Hyundai Genesis specifications
9 Jan, 2008
32 Comments 
Hyundai has today officially launched the exciting Genesis luxury sports sedan which has taken the company a good four years and $600 million to develop.
Hyundai is the first to admit it has used top-end luxury cars as a benchmark. The Korean company notes the BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Lexus GS range as some of the cars that have inspired the Genesis.
Not that we can complain. Surely if Hyundai can make a car equal to its benchmarks, for even half the price, would you say no?
“Genesis is the pride of Hyundai technology and symbolises our determination to enter the highly competitive arena of luxury cars now dominated by the Europeans. Genesis will consolidate our position as the leader of the Korean auto industry and will pave the way forward for our leap into the global market,” Chairman and CEO Chung Mong-Koo.
The first and most important change for Hyundai was breaking with a two decade long tradition and going for a rear-wheel-drive platform. The Genesis utilises a newly designed rear-wheel-drive platform with an almost perfect 53:47 front:rear weight distribution.
Many believe Hyundai will be the next Toyota, going after world dominance with nothing to lose, in order to do that though, the company not only needs to meet benchmarks set by the competition, but surpass them.
In order to better the competition Hyundai has deployed a few new methods to improve build quality, the most notable one is the use of adhesive bonding which is used to supplement the traditional body welding process. Hyundai now uses dual joining techniques—adhesive and welding— to ensure a more rigid body.
Hyundai says the Genesis’ critical seams are joined using an adhesive coating which creates a high-strength chemical bond. This is then supplemented with traditional multiple spot welds to yield unmatched joint quality and body stiffness.
All this work means a good 12-14 per cent higher dynamic torsional rigidity than a BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Lexus LS. Now there is something you don’t read everyday!
The Korean specification Genesis comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags, electronic active head restraints, ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as well as Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights.
Powering this newly built chassis are three engine choices:
- 3.3-litre 192kW V6 with a fuel economy of 10L/100km
- 3.8-litre 213kW V6 with a fuel economy of 10.4L/100km
- 4.6-litre ~280kW V8 engine will be released later in the year.
Hyundai have utilised Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake and exhaust camshafts as well as a Variable Intake System (VIS) for better efficiency and low and high RPM.
All engine choices are mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy.
Taking a page out of technology generally more associaited with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Hyundai has installed a forward-looking radar in Genesis’ Smart Cruise Control system. This enables the car to adjust speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
Entertainment is taken care of by a 30GB hard disk enabled entertainment system (CD/DVD/MP3 personal audio such as i-Pod) with mobile with Bluetooth connectivity and TV.
In another benchmark for Hyundai, the company is using Lexicon speaker systems – the only other car manufacturer that uses Lexicon is Rolls Royce! The Genesis is available with up to 17 speakers and a 12-channel 528W amplifier.
By now it should be clear that Hyundai has gone all out on the Genesis to prove a point, Korean can be good. The best example of the state of the art systems implemented is the Sachs sports-tuned electronic air suspension which raises or lowers the vehicle height to optimize aerodynamics and improve road-holding during high speed driving.
Five years ago if someone had told us that a Hyundai will be using Lexicon speakers with a rear-wheel drive V8 powered design, plus air suspension, we would have laughed uncontrollably – but here we are.
The United States, China, Middle East and Korea will get their hands on the Genesis before we do. The car will be available in three trim levels:
- Grand
- Luxury
- Royal
Hyundai expects to sell 35,000 Genesis units this year with 80,000 units planned for 2009.
Now that you’ve managed to sort through all the goodies, the big question still remains, when does Australia get the Genesis? Well, we should first be asking if we will even get the car at all.
“The Genesis is a great looking car and a very exciting prospect for Hyundai. If we were to launch it in Australia it would be post 2009.” said Kevin McCann, Director Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motor Company Australia.
As you can see the response is clear – “if we were to launch it…“. But there is no reason to think the Genesis won’t make it to Australia as it (and the sports coupe) will be the luxury halo car that Hyundai so desperately needs.
Perhaps the only reason it will be delayed is due to a shortage, from all that we have heard, the Genesis seems to be best Hyundai to date and the sales will surely reflect this.
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January 9th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Doesn’t the rear qtr look like a 5 series !!
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I was about to say the same thing Boggy, rest of the car is fine, but that tail is a little too 5 series for me.
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
If you ask me, the tail-lights look EXACTLY like the ones on teh new Ford Mondeo.
The headlights look like they were taken straight from the Toyota Aurion.
Otherwise this could sure be interesting…
Oh and the “forward looking radar” ie, laser guided cruise control, isn’t really an exclusivity anymore (eg. only found in S Class) as it can be found in many cars including the BMW’s 3 Series and the Lexus IS250 (might i add it’s standard on the Sports Luxury model).
Vote:Although i suppose, it’ll definately be nice to have these features in a car cheaper than the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS250.
