That’s a Hyundai ? We heard these words repeatedly while testing the new Genesis luxury sedan in the heart of the American Riviera, Santa Barbara, California. Compared immediately to models in the Lexus and Infiniti lines, we dig deep to find out if this Korean upstart is a poseur or the real deal.
What Is It?
A five-passenger sports performance sedan, it’s a rear-drive platform powered by either a V6 or V8 powerplant to equal the competitors in an already crowded market. The new platform will form the basis for yet-to-be-developed future products.
What’s It Up Against?
Hyundai expects a typical buyer will also be checking out the Chrysler 300 C, Pontiac G8, Lexus ES 350 , and Cadillac CTS . But that hasn’t stopped them from reaching upwards for inspiration. The new Genesis, according to John Krafcik, Hyundai vice president for product development, was benchmarked against such luminaries as Mercedes’ E-class, Infiniti M, BMW 5-series and Lexus GS-series automobiles.
Any Breakthroughs?
First, and the most obvious, is the rear-drive platform that the Genesis is based on. Moving onward, we find more interior room than that found in either the BMW 7-series, or Mercedes Benz E class.
While not a “true†breakthrough, Hyundai has chosen to load up the content in the Genesis with “technology and appointments†of its higher priced rivals. They continued and made it available at a more attractive price point that the competition would have a difficult time matching.
How Does It Look?
Conservative, while at the same time, elegant.
The 2009 Genesis features a design that does not look out of place at the country club or the office. In other words, it features classic design that owners would be proud to show off.
Hyundai wisely chose to limit the placement of logos on the Genesis to the trunk lid and wheel centers. The grille has a more-than-passing similarity with the forehead of Star Trek’s Lt. Worf. Admiring that same bold front grille with no visible logo, to the clean lines running along the length of the car, it is an apparent exercise in restraint, which results in a look of strength. Offered with two engine choices, the only obvious determining design elements are the chrome strips on the lower flanks of the doors, and the 4.6-liter badge on the rear.
And Inside?
The Genesis features Hyundai’s new take on the premium performance sedan. Single-stitched two-toned black and saddle brown leather covers the dash, doors and seats and offer a subtle reminder that this is not your father’s Hyundai. Extremely supportive front seats offer excellent bolstering, heating, and an optional driver’s cooled seat.
The Lexicon brand audio system holds court over the center stack, with excellent sound reproduction, iPod connectivity, and a six-CD changer from its 528-Watt head unit and 17-speakers. An integral part of the technology package, the system, which includes navigation, offers what Hyundai has chosen to call the “Driver Info System, with controller.” We call it an iDrive that’s intuitive and useable. The package also includes a rear backup camera, auto HID auto-leveling headlights, front and rear parking assist sensors, the cool seat option and Bluetooth phone, and adds an additional $4000 dollars to the MSRP of $37,250-dollars.
Our 4.6 model featured one of the quietest interiors we have seen. Tuned in the world’s most advanced aero-acoustic wind tunnel, they’ve even developed an under-floor-cover that further enhances the vehicle’s NVH, while at the same time increasing fuel economy and reducing drag.
But Does It Go?
Let’s put it this way: The expected buyer of the Genesis Sedan would never drive it the way we did at Buttonwillow Raceway’s smaller roadcourse. But it’s a damn comfort to know you could.
Our V-8 equipped model featured the new Hyundai 4.6-liter engine that pumps out 368-horsepower with regular fuel, and 375-hp with premium. Following the Greek-naming convention of previous motors, the new “Tau†engine cranks out 333 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel and 324 lb-ft without. Power is transferred to the pavement by a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic.
All the power, all the time. Exhibiting a great exhaust note, and equally impressive torque, the V8 gushed power every time a gentle nudge was tapped out on the go pedal of the engine. Expect mileage in the neighborhood of 17 city and 25 miles-per-gallon highway.
The 3.8-liter Lambda V6 engine is good for 290-horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. It transfers its power to the macadam by an Aisin six-speed transmission, also with Shiftronic. Hyundai estimates mileage ratings of 18 city and 27 highway mpg,
Handling on the winding roads from Santa Barbara to Buttonwillow, displayed a well-sorted sports sedan. Unlike other vehicles in the segment which use MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link suspension in the rear, Hyundai engineers chose to use the advanced five-link suspension in both the front and rear of the car. The Sachs-developed Amplitude Selective Damping system joins in to force a higher spring rate on rough roads and during cornering while it adjusts itself for smoother ride when the road settles down.
The electro-hydraulic power steering system provided good feel while off center, but felt slightly numb in the middle. It wasn’t bad, but to our touch we wanted to feel more input while cruising in a straight line. On the road course, it felt like a different car, diving into turns, and with a quick squeeze of the four-piston brake calipers on 13-inch disks, diving right back out again. Acceleration of the big V8 provided for an effortless run on the course, enabling us to will the car through the turns, and power out to wherever we needed to be on course.
Like we said, you most likely will never need to drive like this, but knowledge in the fact that you could is powerful.
Why You’d Buy It
You feel the need to be an innovator or early adopter rather than follower, and you like the 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Value trumps all, and you recognize this car as a hell of a good deal.
Why You Wouldn’t
Prestige is your middle name, and you want to be the coolest guy on the block; you’re looking for more aggressive styling; or you’re just not ready to view Hyundai as a luxury brand.
Words and Photos by Mark Elias.
