Hyundai Genesis: Reviews and Pricing Up

[YSSMAN]

...Wow. And we thought the Azera was an oddity coming from Hyundai...

We’ll get right to the nitty-gritty: this rear-wheel-drive Hyundai sports sedan—there’s six words we’ve never strung together—will arrive at dealerships in production guise sometime next year. In other words, think of the information below as a primer for what to expect when this concept becomes reality.

The Genesis uses an all-new, aluminum-block-and-heads 32-valve 4.6-liter V-8 producing “well over 300 hp” and “over 300 lb-ft” of torque mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission. Hyundai estimates the duo will propel the car to 60 mph from a stop in “well under six seconds,” although the company hints at larger displacement, forced-induction versions of the V-8 that would surely perform the 0-to-60 samba in even less time. (A blown Hyundai? From the factory? Seriously?) The Genesis rides on a five-link independent suspension at all four corners and offers drivers a choice of shock settings.

The concept’s rear-wheel-drive architecture is a prototype of the final version, which will mark the first use of rear-drive for a U.S.-market Hyundai. Weight distribution is claimed at 53 percent front and 47 percent rear, figures that’ll make Hyundai’s sporty goals a lot easier to achieve than, say, the front-wheel-drive Azera’s 62/38. Like all Hyundais, the 16.4-foot-long Concept Genesis focuses strongly on safety, and is crammed full of life-saving technology, including eight airbags, stability control, adaptive cruise control, active headrests, and brake assist.

To date, equating driving excitement with Hyundai has been about as ridiculous an idea as expecting to find foie gras on the McDonalds Value Menu, but the company truly believes the Concept Genesis can change that—and with big targets like the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class in its sights, they’d better get it right. That means world-class fit and finish, the best materials, and driving dynamics that won’t bring to mind a Toyota turned the other way around. One thing Hyundai’s already nailed, though, is the price, which the company promises will begin “well under $30,000” when the Genesis hits the streets. Loaded models will likely slide in under $40K.

Wow. It looks like they crossed a Lexus with a Lincoln and sent it through the Krazy-Korean-Machine. I guess I kinda like it, but then again, it just seems so odd coming off as a Hyundai...

So they want to play ball with the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 5-series, but I'm going to have to be honest here and say that they are dreaming a bit too much. Sure, it is all fine dandy that they are benchmarking the cars, but the Hyundai's big competitors are indeed going to be the GM Zeta cars and Chrysler's LX/LY models.

We'll see what happens I suppose...

 

[OZZYGT]

Just, wow.

One thing Hyundai’s already nailed, though, is the price, which the company promises will begin “well under $30,000” when the Genesis hits the streets. Loaded models will likely slide in under $40K.

How can that be possible?! If the Azera Limited's starting MSRP was $29K without any extras at all. I still thought it was a pretty good deal for a 256 BHP car; but a car like this for less than $ 30K? I say I'll believe that 'till I see it on the showrooms.

The car looks good overall IMO, a lot of mixes in there but if the engine proves to be as strong and reliable as they make it sound to be, then I guess I can pass on the exterior of that car.

I really wonder what's gonna happen to the Sonata in the future; Will the price go down? will the Azera become the new Sonata after the 300C is released? Will we finally see a sports coupe from them after the Tiburon?

 

[///M-Spec]

I see a lot of Infiniti G35 in there, especially in the doors, roof line and window area. Some Camry there too.

It's a nice looking car. Unoriginal, but nice.


M

 

[Dave A]

I like that, I do see a lot of other cars in there, but it's a nice car. I'd like to see how that bargain price ends up in pounds and pence though.

 

[Jim Prower]

I think that, hidden within the nav program, should be a few 16-bit Sega games, but that's just me.

I...don't like it. It's got that pulled-back Toyota Camry look.

 

[Tornado]

Four words: Rear. Wheel. Drive. Tiburon.

 

[skip0110]

Hyundai always makes me smile.

They are doing in 2007 what the Japanese did in the early 80s, but have forgotten how to do.

They are giving people what they want.

 

[YSSMAN]

Skip has hit the nail on the head. Time and time again the Koreans have surprised people around the world, and this is just one step forward for Hyundai once again. It will be interesting to see how it plays out not only for the European and American competition (as they will be more direct), but more importantly for the Japanese.

...And Toronado, I don't think your claims are too far off the mark. If Hyundai is smart, they will consider a smaller version of the platform to replace the Tiburon, and made the V6 and V8 engines standard fare. Think Mustang, but with a Korean twist...

 

[V1P3R]

I would say that looks decent but every concept that has become a production from them (which is what... one concept?) has sucked ass.

 

[JohnBM01]

Looks like Hyundai wants to take it to Lexus and Acura and such. This Korean machine looks to sort of change peoples' minds that Hyundai makes boring and uninteresting FWD machines (well... except the Tiburon. I never hated the Tiburon). I think this car may catch on quite well unless Hyundai finds every possible way to screw it up. Out of 100%, I'm giving this about 80% approval

Anyone else think this is a chance for people to have a change of heart about Hyundai? Or do they still have work to do?

 

[JCE]

I'm honestly at a loss for words. I'm actually so overwhemlingly enthusiastic about this car that it is rediculous. Lets just review the facts for a moment.

