NEW YORK AUTO SHOW: Hyundai Throws Down The Gaunlet With The Genesis Concept

Hyundai presented the world debut of Concept Genesis during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the future architecture and design of a rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan scheduled to grace the Hyundai lineup in 2008.

"Concept Genesis extends our product range into new territories from a performance, design and packaging perspective," said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. "When it arrives in 2008 it will catapult Hyundai into competition against some potent rivals, and Genesis is up for the challenge."

Concept Genesis rides on a prototype of Hyundai's all-new rear-wheel drive platform, signaling the brand's desire to broaden its appeal to discerning driving enthusiasts. Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain. Concept Genesis marks the beginning of premium performance for the Hyundai brand.

"Concept Genesis is a manifestation of Hyundai's extraordinary desire to deliver world-class products across all model segments," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With Genesis, we've got a unique product position -- an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and premium, progressive design – all at a price starting well under $30,000."

NEW REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE IS A FIRST FOR THE U.S. Concept Genesis features a rear-wheel-drive architecture, its first application in a U.S. Hyundai model. Rear-wheel drive provides a 53:47 front/rear weight distribution for optimal handling as well as more refined steering characteristics. Concept Genesis' premium handling and steering performance is further controlled by Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry's most important new safety technology. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2007 Hyundai sales volume featuring this life-saving technology as standard equipment.

ESC continually analyzes road speed, steering input, throttle position, lateral yaw rate and other factors. An onboard microprocessor determines if the vehicle is starting to understeer or oversteer, and can brake appropriate wheels and reduce engine power to keep the vehicle safely on course.

Utilizing ultra high-tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides Concept Genesis with a 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body-in-white weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This stiffer, lighter, larger body provides a terrific foundation for world-class dynamics and lowering noise levels inside the vehicle.

TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.

INNOVATIVE AND SOPHISTICATED SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
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 which 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 an incredible level of ride and handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through driver selectable dynamic settings allowing tailored ride and handling characteristics according to need ... or desire.

MODERN DESIGN
Genesis' design is a progressive interpretation of the modern rear-wheel drive sports sedan. To match its dynamic powertrain capabilities, Genesis combines strong, sculpted forms which integrate precise details, natural materials and innovative lighting to provide a well-crafted, premium design aesthetic.

SAFETY FEATURES
Maintaining Hyundai's emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Concept Genesis boasts world class active and passive safety features to both prevent accidents, and maximize the well being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving active safety technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, eight airbags and active headrests.

Concept Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 12.6-inch front rotors have single-piston floating calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single-pistons.

TECHNOLOGY
Advanced adaptive cruise control
Electronic Stability Control
Eight airbags
Heat / cool seats
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with adaptive leveling
Push-button start
Navigation with backup camera
Electric parking brake
Bluetooth technology
USB / Auxiliary input jack
HD Radio™ Receiver
XM Satellite Radio®
Infinity® Discrete Surround Audio System

GENESIS PREMIUM SPORTS SEDAN SPECIFICATIONS
Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports sedan
Wheelbase: 2935 mm / 115.6 inches
Overall length: 5005 mm / 197.0 inches
Overall width: 1863 mm / 73.3 inches
Overall height: 1490 mm / 58.7 inches
Track, f/r: 1575 mm / 62.0 inches, 1580 mm / 62.2 inches
Wheels: 20-inch multi-spoke
Engine type: V8
Estimated horsepower: Well over 300HP
Estimated torque: Over 300 lb. ft.
Displacement: 4.6 liter
Block material: High pressure die casting aluminum block
Cylinder head material: Aluminum
Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
Valve timing: Continuous variable valve timing Variable induction system
Fuel delivery: Multi-port fuel injection
Estimated 0-60 mph: well under 6.0 seconds
Top speed: 130 mph (restricted)
Recommended fuel: Unleaded
Transmission type: ZF 6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control
Suspension: Front multi-link (5-link) / Rear multi-link (5-link)
Stabilizer bar (front/rear): 26 mm/18 mm
Weight distribution front to rear: 53:47
Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc
Front brake diameter (mm / in): 320 / 12.6 ventilated disc
Rear brake diameter (mm / in): 314 / 12.4 solid disc
Steering type: Speed-sensing rack-and-pinionv Steering ratio: 14.86

answer - 4/5/2007 11:08:36 AM

+3 Boost

If that were true, I wish you would share its fate so we might all be spared of your transparent Lexus bashing.

You sir are a weiner.

