Development and design
Introduced in March, 2007 as the "Concept Genesis", the sedan was designed by Hyundai as a "progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan".[6] Hyundai conceived the idea for the Genesis in 2003. The body design took three years and the total cost of the program was $500 million over a development period of 23 months. Reliability testing ran for 800,000 miles.[7]
Hyundai reportedly benchmarked the BMW 5-Series (E60) sedan during the Genesis' development; their press release indicates the Genesis body in white exceeds the BMW in torsional rigidity by 14%.[8] The production Genesis sedan received a five-star crash rating in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[9][10] Hyundai markets the Genesis as offering "the performance of a BMW 5-Series and the interior packaging of a 7-Series at the price of a 3-Series."[11]
[edit]Specifications and equipment
Hyundai manufactures three engines for the Genesis sedan and offers the car internationally with various combinations of the three:
The Tau V8 is Hyundai's first homegrown V8 engine. For the 2008-09 model years, the 4.6 L engine produced 375 horsepower (280 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 333 lb·ft (451 N·m) at 3,500 rpm.[12] Introduced as a midyear change for the 2010 model, the 4.6 L V8 now produces 385 horsepower (287 kW) at 6,500 rpm, with no change in the torque output: 333 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm.[13] These figures are achieved using premium fuel. The V8 can also run on regular unleaded, in which case the 2010-11 model produces 378 horsepower (282 kW) and 324 lb-ft. For the V8 model, Hyundai has reported 0-60 mph times of less than 6 seconds.[8][14] Car and Driver reports a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds,[15] whileMotor Trend reports a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds in their October 2008 issue.
The Lambda 3.8 L V6 is available in Korean and North American models. In Korean spec, the engine produces 306 horsepower (228 kW). In US spec this engine produces 290 hp (216 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 264 lb·ft (358 N·m) at 4,500 rpm.[12] Motor Trend reports a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.[16]
The Lambda 3.3 L V6 is available in some markets, producing 264 horsepower (197 kW).
In North America, the V8-powered Genesis features a standard ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen (identical to the unit found in the BMW 5-Series), with the base V6 models receiving the 6-speed automatic Aisin transmission also found in theHyundai Veracruz. All three engines can run on regular gasoline, an exception to most high-performance, high-compression engines that require premium fuel.
Standard features on all models in the US include cruise control, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, leather seat-upholstery and steering wheel, heated front seats with power adjustments, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, remote keyless entry and starting, and a seven-speaker audio system with XM satellite radio.[17]
An optional Lexicon audio system offers 7.1 channels, 528 watts output, 17 speakers, two 3-way transducer systems, five 2-way transducer systems and digital signal processing that provides equalization among driver and passengers. The Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Genesis sedan are the only automobiles to offer the Lexicon audio system.[18]
The Hyundai Genesis utilizes a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, and comes with four-wheel disc brakes. The suspension is a multi-link setup in front and a 5-link setup in the rear. Weight distribution is 53% front / 47% rear for the V8 and 52% front / 48% rear for the V6.[12]
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, EBD, traction control, and electronic stability control.[19]
[edit]2010 model year updates
New for the 2010, the 3.8 model offers a Premium Navigation Package which provides a less expensive 7-inch touchscreen navigation as an alternative to the more costly Technology Package. The Premium Navigation Package replaces the previous Premium Plus Package which most notably upgraded to 18-inch alloy wheels, also a part of this new package
For 2010, the 4.6 Genesis was made only in one available trim, with all packages made standard, including the Technology package. The car also received a slightly uprated engine as a midyear change, with the 4.6L V8 producing 385 horsepower (287 kW) at 6,500 rpm and an identical 333 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.[13]
[edit]2012 Model Year Update
The Genesis was given a slight refresh for the 2012 model year. The new front is marked by a revised grill, LED headlamp accents while new tail lights and new wheel design round up the exterior changes. The engines and transmissions have been thoroughly updated. The 3.8L Lambda now features direct injection producing 333hp and 291lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy has risen to 19/29 from 18/27 mpg. The 4.6L stays pat for this update while a new R spec trim level debuts. Debuting on the R spec is the new 5.0L V8 with direct injection. Producing 429hp, 376lb-ft, it is Hyundai's most powerful engine and fastest car. R spec is limited to three exterior colors and black interior. R spec has sport suspension and steering along with larger brakes The Genesis is the also the first Hyundai to feature the new in-house 8 speed automatic transmission. [20]
[edit]Crash scores
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009 Genesis:[21]
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- Rollover:
- "2009-2010 Top Safety Pick" Award by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety[22][23]models mfg after Nov. 2008[24]
[edit]Global marketing
[edit]South Korea
A full production version went on sale on January 8, 2008 in Hyundai's home market of South Korea. Notably, the Korean market Genesis does not carry a Hyundai badge, only the 'Genesis' emblem.[2][25]
The Korean model is available with a 3.3L V6 producing 264 horsepower (197 kW), and a 3.8L V6 producing 289 horsepower (216 kW).
