new 4.6-liter engine generates an impressive 368 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, and uses the same ZF six-speed automatic found in many BMW and Jaguar sedans. Hyundai says the combination is enough to get the V8 Genesis from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds running on regular unleaded gas.
A new rear-wheel-drive chassis helps deliver all that power to the ground. It gets help from front and rear suspensions that use a sophisticated five-link design and the car's 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. Hyundai also says that the use of high-tensile steel gives the Genesis higher torsional rigidity and a lighter structure than the BMW 5 Series.
Hyundai is hoping to give its new flagship sedan an even bigger boost in the cachet department by offering high-end options similar to that of more expensive European sport sedans. In addition to the 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, the Hyundai Genesis will offer adaptive xenon headlights, heated and cooled front seats, iPod and USB audio inputs, adaptive cruise control, a factory HD Radio receiver and even reflective leather on the steering wheel to keep it cool in direct sunlight.
With a wheelbase of 115.6 inches, the Genesis has more room between the wheels than both the Infiniti M and Lexus GS sedans. It's also roughly 2 inches wider, so interior passenger space should be generous. There's the usual array of front, side and side curtain airbags along with electronic active head restraints, a feature Hyundai points out is only offered on select BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models.
What's Edmunds' take?
It has all the right specs and a competitive price, but it's the little things that separate real luxury cars from the posers. We'll see if the Genesis has what it takes after some time behind the wheel.
I think that it might be a good value for $30-35K, but i certainly would not compare it to a GS or 5-series. That is pretty stupid for Hyundai people to say that!
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