Hyundai Unveils Genesis Premium Sports Sedan
01/08/2008
Hyundai
Hyundai aims to shatter premium automobile paradigms with the North American International Auto Show introduction of its new flagship, the all-new Genesis rear-wheel-drive sports sedan on January 13. With capabilities and features comparable to $60,000 luxury sedans, Genesis will be offered at a starting price under $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
Genesis is built on Hyundai's all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau will produce an estimated 368 horsepower on regular fuel, and lead all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon audio systems and electronic active head restraints.
"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, 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."
Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.
Headlining the Genesis' performance capabilities is Hyundai's all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive architecture, both making their first appearances on a Hyundai model in the U.S. The Tau V8, mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC(R) manual control, delivers an estimated 368 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds. The Tau produces more horsepower and torque than the powerplants found in Lexus GS450, BMW 750i, Audi A8 and Infiniti M45 and has more horsepower per liter than any of its V8 competitors.
Genesis also delivers spirited performance through its two V6 options -- all-aluminum 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engines that deliver an estimated 268 horsepower and 289 horsepower, respectively. Both Genesis V6 engines use an Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. All Genesis engines are also environmentally friendly, with all three achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification levels.
Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints, all standard. Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.
Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess.
The 2009 Genesis is the most advanced Hyundai ever, featuring a Lexicon state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7(R) technology, offered exclusively by Rolls Royce Phantom and now Hyundai Genesis. Standard is a soft-touch instrument panel with woodgrain accents, Bluetooth(R) hands-free mobile phone interface, and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs. A state-of-the-art navigation system with an eight-inch display and backup camera are available options as well.
Additional luxury features include premium leather heated and cooled driver's seat, automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor, rain-sensing wipers, ultraviolet reflective steering wheel, automatic electronic parking brake, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Front Lighting System, proximity key and pushbutton starter.
The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Genesis buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) with service that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.