Hyundai has come under criticism from Korean consumers over the price discrepancy between the US and Korean markets. Yonhap reports the Genesis costs "58.3 million won (US$57,000) in Korea, whereas in the U.S. it sells for $32,000." This has led to a growing market in reimported Genesises by gray market dealers. Korean regulators are currently investigating whether Hyundai has abused its 75% domestic market share.[26] However, Hyundai cars in South Korea have more available options and that may be the reason for the mark-ups.
[edit]North America
Marketed as the Hyundai Genesis in the US and Canada, the vehicle is the largest, most powerful car that Hyundai has ever marketed there before the launch of the Equus.[2]
The Genesis V6 model has a starting price of US$33,800 in USA,[1] while the V8 model starts at US$43,800, including destination charge.[17] According to Hyundai Motor America's current Genesis website,[27] the U.S. engines produce 290 HP for the 3.8L V6, and 385 hp (287 kW) for the Tau 4.6L V8. Power in the 4.6L V8 drops to 378 hp (282 kW) when regular unleaded fuel is used. The 264 horsepower (197 kW) 3.3L V6 variant will not be sold in the United States.
The 3.8 V6 model has standard ESC, fog lights, ABS brakes, an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, and a push-button starting system. It also offers a Premium Package, which adds a leather-wrapped dashboard and door trims, a power sunroof, a Lexicon 15-speaker audio system with a 6 single-feed CD changer, power tilt-and telescopic steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and an automatic defogging windshield. The Premium with Navigation Package requires the Premium Package and adds a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with backup camera and special 18-inch wheels. The Technology Package offers an upgraded 7.1-channel Lexicon audio system with 17-speakers, ventilated driver's seat, the premium 8" non-touchscreen navigation system, and XM NavTraffic system. This premium navigation system is controlled by a multimedia knob controller by the shift gear rather than by touchscreen.[28]
The 4.6 V8 model offers all the standard features of the Genesis 3.8 model, but adds a woodgrain trimmed steering wheel, 18" wheels, 8" navigation system with backup camera, radar assisted cruise control, and the remaining contents of the V6 Technology Package.
The Genesis sedan went on sale in the US in August 2008. In its first 5 months of sales, the Genesis under-performed in the competitive US market selling only 6,167 units. According to Hyundai, Genesis saw sales of just 1,297 units in its first full sales month and the company expected to move around 8000 units from the US showrooms by the end of 2008.[29] In 2009, the Genesis sold 21,889 units in the U.S. (sedan and coupe combined).[30]
There had been internal discussions within Hyundai about creating a separate brand to feature the Genesis sedan as well as the soon to come Equus sedan in North America, but due to prohibitive costs and potential delays the Genesis and Equus will still remain tagged with the Hyundai brand.[31]
[edit]China
Sold as Hyundai Rohens in China, the unveiling was at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, 2008.[32] Sales began in August 2008.[3]
[edit]Europe
According to Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz, the Genesis will not be marketed in Europe because of Lexus's failure to thrive in Europe.[33]
According to a September 2007 article in Tradingmarkets.com, " in the eyes of European purchasers of luxury vehicles, Hyundai sedans have been perceived as having a poor image and unreliable durability compared with its rivals."[34] "The planned launch of Genesis comes at a time when Hyundai is striving to shake off its poor-brand image, known for generous warranties and low prices."[34]
[edit]Latin America
In Latin America, the Hyundai Genesis is sold in Costa Rica, Dominican Republic , Colombia, Chile and Peru, offering versions with engines of 3.3 and 3.8 liters.
[edit]Coupe version
Main article: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
A rear wheel drive sports car from Hyundai, dubbed Hyundai Genesis Coupe and sharing the Genesis Sedan's platform and name, was unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show.
[edit]Media coverage
The Hyundai Genesis was listed in Motor Trend's 2007 "Top Ten Cars Worth Waiting For"[35] and was featured in TV ads during the third and fourth quarters of Super Bowl XLII.[1] As a part of Hyundai's 'Think About It' ad campaign,[36] the ads suggested the Genesis offers "7-series size, 5 series performance, 3-series price."
