South Korea's largest automaker, Hyundai, continues riding a wave of good vibes. In the 2009 model year, the upscale Genesis sport sedan was introduced to battle entry luxury rivals from Infiniti, Cadillac and Lexus; marking the company's first rear-wheel-drive foray. One year later, Hyundai added a two-door Genesis coupe. Feeling its oats, Hyundai dared to dream grander. Its next bold maneuver saw the introduction of Equuis, a low-volume, full-size luxury-appointed sedan eyeing the likes of the BMW 7 Series.
At the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its most potent Genesis to date, a thunderous, 5.0-liter V-8 powered 5.0 R Spec pumping out 429 horses now at dealers. Only Genesis sedans offer V-8 engines. In the mood for lighter under-hood fare? Genesis coupes sport a 2.0-liter turbo charged four cylinder with available six-speed manual transmission.
Hyundai Motors America focuses primarily on sedans and smaller car-based crossovers, with starting pricing and horsepower output combinations rivals find tough to match. Pickup trucks and large sport utilities aren't in the mix. Even family-friendly minivans have been a tough go with the V-6 powered Entourage lasting only one generation from 2007 to 2009. What Hyundai does offer is one of the longest powertrain warranties; 10 years or 100,000 miles. More than anything else, this marketing salvo saved the automaker from near extinction in the North American market in the late 1990s. In October of 2011, Hyundai ranked as the sixth most popular auto brand sold in America behind the domestic Big Three, Toyota and Honda.
Genesis sedans sport three trims each housing their own unique powertrain. Our tester, the Genesis 3.8 sports the sole V-6 engine, a 3.8-liter (thus, the Genesis 3.8 designation), gasoline direct injected Lambda engine delivering an impressive 333 horsepower. Of the trio, the 3.8-liver V-6 is the most fuel efficient at 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Potent V-8 engines power the other trims: a 4.6-liter, 32-valve V8 delivers 385 horsepower while the new for 2012 5.0-liter V-8 cranks out 429 (and powers Hyundai's elegant Equus). Both V-8s recommend premium fuel while the 3.8 V-6 utilizes regular unleaded to fill the 19.3 gallon tank.
All three 2012 Genesis sedan engines are mated to a new for 2012 eight-speed electronic automatic transmission replacing a six-speed variant. It's the first eight-speed transmission (delivering better fuel economy and driving dynamics) offered by a non-luxury brand. This octo trans comes with shiftronic input, allowing drivers to manually control forward gear shifts without a foot clutch by maneuvering the floor mounted shifter. While Hyundai's volume-leading front-drive Sonata now offers a gas-electric hybrid engine, Genesis does not.
Additional 2012 tweaks include daytime running lights and LED headlight accents. Also, front brake rotor size increases for more responsive stops.
All three trims include electronic push-button start. When activated, a welcoming audio opus sounds. When exiting, a calming six-note chime (in the key of F Sharp major perhaps) sounds as the power telescoping-tilt steering column maneuvers a few inches out of the way for a cleaner get away. While the four-spoke power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is covered in soft-feel leather, vertically enhanced drivers may desire a higher elevation, as even the top stop can partially obstruct instrument panel view. The wheel's face is home to right-side cruise control functions and audio volume adjustments to the left.
The elegant, soft-touch serpentine-like dash snakes outward in the center. Both fuel door and trunk release levers are conveniently located on the driver's door, not the floor. Bright while lighting illuminates entry and exits. The semi-flat, three-dimensional instrument panel with elegant white backlighting utilizes smallish analog gauges (two three-quarter circles flanked by quarter circles) and center digital display.
A center-mounted, in-dash, eight-inch multi-purpose view screen is surrounded by vertical air vents. Below is a series of brushed aluminum push buttons summoning dual temperature control functions. Commanding navigation and audio functions is a rotating palm-push dial found aft of the shiftronic transmission between buckets. The driver's right hand rotates the large chrome dial and its corresponding on-screen highlights. Pushing the dial down selects the indicated highlights. Navigation comes standard in the two V-8 trims while optional in the V-6
Thin, silver pin striping adorns the dash and doors, contrasting with our mostly black interior. Genesis locates the USB port and auxiliary electronic jacks along with 12-volt plug-in receptacle between the buckets and inside an arm rest/storage bin. Standard heated side mirrors (with blinker bands) are welcome during chilly November mornings. Mirror under pads illuminate when unlocking via the key pad and fold inward when locking.
Our tester, a V-6 powered Genesis 3.8 started at $34,200, the lowest-priced trim. The bottom line after factoring a $4,000 technology package and $4,800 premium package came to $43,035. A Genesis sedan sporting the 4.6-liter V-8 checks in at $44,500 while the 5.0 R-Spec lists at $46,500. During the past couple of years, Hyundai made a conscious decision to simplify the number of option combinations to simplify a sometimes convoluted, head-spinning process. Less options translate to more standard equipment, good news for Genesis consumers.
Technology and Premium packages are optional in V-6 models. The V-8-powered 4.6 and 5.0 trims includes most premium and technology nuances standard. The technology package adds to V-6 models: in-dash navigation system, electronic parking brake, upgraded stereo, lane departure warning, driver seat cooling and leather seating surfaces with heated rear seats. Premium package adds a sunroof, power rear sunshade and sharp-looking 18-inch silver alloy wheels.
Rear-drive vehicles include a vertical transmission floor hump down the center. Its presence does not dampen or diminish promised five-passenger capacity. Three adults fit together in row two with generous head and leg room. A center arm rest folds down, revealing dual cup holders and optional heated rear seat controls (and a pass-though window to the truck). Seat backs, however, don't fold down.
Measuring 196.8 inches in length, Genesis is more than six inches longer than the mid-size Hyundai Sonata, positioning between a larger mid-size or smaller full-size four door. Extra girth is apparent when swinging open rear doors. Leg clearance is plentiful entering or exiting. It's understated elegance is in line with mid-size German sedans. The grille's large center nose is flanked by vertical, waterfall-like cascades. Projector-style headlights tucked inside narrow housing flank the grille. The circular Hyundai logo is no where up front but notable on the trunk lid. Side doors sport strap-like, body colored openers. The relatively spacious 15.9 cubic-foot trunk has interior hinges ensconced by soft-touch materials allowing stowed items to remain scrunch free. A temporary spare tucks under the flat floor. Dual square-tip exhausts come standard.
Even in Chicago's four-season tundra, smooth-riding, rear drive is applicable year round thanks to electronic stability/traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. Benefits of Genesis's rear drive include an exceptionally subtle, non-floaty experience guest travelers were quick to note. Drivers are connected with the road thanks to comparable light weight (3,900 pounds) and impressive torque numbers (291 lbs.-ft.).
One key rival, the Lexus GS sport sedan, gets completely revamped for 2013 with dealership arrival scheduled for next February. The 2011 version starts at $46,900 for all-wheel-drive V-6, 303-horsepower models. Lexus GS skips the 2012 model year.
At a Glance
Price as tested: $43,035
Engine: 24-valve, V-6
Horsepower: 333
Overall Length: 196.3 inches
Wheelbase: 115.6 inches
Curb Weight: 3,900 pounds
Mileage Estimates City/Highway: 19/29
Assembly: Ulsan, South Korea
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