| In modern day parlance, when the Hyundai Genesis | | | | Electronic Stability Control. An eight-airbag |
| premiered at the 2008 North American International | | | | complement includes front and rear seat-mounted |
| Auto Show, it virtually rocked the house. The world | | | | side-impact airbags, plus roof-mounted side curtain |
| had never seen a Hyundai like this before. For the | | | | airbags for all outboard occupants. Each Genesis halts |
| first time in the brand's budget-car history, Hyundai | | | | with all-disc antilock brakes. Alloy wheels hold |
| was not taking on the big guns, and were a little | | | | standard 17-inch tires with the V-6 engine, 18-inch for |
| smitten about it, because the Genesis was ready to | | | | the V-8. |
| compete on a global scale with the top luxury | | | | Inside, the soft-touch instrument panel contains |
| models, at a fraction of their cost. | | | | woodgrain accents. Heated front seats have leather |
| Ever since the South Korean automaker arrived in | | | | seating surfaces and electronic active head restraints. |
| the U.S. market, back in 1986, it's emphasized value. | | | | Lexicon audio systems are available. Bluetooth |
| Hyundai typically promised features and capabilities | | | | hands-free mobile phone connectivity, XM satellite |
| similar to those of major competitors, but at a | | | | radio, and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs are provided in |
| significantly lower price. Now that Hyundai is moving | | | | each model. A power rear sunshade, rain-sensing |
| boldly upmarket, past the current Azera sedan, value | | | | wipers, automatic windshield defogger, and a |
| is still a drawing card. Like other Hyundai models, the | | | | memory system are included with the Genesis V-8. |
| Genesis is available at what the company calls "a | | | | Available at extra cost are such features as XM |
| much more accessible price point" than the European | | | | NavTraffic, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights |
| Asian competition. | | | | with an Adaptive Front Lighting System, and a cooled |
| Two powertrains are offered: a Lambda 3.8-liter V-6 | | | | driver's seat. |
| and an all-new Tau 4.6-liter V-8. Working with | | | | Prices start at $33,000 (including destination charge) |
| continuously variable valve timing, the V-6 makes 290 | | | | for the Genesis V-6, escalating to $38,000 for the |
| horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Running | | | | V-8 model. Options include a navigation system with |
| on premium fuel, Hyundai's new V-8 produces 375 | | | | an 8-inch display screen, plus a backup camera that |
| horsepower, along with 333 pound-feet. With | | | | uses the same screen to show a view behind the |
| regular-grade gasoline, the V-8 makes 368 hp and | | | | car. Eight ultrasonic sensors on front and rear |
| 324 pound-feet. An Aisin six-speed Shiftronic | | | | bumpers work with the available rear backup camera |
| automatic transmission mates with the V-6 engine, | | | | to detect the proximity of objects while parking. |
| while the V-8 gets a ZF six-speed automatic with | | | | Expect a smooth ride on nice pavement, and |
| Shiftronic manual control. Hyundai states the V-8 | | | | acceptable comfort on some rougher stuff. But |
| model can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Fuel | | | | certain undulating surfaces can yield considerable |
| economy depends upon the powertrain. The V-6 | | | | body motion. Steering feels somewhat light but is |
| engine gets an EPA estimate of 18 mpg in city driving | | | | reasonably precise, with just a hint of reduced |
| and 27 mpg on the highway. Figures for the V-8 drop | | | | confidence in the occasional fast curve. Easy to drive, |
| to 17/25 mpg. | | | | the Genesis generally tracks neatly and stays put in |
| Hyundai states the Genesis has a larger cabin than | | | | its lane. Seats are quite comfortably cushioned and |
| the 5 Series or E-Class, but lower body structure | | | | snugly bolstered, providing great back and thigh |
| weight. Genesis also promises more interior volume | | | | support. Front headroom is ample, leg space |
| than BMW's 7 Series. Built on a 115.6-inch wheelbase, | | | | adequate, and elbowroom only slightly restricted. |
| the Genesis sedan measures 195.9 inches long overall | | | | Tested on a racetrack, the V-6 reacted well, but the |
| and stands 58.3 inches tall. Each dimension falls right in | | | | V-8 is obviously superior for all-out performance - |
| the middle of the competition, according to Hyundai. | | | | though hardly essential for most drivers. Resounding |
| Trunk volume totals 15.9 cubic feet. | | | | response yields plenty of passing power, and |
| The Genesis suspension includes Amplitude Selective | | | | Hyundai's V-8 is at least as quiet as the V-6. Brakes |
| Dampers. Seldom shy about comparisons to premium | | | | are stronger with the V-8, but their effect might not |
| motorcars, Hyundai says that technology also is used | | | | be noticed in every day driving. On the road, the V-8 |
| for Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz models. Like | | | | sedan feels a bit smoother and better balanced, |
| most Hyundai models, the Genesis has standard | | | | despite less-ideal weight distribution. |