Genesis R Spec Turns Detroit Columnist Into A True Believer

When the Hyundai Genesis sedan arrived, I questioned whether anyone would spend that much money for a Hyundai. The rear-wheel drive sedan was well-appointed and offered a great ride, but I never imagined the Hyundai badge as something good.

People who want status buy it through nameplates like BMW, Mercedes, Cadillac and Lexus. Certainly, there are some up-and-coming badges, too, but none of them hail from South Korea.

Wow, was I wrong.

The Genesis sedan still offers a great ride and remains tricked out with subtle luxury that feels understated and posh. But the Hyundai name has even seen a bit of a transformation over the past few years, beginning with its assurance program that promised to buy back your car if you lost your job.

It was absolute genius. Hyundai's reputation went through the roof for the price of a few hundred cars. The brand continues to grow faster than most in the industry.

But, more importantly, Hyundai seems to understand that reputation will take a company only so far. The proof is on the blacktop and the slightly improved 2012 Genesis 5.0 R Spec charts new territory for a brand that is full of surprises.

maltbarley - 10/17/2011 4:38:06 PM

+2 Boost

"Yeah, it was true genius to steal Saturn's return policy..."

When my kids don't finish their plates and it's something good, I say, "are you going to eat that? no? good."

Don't fault the opportunists; fault those that leave the opportunity there.

maltbarley - 10/17/2011 4:49:10 PM

+1 Boost

As far as the article is concerned:
Dick Van Patton - Eight is Enough? Good lord.

Also, I hope the writer isn't prone to slamming on those 13.6" brakes when he encounters oversteer.

Joe_Limon - 10/17/2011 5:19:31 PM

-2 Boost

lol, huu. Is it also stealing to use round wheels?

raikkonen - 10/18/2011 8:58:14 AM

-1 Boost

Not as wicked as those awesome Audi headlights on the Lexus GS and CT. Lexus obviously forced the Audi LED's on the CT...it doesn't even form a straight line, they had to skip an LED or 2, just so they can copy that look.

jtz7 - 10/17/2011 6:44:40 PM

-1 Boost

Audi's fault for leaving their headlights in plainsight I guess.

Lol. Ignoring that it's Honda's fault for leaving the Ridgeline's headlights in plain sight so that the Tribute would still them.

"Yeah, it was true genius to steal Saturn's return policy"
Ignoring that other manufacturers also has or had a return policy too.

"Strange that you can buy an Accent for $330/month for 5 years yet you can't get anywhere near that with the competition,"

Suzuki can't do that neither? Damn. They cheap too but since it's not Korean, Suzuki is as expensive.

1c3am5 - 10/18/2011 11:06:32 AM

+2 Boost

Can't see the entire article from my work computer, but I'll guess it's Mark Phlegm, one of the most sensationalistic hacks working the laughable Detroit newspaper scene.

Joe_Limon - 10/18/2011 12:33:58 PM

+2 Boost

"Scott Burgess"