Overview
Hyundai Genesis is an all-new model for 2009. A 4-door, 5-passenger luxury family sedan, available in two trims, the 3.8L and the 4.6L, the Genesis is Hyundai’s the first rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan for the U.S. market. It takes on top models like BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Infiniti M, and is priced like the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8. Hyundai claims that Genesis is a sport sedan with a firm rear-wheel-drive structure and sophisticated five-link front and rear suspensions.
With a silky smooth ride, sufficient interior room, and power, the Genesis is a practical choice that fits between conventional luxury brands and the less-expensive models. One can go for a capable Genesis 3.8L that provides better handling and fuel economy or a top-of-the-line quicker Genesis 4.6L.
Power and performance
A 3.8-liter V6 that produces 290 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque powers the Genesis 3.8L. The upgraded Genesis 4.6L features a 4.6-liter V8 good for 368 hp 324 lb-ft (375 hp and 333 lb-ft with premium fuel). A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability is standard on both models.
The Genesis is quick; theV8 sprints to 0-60-mph in just 5.9 seconds. The EPA fuel economy estimates for the V6 are 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and the V8 delivers 17/25. The cargo capacity on both models is 15.9 cubic feet.
Body and styling
The Genesis 3.8L comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, leather upholstery; dual-zone automatic climate control; tilt/telescoping, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, heated front seats, seven-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, XM satellite radio, auxiliary audio input jack, iPod interface and Bluetooth wireless cell phone link. It is also equipped with eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment; four-way power-adjustable passenger seat; heated power mirrors; power windows and door locks and a remote keyless access.
A Premium Package adds a sunroof; leather-wrapped dash and door trim; power tilt/telescoping steering wheel; memory for the driver’s seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel; Lexicon 15-speaker audio system; six-disc CD changer; automatic windshield defogger; rain-sensing wipers; and a power rear sunshade to the Genesis 3.8L.
A Premium Plus Package has the same equipment with P235/50R18 tires on alloy wheels with chrome inserts. The Technology Package with front- and rear park assist, navigation system, heated/cooled front seats, 17-speaker Lexicon audio system with 7.1 surround, HD radio, XM NavTraffic with one-year subscription, 40-gigabyte hard drive, rearview camera, and adaptive, auto-leveling xenon headlights is another option available.
The Genesis 4.6L comes with a 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels, chrome lower bodyside moldings, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, Lexicon 14-speaker surround sound audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power tilt/telescoping wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Technology Package is the only option.
Safety features
Four-Wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags and electronic active front head restraints are standard.
Front and rear park assist and a rearview camera are available with the Technology Package.
