Hyundai Genesis sedan makes Korean debut

After all the leaked spy shots, Hyundai has finally released official photos of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan after a media preview this week. The Hyundai Genesis Sedan is said to be ‘Hyundai’s new beginning’ and the company’s Lexus rival.

According to the short press release, the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis will be powered by three different engine variants. First on the list are the 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter V6 editions for which Hyundai hasn’t released any horsepower rating for as of yet. The third engine will be the new Tau V8 engine that produces 375 horsepower.

The Hyundai Genesis will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January and will hit U.S. shores in April of 2008. Hyundai aims to sell 20,000 units in the U.S. annually with pricing to come in under $30,000.

Honestly we are very disappointed that it looks nothing like the concept. Have your say in the comments section below.

Click through for the press release and more images...
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answer - 12/5/2007 1:00:10 PM

+2 Boost

Good for Hyundai!

The three different engine offerings seems a bit too many.

I am really impressed by the relatively quick turn around time from concept to production.

Kinger - 12/5/2007 1:11:18 PM

+1 Boost

Whats wrong with choice?

answer - 12/5/2007 1:18:30 PM

+3 Boost

One V6 and one V8 is fair, but why have two V6's?

A4ORCE - 12/5/2007 2:31:45 PM

+2 Boost

The Korean market favors smaller engines. Typical stuff: tax breaks and fuel economy. The Sonata uses the 2 liter engine and 2.4 engine there. No V6. It'll use the 2 smaller V6s there and the 3.8 liter and the V8 here.

EnnNorak - 12/5/2007 3:11:50 PM

+1 Boost

I just want the DOHC V8 version. I note that the latest pic shows deterioration in the grille design -- an opportunity for the after-market guys to offer Mercedes grille clones.

Agent004 - 12/6/2007 11:40:34 AM

+1 Boost

Wow, Hyundai has no shame whatsoever. This car is a carbon copy of the Mercedes C-Class design.

Wow, Hyundai, wow.

MBman320 - 12/11/2007 9:19:22 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, another piece of korean blah! I cant imagine a korean v8 even touching any american or european V6 yet alone a V8

soopakrn - 12/6/2007 4:02:23 AM

+2 Boost

Sailor, the Genesis is built to compete with the 5 series and the E-class. And it is priced the way it is so that Hyundai can get it's foot in the door. And slowly as new models start to come out, prices will increase.

1fstmach - 12/5/2007 1:17:30 PM

+2 Boost

I think the concept was just that a concept of what is to come

And for production it works really well for Hyundai

The Engine choices could just be for overseas markets just like the emblem and what not

The US may only see 2 of them

user75 - 12/8/2007 1:47:59 PM

+1 Boost

i think its rather bmw-y. notice the headlights... 1-series resemblance

golfer38 - 12/5/2007 1:20:18 PM

+5 Boost

I think there's a huge resemblance to the LS430, at least in print.

sold2early - 12/5/2007 1:35:39 PM

+1 Boost

Notice how most of the currrent comments about this car are positive.

Next year the fanboys will be in full force bashing the hell of this when it starts eating away at sales of their favorite models.

Catsmeow - 12/5/2007 1:52:03 PM

+2 Boost

maybe they have a different shape planned for the U.S.?

LexusKindaGuy12 - 12/5/2007 1:59:54 PM

0 Boost

if thats the radar guided cruise control camera on the grill...they have to make it less ugly

fuzion - 12/5/2007 2:01:56 PM

+5 Boost

Hyundai has made a huge improvement over the last few years, they're figuring out what people want and what people want to see.

Although it doesn't carry the same "prestige" (.. yet?) of a BMW, MB, Lexus, Audi, Acura, etc. you're getting relatively the same size, features, comfort, and performance for a much better value - you're not paying more because of a specific name or logo on the vehicle.

Kudos to Hyundai, i'd like to see the Genesis in person.

JWalkerLegrande - 12/5/2007 2:36:51 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus is electronics technology, quality and customer service. I'd have a problem seeing Lexus as a synonym of prestige. Acura today is so far behind, honestly I see them in line with Volvo and Saab (and I feel truly sad about this, once loved the Legend Coupe).

ZZZZ - 12/6/2007 9:18:18 PM

+2 Boost

lexus can claim as much prestige as the german big 3. unlike them, it offers ONLY v6 and v8 engines across the line. (the is200 excepted; and it's only thrown in the mix for europe)

the german brands' prestige is not only diluted by the 4-banger offerings. now they are offering even cheaper models.

granted, the germans do have a competitive DISadvantage due to currency valuation differences.

