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.

 

 

The Hyundai Genesis won the prestigious Car of the Year Award on Sunday, ahead of the media preview days for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Hyundai has proved that it has what it takes to keep up with the kind of leading-edge technology hitherto found in BMW or Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans.

 

This is the first time Hyundai has launched a large luxury car in the United States. While Hyundai still remains true to its roots with its budget-oriented models, the company also wishes to appeal to upscale customers with a new affordable sport sedan- the Genesis. Hyundai's claim of a 0-60-mph time of less than 6 seconds for the Genesis V-8 puts the car right up there among other benchmark sedans, one giant leap in the right direction for the Korean automakers.

 

The Genesis is powered by a standard 242-horsepower, 3.3-liter engine. A 3.8-liter engine is pumped up to achieve nearly 300 horsepower. The new Tau 4.6-liter V-8 optional engine makes up to 375 horses, and is Hyundai's first V-8 in the U.S.

 

The Genesis V-6 engines get a standard five-speed automatic, but the optional Tau gets a new ZF six-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control. Prices for the Genesis start at $32,000 for V6-powered models and rise to $36,000 to $40,000-plus with the optional all-aluminum V-8.

 

The Genesis will feature a sweeping list of standard features, including eight airbags, active restraints and electronic stability control, typically found on more expensive cars. To be eligible for the prestigious Car of the Year Award, a vehicle had to be all-new, completely redesigned or "substantially changed", and available to customers during calendar year 2008.