During an early review by South Korean reviewer, Hyundai Motor America responded that the South Korean market favors a different kind of large luxury sedan, one that's softer, more luxurious, and more Buick-like; while the North American version would have more sporty suspension.[37] However, even the stiffened model still has much softer feel than Mercedes-Benz E550.[38]
Edmunds.com gave the car 9.5 out of 10 points, stating that it features a cabin comparable to a top-of-the-line Lexus, but pointed to lacking "brand cachet" as the main problem.[39] Edmunds.com says “With badges removed, the Genesis could easily pass as a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz, although we doubt many brand-conscious people would give a Hyundai a second glance.”[40] The Hyundai Genesis was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year.[41]
The base Genesis with the V6 engine is priced at $37,995 CAD and competes with entry-level luxury cars such as the Lexus ES 350 andCadillac CTS, though equipment-wise it is comparable to mid-luxury sedans such as the Lexus GS or Infiniti M. The Genesis with the 4.6-litre V8 starts at $43,995 CAD and its performance is comparable with the BMW 550i and Mercedes E550.[10]
[edit]Awards
The Genesis sedan was named as Consumer Reports 'Top-Rated Upscale Sedan',[42] highest ranked midsize premium car by JD PowerAPEAL study (beating out the BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF),[43] Tops JD Power's Vehicle Launch Index (VLI),[44] Automotive, Performance, Execution awards by J.D. Power,[45] Car of the Year by Autotropolis.com,[45] named AutoPacific ideal vehicle award winner,[46] recognized as a best new model for 2009 by Kiplinger's Personal Finance,[47] Top Safety Award by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS)),[22] Cars.com New Car of the Year,[48] Luxury and Value on the Best New Car List by About.com,[49] Car of the Year at the 2009 Urban Wheel Awards by Wheels Media,[50] named a “Top 5 Luxury Car for 2009” & "Car of the Month (April)" & "Best Car Buy" by the U.S. National Automobile Dealers Association (NADAguides.com),[45][51] "Best Bet" awards from The Car Book,[52] MyRide/Autobytel editors' Choice award,[53] named a consumer guide recommended buy,[54] consumers digest (luxury segment) best buy,[55] America's Top 40 New Cars by Motor Trend,[45] The Genesis was assessed as having the highest residual value by the Automotive Lease Guide while the National Automobile Dealers Association named the Genesis one of the top five luxury sedans.[56][57] According to editor-in-chief blog of Motor Trendmagazine, "Hyundai Genesis: A Car Detroit Can Now Only Dream of Building?", The Genesis came close to winning the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year title.[58] USA Today praised that Hyundai proves it's a master of luxury.[59] Hyundai Genesis sedan awarded as the segment leader for the near-luxury car class of vehicles by Strategic Vision.[60] The Genesis Sedan was named “Best Deal for the Boss” in the Cars.com annual Best Lifestyle Vehicle Awards.[61] In a survey of over consumers, Hyundai owners placed the Genesis luxury sedan at the top of their classes in AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) research.[62]
The Genesis has received a number of well-recognized automobile awards worldwide. Most notably, the Genesis has been named 2009 North American Car of the Year, the first for Hyundai.[63] It also won the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year after winning its category of Best New Luxury Car under $50,000.[45][64][65] It also won the 2009 Car of the Year award by China's Autoworld magazine.[66] The Hyundai's V8 Tau engine in the Genesis, which develops 375 hp (280 kW) on premium fuel and 368 hp (274 kW) on regular fuel, received 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines award.[67]
Based on automotive journalist reviews, The Genesis received a score of 89% on Seven Car Garage, making it one of the best reviewed cars in its class.
[edit]Special editions
[edit]Prada edition
The Hyundai Genesis Prada edition was released prior to the car’s debut at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. Developed with the famous European fashion label Prada, the car received many luxurious upgrades. The exterior of the Genesis Prada has been coated in a special matte-finish dark blue paint. The vehicle also comes with exclusive 20-inch nine spoke alloy wheels while the interior includes illuminated flooring, door trims and white Saffiano leather on the seats and dash. Hyundai and Prada worked on only three examples of the Genesis Prada.[68]
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[edit]RKSport Edition
Hyundai has unveiled the high performance version of the Genesis Sedan at the 2008 SEMA Show. RKSport Hyundai Genesis Sedan is a customized, high-performance Genesis sedan that developed by Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc (HATCI) and RKSport, Inc. Powered by a supercharged version of the Tau V8 engine which produces 460 horsepower (343 kW) with the help of an IHI screw-type supercharger and 11 pounds per square inch (0.76 bar) of boost for performance driving. The car reaches 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.8 seconds and clicks through the quarter mile gate in 13.48 seconds at 108 mph (174 km/h). It offers an estimated 18 mpg-US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg-imp) in city and 27 mpg-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp) on the highway.[69]
[edit]DUB Edition
Hyundai teamed with DUB Magazine to get the attention of those people and show what could be done to a Genesis sedan. The DUB Edition Genesis has a black and white theme inside and out. The color-matched 22-inch TIS Model 12.0 wheels and black roof. The interior features a white leather seats with black piping with, a black suede headliner, and leather and suede door inserts. The sound system has also been completely revamped with an Alpine DVD headunit, 2.7-inch LCD monitors in headrest, and subwoofers in a custom fiberglass enclosure box.[70]
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