2009 Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive Genesis luxury sedan made its debut in 2008 for the 2009 model year. The Korean automaker promises the car delivers features equal to that of a $60,000 premium sedan for a more attainable price tag of around $30,000.

"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments."

The sedan model is the first of a potential series of Genesis vehicles from Hyundai. The company has already confirmed plans for a coupe, and there are rumors of other variants, too.

Powertrains

The car is offered with a choice of three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau produces an estimated 368 horsepower. For the V8 model, the sprint to 60 mph takes less than 6 seconds.

The V6 models also promise plenty of performance. The all-aluminum 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engines deliver an estimated 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Technologies include Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System.

Both Genesis V6 engines use an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The V8 model has a ZF gearbox to handle the extra power. The transmission also offers manual shifting via a Shiftronic mode.

Chassis

The car boasts a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution, which comes fairly close to the coveted 50/50 ratio made popular by BMW. Hyundai says the car's body structure is 12 to 14 percent stiffer than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class. Despite this, the unibody is lighter than that of either the 5er or E.

Luxury features

High-tech equipment includes: electronic stability control, XM NavTraffic, adaptive headlights, radar-based active cruise control, a 500-watt 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, and electronic active head restraints.

A leather-wrapped dash, door panels, and console lid surround the driver, while heated and cooled seats provide added comfort. The steering wheel is wrapped in engineered ultraviolet reflective leather to remain cool to the touch in extreme sunlight.

Genesis has a total of 8 ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers.to help park in tight spaces. The car also offers a power rear sunshade, automatic electronic parking brake, proximity key and push button starter.

The car's eight airbags include dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags.