[edit] 2009 Hyundai Genesis Preview

_{By: Jeffrey N. Ross,  Autotropolis Editor}

Autotropolis Lifestyle Rating:

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a full-size, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger luxury sedan. The Genesis marks the introduction of Hyundai’s first attempt at a rear-wheel drive, V-8 car that will later spawn a sports coupe. Hyundai introduced its luxury sedan in production form at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. The base Genesis will go on sale in North America starting this summer with an MSRP less than $30,000. Hyundai names the Lexus GS, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Pontiac G8 and Chrysler 300 as its targeted competitors.

[edit] Exterior

If it weren’t for the Hyundai badges, some may mistake the Genesis as a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz from the front and a BMW or Infiniti from the rear. The long sloping hood and short overhangs both give the Genesis an athletic look to compliment the luxurious accommodations of the interior. From the bulging hood to dual, chrome-tipped oval exhaust outlets, the Genesis seamlessly blends a muscular and luxurious design.

With Xenon high-intensity discharge lighting in the front and large LED taillights, the Genesis blends safety and modern style. The headlights offer self-leveling to keep the focus of the lights on the road, while the Automatic Front Lighting System automatically adjusts the headlamps to swivel when cornering for improved visibility. Other features expected from modern luxury cars include heated and cooled from seats, push-button starting, rain-sensing wipers and smart cruise control just to name a few.

The Genesis has a length of 197.0 inches and uses a 115.6-inch wheelbase to optimize interior and ride comfort. At 4,006 pounds, the Genesis V-8 is the lightest of its target competition.

[edit] Interior

Inside the Genesis, Hyundai’s first luxury car excels even further. The perforated leather seating offers heating and cooling to front passengers, while the available Lexicon audio system provides enjoyment for all passengers with a 500-watt, seven-channel surround sound system with HD radio and XM satellite. When equipped with the navigation system, a 30-gigabyte hard drive is included. From the driver’s seat, the electroluminescent gauges are easily visible through the four-spoke, wood-trimmed steering wheel. Bright aluminum accents and dark wood inserts further accentuate the compact center stack and center console.

[edit] Powertrain

Three engines will be available upon introduction: two V-6s and a V-8. The 3.3-liter DOHC V-6 offers 264 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8-liter DOHC V-6 is good for 290-horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Five years ago, Hyundai designers would have been content to end there. Instead, they developed the 4.6-liter Tau V-8 that puts out 375 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. More importantly, the V-8 was designed to run off regular OR premium gasoline (with the premium gas offering better performance results). Hyundai lists the 0-60 time for the Genesis V-8 at “well under six seconds.” Six-speed automatic transmissions are used in all Genesis models with the V-8 getting enhancements to handle the powerful V-8.

[edit] Safety Features

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has yet to be tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it will offer the following standard safety features:

• Driver and Passenger Advanced Airbags
• Roof-Mounted Side Curtain Airbags
• Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System
• LATCH Child Seat Safety Tethers
• Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
• Front Pretensioners
• Side Guard Door Beams
• Four Wheel Disc Brakes with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
• Active Head Restraints
• Electronic Stability Control

All photos courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company