The new Hyundai Genesis, the automaker's first foray into premium sports sedan territory (we saw a first glimpse of it here), 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 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.
Also check out:
- The evil twin to the Hyundai Genesis: the Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Hyundai's new (and beautiful) high-resolution touchscreen display
- Search for Hyundai Genesis accessories
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.
Just test drove the 3.8L v6. If I hadn't been on my sportbike I might have traded my '03 Sonata. I have never had a single problem with the Sonata, the only thing it needed is a new battery, all maintenance done on time. Hyundai deffinatly has overcome their old rep. That said this new car is a BEAST! My dealership in Melbourne, FL got in one with the technology package and it is incredable. All the features of a 70k car for 40k. The front isn't as ugly in person, it is a big impressive car, nothing Hyundai looking about it. The local dealership is even getting in the Korean plates for it as an option, they look like Bentley wings. Very sharp car and I will be driving it very soon!
Yeah, that front end...... Looks like the aerodynamic design on the Mazda furai concept. The tail looks outstanding.. seriously. I bet top luxo designers are kicking themselves about that tail design. Some grill options will be in order no doubt. Jag style long grill might be sweet.
Hey I love this car.its kool,sharp and hot.c its funny cuz they're comparin it and competin against lexus.!
And.My dad has both a lexuz and a hyundai!!!! So its funny and they're parked right nxt 2 eachother=)
P.S: its a very sweet car..soon it'll b in my driveway!
=p =b!!!!=] [=
I just drove the 4.6 v8 & i must say that it's amazing. I currently have an e350 merc, and i love it to death, but the hyundai is definitley on top of my list once my lease is up. I was getting on the freeway flooring it & A) got to 100mph ridiculously fast & B) didnt even realize i was doing 100 til the salesmen asked me to slow down. Brilliantly smooth engine, and the fact that it takes "low" grade gas makes it that much better. also, they have this package where they replace all the hyundai emblems with "Genesis" emblems, with wings & all... great marketing ploy in my opinion. Not only does it remove the stigma of a Hyundai for the ignorant, but it looks classier than the italicized "H" anyway. My only serious problem with this car was the damned power steering. It randomly changes how much assistance it gives you, so mid turn the the wheel goes from fingertip light to minicooper heavy. VERY annoying. Living in a beach town i would find that more than irritating coming over the canyon twice a day. However, while just cruising the steering is great, and regardless of the steering, the engine is silky-smooth, and though the suspension is soft & dull the car still handles great and has little roll. Also, the wood trim is, well... very asian. Except for flagship lexus', most asian cars' wood trim looks fake or cheap. The genesis definitely follows suit. It doesnt bother me much, but it will some. My other problem, which is easily fixed, is the front grill. I realize that the entire style of the car is very generic and "playing it safe" to get the most buyers possible, but the only thing that makes a statement on this car is the grill, and that statement is "holy hell i've just been beaten with an ugly stick!" Its hideous. Period. Though anything more generic would make it boring, this just looks like an angry insect. Petty, but still an issue. All in all, for a car that is 42thou when fully loaded & is perfectly equivalent to a bimmer or benz costing 72+thou, it's a great car, and a great first try. Also, for 1/2 the price, the steering, wood, and grill are more than made up for. I love this car.
I've drove every lexus, bmw, and mercedes, but this car blew my mind. It actually made me think 'this is a hyundai?'.
I think for them to have any real tangible spot in the luxury car segment, they'd have to create a sister brand (toyota-lexus, honda-acura...ect.).
Hyundai-Bestial ?
Hyundais are bad ass. I own an 07 elantra. For a 2.0L I4 it hauls ass. Beats most V6s all day. So it doesn't surprise me that this car will be amazing. Hyundai is making a good name for itself. Now that they're getting a more eye catching lineup I can see there sales skyrocketing like they should. Case in point, hyundais are the shit.
I think the car is ok, but the price is too high for a first. I think I'll wait a year for them to get the kinks out and then maybe I'll buy.
My babes Chris Brown Got This Car Lol.
I've just finished the test drive of the V8 Genesis. WOW! Forget your bias towards the name Hyundai. If you are in love with the nameplates from Germany or better yet image. Stay in your brand. But the facts are out, if economy, style, performance are features you desire in a luxury sport sedan. This machine delivers. Forget those mantras such as the " Ultimate driving machine and the pursuit of perfection". Have you reviewed you fincial portfolio? It would be smart explore you inner most desire. This sedan has it all; speed, performance, luxury, and uncompromising safety features in which the old guard can no longer defend.