• Hyundai
• RWD
• V8
• Sport saloon
• $30~40k price tag

I don't see anything bad about this what-so-ever. With better build quality than Toyota these days Hyundai is really starting to level the playing field. This thing looks like a Lexus and has some serious power for a cheap price. My approval rating is a 99.5%. I'll add the other 0.5% when the car actually get built and a black on black color scheme is available. 👍

 

[Dave A]

I would say that looks decent but every concept that has become a production from them (which is what... one concept?) has sucked ass.

All the coupe's (Tiburion's) have been decent cars for the money.

 

[Joey D]

The Tiburon has to be one of the most under rated sport compacts out there. I think Car and Driver even said something along those lines in issue not that long ago.

But on the Genesis, I really like that car, Hyundai keeps surprising me. They are no longer the crappy Korean car maker they were even 5 years ago.

 

[Keichi Tsuchiya]

Ugly. But then again, it is a Hyundai, no real surprise.

 

[Tornado]

Ugly. But then again, it is a Hyundai, no real surprise.

Not anywhere near as ugly or tasteless as the Toyota it copied.

 

[JCE]

Not anywhere near as ugly or tasteless as the Toyota it copied.

+1 This is what the Camry SHOULD of looked like. This looks even better than most of the Lexus models from Toyota's lineup.

 

[Dougboy]

Its good looking but not that good. I still prefer a camry SE or something over this.

As far as i can see from this car, the front is very similar to that of the camry.

 

[Pupik]

Hyundai compromized, it's going to be called the G350.

Should be interesting, I'm sure C&D will give it a 3rd place finish behind Infiniti and Lexus because of a poor "gotta-have-it-factor".

 

[SagarisGTB]

Its not an Alfa or Aston, but its still a very nice looking car. Its obviously better looking than the hideous 300C.

And it should be better than the aforementioned chrysler. Its not hard to make a car better than a chrysler and Hyundai is on the rise. Im confused about where Hyundai are trying to position this car, though we will soon see i guess.

 

[xXSilencerXx]

I like it. I can't belive I'm saying that, but I like it.

 

[Jay]

Lovely suprise from Hyundai, although I was half expecting it sooner or later.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its not an Alfa or Aston, but its still a very nice looking car. Its obviously better looking than the hideous 300C.

And it should be better than the aforementioned chrysler. Its not hard to make a car better than a chrysler and Hyundai is on the rise. Im confused about where Hyundai are trying to position this car, though we will soon see i guess.

Well, you're Canadian, so I can't expect you to like the 300C's styling...

...But yes, just about anyone can outbuild Chrysler, well with the obvious exception of the Chinese...

The car, in theory, is supposed to go up against the 5er and the E-class, but chances are, this will shoot the breeze with the Pontiac G8 GT and the Chrysler 300C.

 

[a6m5]

Wow. My only complaint would be that I see at least 3, 4 different Japanese cars in there(my Altima wants its' A,B and C-pillar back!).

I also agree with skip's statement, at least in regards to the entry to middle class models. You can't just totally discount the popularity of Japanese Fit, xB, etc., but Hyundai definitely has been very exciting! 👍

 

[JohnBM01]

I think if it was styled a bit better, I would have added about 10 or 15 percent to my score for this car. Regardless, this should catch on very well. I actually love Lexus, so I can't say that that this design is better than almost any Lexus. Only Lexus models I don't like all that much are all the SUV's except the RX series.

Let's start a discussion. What are the chances (out of 100%)...

1. ...that this Hyundai Genesis ends up being a highly-favored car in its class?
2. ...(a) this machine ends up being better than its other Asian counterparts (namely Japan), and (b) better than most anything from America or Europe in its class?
3. ...that this car will win "Best in Class" either in its first year or down the road?

Work those numbers!

 

[Joey D]

I hated the 300C style as well, it was trying to hard to be a Bently but failed.

 

[YSSMAN]

You mean the 300C was trying to be a 300C?

...The goal of the designers was to invoke the style of the origional 300 letter cars, C-L... More specifically the C and D models of '57 and '58. BTW, my Grandfather had a '58 300C convertible, one of 191 made, one of two that ever saw the streets of Grand Rapids... His was white, the other was black.

And yes, he has looked into getting a 300 again, but he switched to GM in 1962 (bought an Impala after liking Grandma's Bel-Air, she came from a Chevy family), and hasn't 'officially' gone back to Mopar since...

 

[Joey D]

I don't see much new 300C in that except a little bit of the grill, I actually like the old 300 from back in the day. Chrysler is terrible about bring back old models, or cars that are supposed to look like old models...the PT oozes that.

 

[SagarisGTB]

Well, you're Canadian, so I can't expect you to like the 300C's styling...

Ah yes, because i would have loved the styling if the car had been released before i became a canadian citizen.

Really, i agree with the man in your avatar more often than not, however there are a few things we disagree on... TVRs for instance, also, he bought a Ford GT and a Gallardo... and he rather likes the styling of that car.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> I see a deserving transition of the first V8-powered (although it came from the Mitsubishi 8A engine), RWD, 280hp, Hyundai. The Hyundai Equus/Centennial:

Prototype pic months ago:

Genesis Concept:

-> Indeed the Genesis concept (to be called Equus again on its home market) is a step ahead for Hyundai (far better than Acura), I hope this takes promise to the next-gen Tiburon/Tuscani/Coupe.

(:

 

[YSSMAN]

New Genesis Spy Shots! Caught in the Flesh!

Not bad for $30K, a V8 and RWD. Problem is, Pontiac offers the same thing. Gah!