Hyundai’s First Luxury Car

Every year automotive journalists and car enthusiasts head over to the local car conventions and premiers where all of the famous automakers release their new babies to the masses to stare at and ooh and ah over. It’s like taking a child into a candy store. However, this 2009 model is unique.

Our favorite lineup of 2009 for first-class luxury sedans of course includes all-time favorites such as the Chrysler 300, the Infiniti M and the Lexus GS. However, right along side those there is a unique luxury Sedan grabbing everybody’s attention recently.

I won’t keep you in suspense for any longer, but you are sure to be in for a real shock, since our mystery automaker is actually Hyundai, the Korean automaker.

That’s right, Hyundai has joined the Luxury Sedan business with a vengeance with its Genesis release. It is the company’s first rear-drive, 8-cylinder luxury sedan.

So proud Hyundai dealerships are eagerly anticipating being able to offer the Genesis this summer.

It is very interesting that the word Genesis means “beginning.” In this case it is definitely appropriate and also suggests that this is just the beginning of luxury sedans being introduced by Hyundai. The entire world is anxious to find out what is being offered by the Korean engineers, so let’s take a closer look at what is being promised by Genesis.

Performance Specs:

Transmission and Engine:

Understandably, many luxury vehicle enthusiasts are unsure whether Hyundai is really up to the challenge or not. Japanese automakers such as Infiniti and Lexus have been able to gain incredible reputations, and a Korean company like Hynudai wants to follow in their footsteps.

The Genesis has a 6-cylinder engine which features the Aisin 6-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission along with a lock-up torque converter and overdrive to help enhance the fuel economy of the car for highway driving.

Suspension:

The Genesis supports ASD suspension, which is what all of the leading vehicles in the luxury market also support from Mercedes, BMS and Lexus.

The front suspension of the Genesis is composed of a 25 mm anti-roll bar, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and independent 5-link design including SACHS ASD.

Steering:

Infiniti and Lexus owners will discover that the steering of the Genesis feels very familiar. It is incredibly compliant thanks to its rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-RPM-sensing and electro-hydraulic assist.

Fuel Economy:

You might be discouraged from considering an 8-cylinder vehicle due to the rising gas prices. However, the Genesis provides comparable fuel economy to other sporty coupes such as the Nissan Altima. The EPA fuel economy of the Genesis V6 are estimated at 27 mpg highway, 18 mpg city, and 21 mpg combined, and for the V8 25 mpg highway and 17 mpg city.