Hyundai is about to launch what it claims is a rival to $US60,000 sports sedans with a starting price under $30,000.
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The rear-wheel drive Genesis with available high-output V8 engine, claimed to “deliver world-class driving dynamics” makes its public debut at the Detroit motor show on 13 January and is aimed primarily at the US market.
The new car is built on Hyundai’s new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture and will be offered with proven 3.3- and 3.8-litre V6 engines plus a new 4.6-litre Tau V8.
In the US, the Tau engine will produce an estimated 368 horsepower on regular (87-octane) fuel, and is claimed to lead all its competitors in specific output with 80hp per litre. It is pared with a mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control
The 3.3- and 3.8-litre V6 engines produce 268hp and 289 hp, respectively. Both come with an Aisin six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission with overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. All engines meet US Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification levels.
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By GlobalDataGenesis features include XM NavTraffic, adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), smart cruise control, Lexicon audio systems and electronic active head restraints.
“While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS,” said Hyundai Motor America head of product development and strategic planning John Krafcik.
“Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments.”
Safety features include electronic stability control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints as standard.
Five-link suspension is used front and rear.
Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs are standard and a navigation system with eight-inch display and backup camera is optional.
Additional luxury features include premium leather heated and cooled driver’s seat, automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor, rain-sensing wipers, ultraviolet reflective steering wheel, automatic electronic parking brake, power rear sunshade, adaptive front lighting system, proximity key and pushbutton starter.
