The new Hyundai Genesis, the automaker's first foray into premium sports sedan territory, will also be the first Hyundai to offer the XM NavTraffic real-time traffic service as an option.
XM Radio will of course be standard on the Genesis, as it is on nearly all Hyundai vehicles.
XM NavTraffic, which is available in 80 major North American markets, will be made available as part of the Genesis' navigation system. Every 2009 Hyundai Genesis equipped with XM NavTraffic comes standard with a free 3-month subscription of the traffic service (XM Radio also comes with a 3-month trial subscription).
“While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS,” said John Krafcik, VP product development and strategic planning at Hyundai Motor America.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, rear-wheel-drive architecture with three powertrains offered, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. The Tau will produce an estimated 375 horsepower using premium fuel (368hp using regular unleaded) leading all competitors in specific output with 79.5 to 81.0 horsepower per liter.
Hyundai's new flagship vehicle will also be the most advanced Hyundai ever. From its 8-inch navigation display (which also sports a 30-gig harddrive), to its Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, and its Lexicon state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology (which, by the way, is only available on the Rolls Royce Phantom in addition to the Genesis). The MSRP is unknown at this time, but I'll make a bet that it will be a big seller for the automaker.
I know it isn't cool to say it, but Hyundai is really starting to kick ass. These guys are not screwing around, and five, ten years from now they are going to occupy a much more substantial spot in the US auto market. Rather than being looked down at, they are going to evolve into the top tier of auto brands.
One thing ALL businesses should take away from Hyundai's experience, however, is just how long it takes to get rid of a bad reputation once one has developed. Hyundai is making an excellent product today, but image-conscious buyers won't touch them, solely based on a bad reputation developed years ago.
Agreed. I think that's why it's taken them this long to come up with a premium sports sedan, regardless of the fact that it's been a booming segment for years. If Hyundai offered this years ago, it would be snubbed. But I think we're at a point right now where the public is willing to accept a luxury Hyundai.
Eerr..Anyone else think the front of the car up there is butt ugly?
The Koreans and especially the Chinese will do to the Japanese auto manufacturers what the Japanese did years ago to the American auto manufacturers. The Americans are going to be the worst off. As far as electronics and other consumer goods, the same will happen there too. If these Asian companies keep stressing quality at a fair price they will get the gold ring. As Americans we have nobody to blame, but ourselves. We not only priced ourselves out of the market, but worst yet we let quality slip too. I'm all for buying American if there's a level ball field with regard to quality and pricing, but I won't pay a premium and then accept lower quality in order to support the UAW who are trying to hold the American car buying public hostage. The message is that we no longer HAVE to buy a Ford, Chrysler or GM product. There are other choices now and many are better.
As for Hyundai, great for them. It gives the American public one more choice. In this new world economy you either keep up or get out of the way.
This car may be ugly but google the Genesis Coupe Concept car.. now that thing is badass!
I don't find it any uglier than the typical Toyota or Lexus and certainly better than just about any Chrysler.
Personally, I find the entire class of vehicles mentioned to be exceptionally dull and totally devoid of design creativity.
OMG.... It actually looks good. A Hyundai and ... I think I like it?
FYI... Hyundai is no small player. I was in South Korea, Working in the Diesel engine shop for the supertankers, Directly across the street from where they made cars at the time. Hyundai is no small game.
I would imagine that this car will be manufactured in the Alabama Facility.
So... how come no one complains about Panero's Hyundai deal?
According to a press release on January 8, the starting price for the 3.6L will be under $30k. They are touting it as having the features and capabilities of a car priced at $60k.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/080108/latu026.html?.v=101
I've read elsewhere that the benchmark during its 5-year development was the BMW 5 series sedan.
Thanks, I didn't have a final MSRP for the Genesis. Figured it would be under $30k (starting price, of course), but didn't see that press release.
@jeff: I have to say I agree with you. I think the Genesis looks nice myself.
I own a 2004 BMW 5-series. I love the car... it has active steering, which is a great feature, I have no problems with the i-drive (and why all the so-called "entusiasts" and morons writing for car-mags dis it, is beyond my comprehension... wait... maybe it's because they are morons). Anyway, I will wait to test drive the Genesis. If it handles anything close to the BMW, I would seriously consider the Genesis as a replacement when the time comes.
Currently, the BMW is a better value in it's class than it's direct competitors. If you're going to spend the $50k+ on a car, why not buy one (or lease if that is your desire), that includes maintenance? If you check out the pricing for maintanence on the high-end vehicles, you'll know that the BMW is the better option.
Still, if I can get a luxury sport vehicle (Genesis) fully loaded, with a V-8 for around $40k, with the reliability, safety, and handling equal to (or very close to) that of my BMW, that difference in pricing will more than make up for the cost of maintenance. A similarly equipped BMW, would be the 550i, which the MSRP comes to over $73k; the Lexus GS 460 will run $59k; an MB 350 will run $70k.
As for what I think of the car itself... it looks good to me, both inside and out... regardless, you need to remember that the "looks" of a car are a personal thing. Personally, I think the Mustangs, as well as most Pontiacs are ugly. Some people love them. That's why there are so many different looking cars on the road. Also realize, that Hyundai is trying to appeal to a large audience, so they are taking a safe route.
On another note, while I'm on my soap-box, look what Honda did to the '08 Accord... the concept car looked great.. the actual production sedan is kind of ugly. The coupe looks better and actually closer to the concept vehicle. Again, they're trying the "broad" appeal.
Welcome to the beginning or (Genesis) of the singulairity, it's a new world order.
Bring your enthusiasm, prepare to be agazed.