JayMagic - 4/5/2007 11:13:37 AM

-3 Boost

LOL, Lexus and more importantly Toyota should be concerned about the rise of Hyundai. I have an 07 Azera Limited that equals or exceeds an Avalon in many ways for at least $4000 less. (btw, I traded an Avalon in on the Azera). I only wish I could have waited for the Genesis.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 4/5/2007 12:18:24 PM

+4 Boost

How can you buy a car without the availability of nav? In 2007 to not even offer nav is criminal.

markusck - 4/6/2007 10:48:18 PM

+1 Boost

Nav? Thats your argument? Lack of Nav?!! Surely there must be a better reason for not buying this, lack of nav is hardly worth a mention...if this is the big drawback then ToyLex should be worried...(as adding it cannot be that difficult)

chuck717 - 4/5/2007 11:37:21 AM

+2 Boost

Long list, 0 to 60 six sec. now where is it listed that it gets at least 30 mpg city? That is what the public really wants a great car and decent mpg?

chuck717 - 4/5/2007 11:42:37 AM

+2 Boost

Genesis? Must be the same guy who came up with the name Ocean Drive.I can see it now, come out to the garage and i'll show you my Genesis and Ocean Drive, sounds like a gobal warming seminar instead of two stupid car names?

answer - 4/5/2007 11:47:07 AM

+1 Boost

I think the name Genesis, meaning "begining", works fine for this car.

answer - 4/5/2007 1:28:45 PM

+3 Boost

Please provide a list of names that "people who love cars" should trust.

I've always had the understanding that people who love cars well...love cars. I might not buy a Hyundai, but for me it's interesting to see any new car or piece of new tech.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/5/2007 8:11:12 PM

+3 Boost

answer, I agree. This is why so many of the so-called "enthusiasts" on this site irritate me. They dislike cars for the badge, not the substance behind it.

I try to give everything a fair chance at winning me over. However, I'm a very impressionable person. The first time I see it, that's what will be branded in my mind. Hopefully, I'll like the LX570 better in person, for instance.

BMW995 - 4/5/2007 1:23:04 PM

+4 Boost

The Genesis will be a huge success.
Most buyers will opt for the V6 and it will start well below $30K. Nothing can touch it at that price level for its level of handling and sophistication. The only possible drawback is that potential owners may be turned off buying and servicing this car at a Hyundai dealership. I personally am used to a Acura and Lexus dealerships and I doubt Hyundai is anywhere close to this level of customer attention.

drdonrs - 4/6/2007 9:10:14 AM

+1 Boost

I too had been used to the Acura mystique, owned or leased 6 TL's over the last several years. Took a chance, last year and purchased an 06 Sonata LX6 and endured some "badge snobbery" along the way. The car has been phenomenal. So much so that when my 2nd 03 TL came off lease I purchased an 06 Azera Limited and it has been a superb automobile. There has been an issue with a somewhat noisy suspension, which doesn't detract from the overall experience. The issue of no GPS is a non issue, we have a portable Garmin GPS and move from car to car. Hyundai does have to rethink their dealer arrangements because they are really not geared to accommodate the customer who will be interested in the Genesis and even the Azera. I am accustomed to a little more "ambiance", however my experience with my dealer has been exceptional. The bashers seem to forget what Toyota and Nissan fostered upon the auto industry with their intro cars into the US. They were econo rust pots and Hyundai has moved ever so quickly away from that segment, and so the bashing has no basis of fact. If you haven't driven the car how can you make a blanket judgement?

BMW995 - 4/5/2007 1:26:13 PM

+1 Boost

By the way, the Genesis does offer a Nav system, contrary to what one of the posters stated.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 4/5/2007 6:59:58 PM

+3 Boost

I know the Genesis offers a nav system. I was responding to the guy above me who just bought and was raving about his Azzera.

atomicbri - 4/5/2007 5:55:09 PM

+1 Boost

I have a Bimmer and I haven't been able to trust it, been to the shop 8 too many times! LOL! I still like it, don't get me wrong, handles like a dream and the dealership gives me a car almost like mine to drive while it is in the shop. So your list of "Who to Trust" is based on what exactly? If you are basing it on name alone, you are obviously young, or blind.

PlanB - 4/5/2007 2:06:27 PM

-1 Boost

I just finished reading the Motor Trend article on this car. On paper they have a very good start at jumping into the luxury market. Its too soon however to jump to the comclusion that this will be a hit for Hyundai. But I will say this much. The Sonata, Azera and Veracruz(even the minivan) are very good machines that they've built and every other car company in their path should stand up and take notice of them if they haven't already.

Lexus - 4/5/2007 4:39:56 PM

+1 Boost

This is design is a straight "Ripp Off" from the current Toyota Camry from the front. And from the rear it look like got it design from the Lexus ES350, especially the shape of the rear light.

trd1 - 4/5/2007 5:38:08 PM

+1 Boost

this is a really big step for hyundai, i think people should give them some credit.

atomicbri - 4/5/2007 5:59:29 PM

+2 Boost

There are obvious design cues from many manufacturers in this car. I think it looks decent for a first effort into the luxury realm for Hyundai. The rear 3/4s look from above reminds me a bit of a BMW 5 series and Infiniti. The front does have a Camry look to it. There is even the Bimmer kink in the rear window. Well copying is the most sincere form of flattery.