Bill - 12/5/2007 2:11:56 PM

+1 Boost

Actually the front looks like a reshaped Lexus LS460/600h. I'm not to crazy about it. The LS looks better, much better.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 5:42:47 PM

+1 Boost

Well, considering it's over twice the price, I'd hope that was true.

w209w114 - 12/5/2007 2:23:36 PM

0 Boost

At first people will buy them because of its low price compared to its competitors, much like Lexus when it started out. If hyndai plays its cards right and makes a good quality reliable car and keeps that amazing warranty, it will reach Lexus in prestige in no time. Although this is their first car its much better compared to the competition than the first Lexus in 1989 (ES250) which literally was a rebadged Camry with leather.

JWalkerLegrande - 12/5/2007 2:26:34 PM

+3 Boost

Funny. Hyundai builds a Phaeton at the price Volkswagen SHOULD HAVE.

w209w114 - 12/5/2007 2:29:45 PM

+1 Boost

I agree although not fully. The Phaeton should have been under 50K and tried to compete with the E-Class and 5 Series. Then they would have had something.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 5:44:36 PM

+1 Boost

This car won't be able to touch the Phaeton.

Think about it. The Phaeton truly did offer an ultra-luxurious interior, with only the highest quality materials and the best engineering. The only thing that didn't match the others in the class was its badge.

The Genesis will most likely be an Acura TL/Lexus ES type car... a far cry from Phaeton-esque.

BMW995 - 12/5/2007 2:29:22 PM

+4 Boost

I compared the size of the Genesis with BMW 5 series, Infiniti M, Acura RL, and Lexus GS. The Genesis is larger than all of them.
Length: Genesis 197", the rest 191-193"
Wheelbase: Genesis 115.6, the rest 110-114"
Width: Genesis 73.3", the rest 70-73"
Actually, in size, the Genesis is between the BMW 5 and 7 series, Lexus: between the GS and LS.
I'm afraid Hyundai will raise the price of this car fairly fast after introduction because it is a tremendous value at the current pricing.

EL34 - 12/5/2007 2:38:23 PM

-4 Boost

There's no way in hell you can compare this Fyundai with a BMW.

;)

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 5:45:54 PM

-2 Boost

I think this car will be more like a Toyota Avalon competitor than anything else, due to its size, which conflicts with the Azera.

EL34 - 12/5/2007 2:35:44 PM

-2 Boost

I sorta like the BMW 3-Series headlights, but for the rest of it - it looks like dog shinola :(

BMW995 - 12/5/2007 3:17:23 PM

+3 Boost

Actually, EL34 I only included the BMW 5 series for a size comparison. I'm well aware that the Genesis will not drive like the BMW. I am surprised that Hyundai made the Genesis that large. I thought it would be near the size of the Mercedes E class and Lexus GS. The big question is how much does the thing weigh?

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 5:48:38 PM

-1 Boost

It looks very nice, but I'm still confused about how this car will ever fit in.

People are comparing it to the Phaeton? This car is nothing like it. The Phaeton was like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the wrong badge. The Gensis may offer lots of EQUIPMENT... but that's no substitute for the engineering or design that VW put into the Phaeton project.

And it will be far too large to compete with the Camcord, or even ES/TL; too expensive to compete with the Avalon. Not expensive enough and not prestigious enough to lure E/5/A6/GS buyers in. And obviously, not even close to the LS/A8/S/7.

So what will it be?

lexusis350 - 12/5/2007 6:02:17 PM

+1 Boost

Basically the point I've been trying to make for the last several months.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2007 12:23:48 AM

+4 Boost

The GT-R WILL do well. It's an incredible car. There will be/is a long waiting list.

THIS car might not. It looks very nice, yes, but I doubt all the people you said will be cross-shopping those with this car. The fact of the matter is that it just doesn't have the badge. Yes, people really do care about that.

lexusis350 - 12/5/2007 5:59:12 PM

0 Boost

This car will start out below $30k AND competes with Lexus? Wow! If I've said it once, I'll say it again: if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

E46MANIA - 12/5/2007 6:47:09 PM

+2 Boost

If I am not mistaken, Genesis will be equipped with 8" LCD GPS NAV and 17 speakers Lexicon sound system which is same system as Rolls Royce!

E46MANIA - 12/5/2007 6:50:37 PM

-3 Boost

How exactly is cheaply made lexus going to compete?

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 8:41:25 PM

+5 Boost

There is no cheaply-made Lexus.

lexusis350 - 12/5/2007 11:28:46 PM

+1 Boost

In fact, when I went in to buy my LS, the dealer told me the 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was worth several thousand dollars. That doesn't sound cheap to me.

