First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

[Merc1]

Luxury by Numbers: On paper, the Genesis is all the luxury car you need


Numbers. It's all about the numbers. Longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase and shorter turning radius than BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, and Lexus ES. Lower coefficient of drag, 0.27, and better fuel economy than most. A stiffer body than those of the Bimmer, Benz, and the Lexus LS 430 (Hyundai sees much of the Lexus range as its competition). Its optional Tau V-8 is "best-in-class," making more horses (375) than V-8s in the 550i, E550, GS 460, or Infiniti M45 and does 0-to-60 mph in well under six seconds. It's built in the world's largest auto factory, Hyundai's 1.62-million unit-per-year Ulsan plant.


2009 Hyundai Genesis - First Drive - Motor Trend


Too bad they're wrong about the hp on the E550, it has 382hp, more than the Hyundai's 375.


M

 

[Choleric]

I like this car, a lot.

 

[Giannis]

Looks interesting, but still a Huyndai..

 

[Loose_Moose]

Looks interesting, but still a Huyndai..

Hyundai's aren't what they used to be, I have a Tiburon, which drives quite well and my dad has a new Santa Fe, which he and my step mom actually prefer to their Saab and Cadillac. I've driven it a few times and it's really not that bad and has proved to be quite reliable too...

I'd very much like for this car to come to South Africa so that I can see it in person (but I don't know how likely that is, since we didn't get the Veracruz either), but on paper it looks really good. Oh, and the V8 engine power isn't that bad if you take into consideration that it is a 4.6l (the E550 might make 7hp more, but it's got a 5.5l V8)

 

[Centurion]

Finally is begins rolling out to the press. This is my favorite Asian car at the moment. Now give us a proper review. I can easily see myself buying this car over a Volvo or a Lexus. Hyundai deserve major props. The exterior design is attractive and so is the interior and the choice of materials.

 

[Giannis]

Hyundai's aren't what they used to be, I have a Tiburon, which drives quite well and my dad has a new Santa Fe, which he and my step mom actually prefer to their Saab and Cadillac. I've driven it a few times and it's really not that bad and has proved to be quite reliable too...

I'd very much for this car to come to South Africa so that I can see it in person (but I don't know how likely that is, since we didn't get the Veracruz either), but on paper it looks really good. Oh, and the V8 engine power isn't that bad if you take into consideration that it is a 4.6l (the E550 might make 7hp more, but it's got a 5.5l V8)

Well, i have driven the EuroSpec Elantra and wasn't satisfied a lot. I have also test driven the current Getz. I don't know what the american line-up is, but i think that the european one definitely needs improvement..

 

[coolraoul]

Well, i have driven the EuroSpec Elantra and wasn't satisfied a lot. I have also test driven the current Getz. I don't know what the american line-up is, but i think that the european one definitely needs improvement..

No, no...It's the American cars line-up that needs improvement and can't stand against a Hyndai, whereas any European car makes one clear that a Hyundai is only a Hyundai...

Seriously, that car ain't bad looking. But the grille!! What the hell is that?? Looks like nothing, and it doesn't even has a logo on it!! First car I've ever seen without brand on it (at the front of course), it's stupid!

 

[Germaniac]

Seriously, that car ain't bad looking. But the grille!! What the hell is that?? Looks like nothing, and it doesn't even has a logo on it!! First car I've ever seen without brand on it (at the front of course), it's stupid!

Well, when it's a choice between a Hyundai badge or no badge, apparently Hyundai thinks no badge is classier.

True self belief right there.

 

[ateekt]

I'll stick with the same, I always thought about this car ;

"I hope just like it's value, it's a great car as well"

 

[Loose_Moose]

Well, i have driven the EuroSpec Elantra and wasn't satisfied a lot. I have also test driven the current Getz. I don't know what the american line-up is, but i think that the european one definitely needs improvement..

We also get Euro-spec models here, but I haven't driven the Getz / Elantra / Accent yet and as far as what I'm concerned many of Hyundai's cars here in South Africa are a tad overpriced, but if you look at the cars higher up on their model lineup (like the Tiburon and the Santa Fe), like this Genesis would be, they aren't such bad cars.

 

[Kowalski]

In the past, I may have said that in the end still was a Hyundai.

But now I'm starting to like this car... a lot.

 

[automech]

This is one beautiful work of automotive machinery. I'll reserve judgment until some actual reviews come out. However, it definitely sounds like it will crush the BMW 5 series (3 series is tiny in comparison), while competing with the Infiniti M45, Lexus GS430 and Mercedes E500. The coupe version of the Genesis looks red hot too and will sell a ton for Hyundai. I'm not sure how well the Genesis will sell, but the Azera has been growing in popularity proving that the Hyundai name is gaining momentum with luxury car buyers.
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[Merc1]

Crush the 5-Series? You've got to be kidding. This Super Hyundai isn't even trying to be sporty, meaning a 5-Series will slaughter it on any road, anywhere, anytime.

M

 

[PanterroR]

True, Marcus.

"Crushing 5er, while competing with Infiniti, Lexus and Merc..."

 

[Centurion]

The car is more aimed at the E-class, a proper luxury executive sedan.