EvoAudi - 4/5/2007 7:46:22 PM

+1 Boost

HAHA the Krafciks are a friend of mine.

richardp996 - 4/6/2007 2:31:35 PM

+2 Boost

Brand image is far more important to selling cars in North America while build quality makes up a certain percentage of how people interpret that brand impression. The biggest difference between Hyundai and its soon to be rivals is that it doesn’t have enough credibility to enter a luxury market albeit at an entry-level.

The multiple types of owners who either own or have owned Hyundai cars past and present that can now purchase a 30 grand entry-level luxury sports sedan may not exactly consider the Hyundai Genesis production car. Even people who never owned or sat in a current Hyundai will less likely yearn for the upcoming flagship. Sure long past is the questionable build quality as it slowly gone out the window but even today consumers will still likely question Hyundai’s fit and finish in most of its cars. Hyundai has made huge strides in improving their engineering and manufacturing techniques but once a stigma looms around a company it will hard to appear remotely desirable especially considering most of the cars it has ever sold from the very beginning were not to die for. Hyundai ranked 3rd beating long time rival Toyota in the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates overall brand ranking; behind first place Porsche and second place Lexus. This is a strong indication of Hyundai’s commitment to strengthening their cars although this tidbit is ofteny overlooked. As safety features, gadgets and good driving dynamics are becoming expected as part of the package, design stands out to be one of the final drivers in the purchasing decision.

In recent years BMW and Mercedes-Benz has been on a mission to gain back into categories of fit and finish where as Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura have flourished. Mercedes-Benz and BMW started deleting electronic gizmos as some devices were glitchy and began staining each brand’s desirability. Even though the acknowledgment of each brand’s shortcomings, many of the cars are sold consistently. It probably comes down to the long-term affect both manufacturers have been able to carry throughout time. The name of a brand will provide images of wealth and luxury. Think of Aston martin, Rolls Royce, and Bentley for example. Despite in the 90s none of these manufacturers experienced much growth until each respectively released the Phantom, Continental GT, and V8 Vantage. They look great but while each had its fair share of fit and finish issues in the mean time hold a strong demand from consumers.

There is one thing Hyundai does not have; it's a strong name. Marques that have been in the business of luxury from the begining tend to present images of wealth. Just saying these names provides a sensation of glamour, appeal, and radiance. Aston Martin. Jaguar. Ferrari. Porsche. Mercedes-Benz. Bentley. BMW. Then say Hyundai. You get an image of an Accent on some poor sod’s driveway.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/7/2007 1:21:01 PM

+1 Boost

Considering this car will cost upwards of $40,000, I don't believe you have any idea what you're talking about.

2JZSoarer - 4/7/2007 12:42:17 AM

0 Boost

Yeah they stole many design features from Lexus,but I have to admit I really like this car,this is a good design step for Hyundai...

S4cabriofoxone - 4/7/2007 1:22:30 PM

+1 Boost

Oh, according to you, of course, it's only LEXUS that they stole ideas from... NOBODY else, just Lexus, because obviously, they're the most innovative car company on Earth. The LS-F will beat the Veyron, with 2,000hp! All hail Lexus!!!

Matthew1 - 4/7/2007 11:09:15 PM

+2 Boost

Most of you will probably know me as European car fan.

I am indeed. Japanese cars don't really do anything for me, they're just a bit too clinical and lacking flair.

However, I am impressed by this Hyundai. It looks good. Not an incredibly creative design, but much more cohesive and balanced than the Lexus GS.

jmh1956 - 6/19/2007 6:13:36 PM

+1 Boost

Times are changing.

Premium brand names don’t mean what they used to. Buying a lower price luxury car is considered smart.

I was in the market a year ago for a new car, I was looking at the Avalon and willing to go to the Lexus if need be. This may not apply to the people that have more money than sense, but I work hard for my money, I don’t care whats on the name badge, I care about the amenities and how much those amenities cost.

I ended up buying a Hyundai Azera. It is as nice and nicer in many ways than the Avalon, and as for the Lexus, the small advantage in amenities are not justified by the price difference.

I know some will say…..what about resale? Well, the way I see it, I will pocket my savings and if the Genesis materializes in 08……I will trade my Azera. Hyundai has an excellent trade program for past owners. By the time I need to trade the Genesis, I will bet Hyundai’s resale stats will be on the upswing, as they already are.

The price of luxo cars are UNBELIVEABLE, the average person cannot afford one, so I will bet that there are more than a few people out there like me that just wants a nice car at a reasonable price…if Hyundai is willing to supply that need, I will take it.

As for the Nav, why pay 1,800 for a factory unit...my Garmin works fine, more convenient, you can take it out to plan your trip, take it to your motel room to check local restaurants and attractions.

Buy the car you want.