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2009 Hyundai Genesis If there is one thing to be said about Korean automaker Hyundai, it is that they are impatient. While it took nearly 50 years for Japanese brands to be permanently rooted in America with domestic plants, a diverse range of products, and large market share, Hyundai is doing it in half the time, and their latest salvo takes on the big guns of the global luxury market, the Genesis. It's a rear drive four-door that is also impatient for success. Hyundai expects their 2009 Genesis flagship sedan to be a true breakout product, changing their image from a mass marketer to a premium brand and paving the way for the Genesis Coupe and other luxury-sport models to come. The world first laid eyes on this BMW 5-Series pretender at the 2007 New York Auto Show. Initial impressions were of a substantial four-door, with graceful lines and reflection pool-like surfaces. In production form, the large, chrome grille, with no Hyundai "H" anywhere to be found, is bordered by jeweled lamp clusters with optional auto-leveling HID headlights. The Genesis profile also speaks premium with a finely sculpted shape from stem to stern, that's brightened with splashes of chrome. While the back-end continues the premium theme, adorned with wraparound LED tail lamps and shiny dual exhaust pipes.
The V8's music pours from a standard 11-speaker Lexicon sound system, the brand also used in the Rolls Royce Phantom. With eight standard airbags and electronic active head restraints, front and side five-star safety ratings were assured. The wide rear seat makes room for three and has it own climate controls. There's a chunky cup holder armrest, which hides a small trunk pass-thru. The trunk itself is large, measuring in at 15.9 cubic feet. Under the hood, the rear-drive Genesis defines its luxury with two variable timing engines. There's a familiar 3.8 liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. Or there's Hyundai's new Tau 4.6-liter V8, their first 8 cylinder for the U.S. It generates a brawny 375 horses and 333 pound-feet of torque. That's more horsepower but slightly less torque than "eights" found in the Lexus GS and the Infiniti M. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Our test V8 yielded Government Fuel Economy ratings of 17 city/25 highway. We drove 21 miles-per-gallon on premium gas. Genesis V8 Energy Impact Score is a high 18 barrels of oil consumed per year, while its carbon footprint measures 9.6 annual tons of CO2 emitted. On the track, our V8 Genesis was a delightful surprise, charging from 0 to 60 in a fast 5.8 seconds, and sprinting the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 103 miles-per-hour. The V8 maintains a strong build throughout the run. Shifts are smooth, well-spaced, and fall right into the heart of the power band. In terms of driving dynamics, the Genesis sports a nearly perfectly balanced chassis, with standard stability and traction control. The sophisticated suspension is defined by five-link geometries in the front and back.
Stopping power comes from four-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist. Stops were stable and fade free, averaging a fine 126 feet from 60 to 0. There was, however, a goodly amount of nose dive. But you won't get a nose bleed when it comes time to buy. The Genesis 3.8 starts at $33,000, while the Genesis 4.6 begins at $38,000. That's over $10,000 under rivals, and includes a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The 2009 Genesis is a terrific effort by Hyundai to make a splash in the luxury segment and no less impressive than Lexus and Infiniti with their first models. Still, we know that some buyers will be unable to see past its Hyundai badging, no matter how discretely it's used. But, as impatient as Hyundai is, we're also sure that any stumbling blocks encountered by Genesis will be quickly swept away.
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Inside, the Genesis also shines with fit, finish, and soft touch materials that are equal or better than European rivals. The artful dash unites flowing lines with leather, aluminum, and wood trim. Gauges standout, while controls express a higher-end guise. The standard leather, heated seats are comfy and supportive, with power adjust for both driver and passenger.
Through the twisties, Genesis is far more agile than many large sedans. Relatively soft springs allow modest body roll, but turn-ins are quick. Steering is fast, if a little light, and the rear-end is just loose enough to be fun. The result is a well-mannered handler. Maybe not in BMW's league yet, but certainly competitive with other Asian luxury rivals.