E46MANIA - 12/6/2007 1:45:09 AM

-2 Boost

Lexus Mark Levinson sound system for LS has only 10 speakers. Genesis Lexicon sound system much higher end system.
Only Rolls Royce has that system on the market right now.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 12/6/2007 4:29:36 AM

+4 Boost

err do you live in a box? the mark levinson has 19 speakers...

StickShiftCamry - 12/5/2007 10:40:09 PM

-1 Boost

It'll kill ES 350 and Avalon in sales, cuz same price and u get RWD. RWD is RWD and Avalon and ES 350 can't come close.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2007 12:25:49 AM

+2 Boost

I disagree. The people who buy ES's and Avalons DON'T want RWD. If they did they would have IS250s. They want their cars to be completely secure in the winter, which RWD doesn't do, or at least not for most people. I can personally get a RWD car through the winter fairly easily... but most drivers aren't as skilled as those who go on this site.

ZZZZ - 12/6/2007 9:28:50 PM

+1 Boost

s4, for maybe just the 2d time, i agree with you.

rwd is mainly preferred ONLY by enthusiast drivers. fwd is MUCH more practical for everyone else. i have both, and much prefer my fwd vehicle in the winter. (and i can even induce 4 wheel drifts with it!)

M35MT - 12/6/2007 10:13:52 AM

+2 Boost

I actually really like the way it looks...it pulls off the full-size sedan well, in the sense that it looks small when its really big.

richard112360 - 12/6/2007 3:27:19 PM

+3 Boost

Looks Nice!!!!! It will sell like crazy!!

drdonrs - 12/6/2007 5:58:27 PM

+4 Boost

What a laugh. Reading all the laments about copying other designs. Most high end cars have similarities and the design is unique to very few models. If you are really a true car buff, then what does the badge have to do with the quality, ride perception, comfort, etc. I own an 06 Sonata LX6 and an 06 Azera Limited. They are 22 of the best cars I have ever owned and I spent about 10 years driving Acura TL's, Legend and Sterling(remember that one?). I'm in my 70's, and in my younger days did a lot of my own service but can't do it anymore. When will the car public wake up and see that Hyundai is now a respectable vehicle. Look beyond the badge. I live in an upscale community, lots of Lexus, BMW, Benz and such. When I got my Azera I had people staring at it and asking is it really a Hyundai? I can't wait to see the new Genesis and take it for a test ride. Good things are coming from S. Korea.

ZZZZ - 12/6/2007 9:40:59 PM

+4 Boost

good points!

there was a time, 1/2 a century ago, when "Made in Japan" suggested what "Made in Pakistan" does today!

now, it is one the HALLMARKS of HIGH quality!

taiwan and korea are on the FAST TRACK to follow this example. china HOPES to follow too, but is on a slower track.

look at anything that is electronic. chances are it was made in one or the other of the chinas. and the difference between those and japanese electronics is hardly noticeable! heck, many japanese electronics companies have their products assembled in china!

cars, being much more complex, will be a tougher road for china to follow japan on.

but korea is FAST catching up. it is even argued by some that they are CLOSER to japan than many AMERICAN and EUROPEAN makers! and CR seems to verify this view too.

(of course, they'll never have the "heritage" but lexus is proving many buyers don't CARE about that, when the product itself is superior.)

NewBeginning - 12/7/2007 1:23:02 AM

+3 Boost

Genesis of Hyundai indeed.

richard112360 - 12/7/2007 9:15:54 AM

+3 Boost

Bulldogz I disagree with you......How do you think Lexus got a foot in the door of the U.S Luxury car market? Lexus first introduced the LS 400 at a price point of $30,000. Hyundai is simply following Lexus's footsteps.

cRacKhEaDaLLeY - 12/7/2007 4:21:07 PM

+1 Boost

Will there be a Peter Gabriel special edition?

acronis - 12/8/2007 8:58:59 AM

+1 Boost

Incredible. Thats one word to describe Hyundai's resurgence. I have to admit when I first saw the initial spy pics I was less than enthused but as more images have been released I find this vehicle more visually pleasing.

Perhaps its not a 'break-through' design but maybe it doesn't have to be at least not for the market it's intended to appeal. The high value to low cost ratio is the luxury market niche Hyundai is focused on cornering and there is good reason to believe they may hit their mark.

The challenge for Hyundai, in my opinion, is whether they can convince enough of their potential target buyers to look 'beyond-the-badge'?

The answer may probably depend on how well received and perceived the Genesis will be once it arrives on our shores. But there is no doubt this is a game changer for Hyundai.

Game on.