January 9th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
If Hyundai are setting their standards on todays Mercs, Audis & BMWs then they will always be a step behind in the development of the car. The technology will be current for only a short period of time until the competition release new models which have already been in development for the past couple of years. The concept of a cheap copy of luxury German cars reminds me of the Ssangyong Chairman, although I think it will be alot more sucessful!
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
$600M U.S.?
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
So it will be like a cheaper Lexus, which in turn is a cheaper Merc/BMW.
I think this is going to suffer the Kmart Syndrome. Sure it will be just as good as the Designer Clothes and Cheaper, but it will be a season to late and always behind the crowd.
The engine is ordinary (an Aurion is more powerful for the same fuel consumption). The gadgets have all been done before, so what does it have? A rigid body? I have never seen someone talk about how awesome there car is for its rigidness.
I’ts cheaper however, so is the Lexus and its not like the Lexus is the class leader.
I think they need raise the bar on all fronts before they will be taken seriously. As it stands now its like reduced stock at Coles before it expires… Cheaper version of something that is old and done.
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Looks boring.
Problem – How much are people willing to pay for a Hyundai
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Well I think that this is a positive step for Hyundai! It shows you can make a high quality car and not have to put $100,000’s of dollars on the price tag…
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Also, all I the comments I have read on Car Advice lately sound like they have come from the media – aka pessimist’s ‘r’ us! Brighten up everyone!
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
First of all no mention of price, so we don’t know.
In outright terms it might not be better than ze Germans, and the Germans will always have that appeal.
But there is a huge market for people who appreciate a car for what it HAS not what it isn’t.
It is likely this will be a very comfortable, luxurious car. How you feel when you drive it is important, not the badge.
It always comes to value for money. Don’t think Hyundai haven’t done their market research either. Some people will pay less to get a car almost as good (or better) than the current Germans. Others won’t even look twice because it isn’t German.
As for future, well they’ll keep updating it just as BMW and Merc does, right?
It isn’t an exciting design, but I think the target demographic probably won’t care. It is certainly no Avalon.
It won’t be perfect, but it will be a fantastic first crack at the uber-luxury market for Hyundai.
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
looks alright to me.. hyundai is doing – i30 is good. if only the gensis had a diesel option. now that will be logic as feul prices are going up and the feul consumption quoted are seldom attained in real world driving eg in traffic. Also the weight of the car will be in the ball park of a falcon. But good on hyundai of making safe and quality cars at affordable price with great warranty. I admit I cant affort BMW/Lexus and their car service fees and am looking forward to this car.
A poor man’s BMW.
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
17 speakers…………….bloody hell! I’d say that Hyundai has Hired a Ex BMW empoyee desingn worker!
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
LOVE GTR, I couldn’t agree more with you, yes it has all these luxury features and stuff, but it all comes at a cost, and I have doubt that Hyundai will sell very many unless its priced right, but then I am sure they don’t want to lose money in the process either.
Vote:January 9th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Derivative, but nicely done.
Vote:January 10th, 2008 at 8:37 am
I heard 50K USD..
so maybe 80~90K AUD
it looks okay I think. Again, a 80~90K Hyundai… who will pay?
need a luxury brand name. “Genesis” aint it… but this luxury attempt is nice indeed.
Vote:January 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Who on the earth can offer you a sedan just as good as (or even better) than Germans with price that isn’t half the Germans?
Here is some pictures of cabin and exterior recently taken in South Korea.
http://www.bobaedream.com/boar.....;Answer=46
You can see dashboard and centre facia nicely wrapped up in reddish brown leather, which I suppose not a lot of brands have attempted to do so far; this would resolve the issue of originality.
The current Chairman of Hyundai has commited himself to the development of this sedan throught the time it has taken. I guess this shows how Hyundai has been committed to its quality when it comes to head-to-head competion with Germans and Japanese imports.
Vote:January 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hyundai has done a great job on this car considering they’ve only spent $600million on it, compared to Holdens billion dollars on the VE commodore. Its a huge leap forward for hyundai, and im glad that they have attempted the seemingly impossible. The genesis looks pretty good, but i still think that the front and rear ends of the concept looked heaps better and more original than the production model.
Vote:January 10th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Well if they release it with 3.8lt 213kw version at AU$ 37,000 with 5year warranty people would strongly consider it.
Vote:V8 version priced just above Aurion would be good too.
January 11th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
It sounds like the Ford,Holden,Toyota camps are paranoid
Vote:about its release.They are knocking it already.
If the pricing of the v6 is inline with other 6 cylinder Australian cars what then?
January 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
starting from $US44,000 (AU$49,796) in the US.
Vote:January 13th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I reckon it will do exceptional well and if i30 is any consideration for massive improvements – then the Genesis is a winner. I support Ford Falcon as got one and unreal and dont support one car maker outright. Toyota’s have great range and then just behind that range I like Hyundai.
Vote:January 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Dam top looking slick car and if JBOT quotes correct prices – Iam in to buy when released! Beautiful classy expensive look to it!
Vote:January 13th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
The side-view is definitely E60 piracy, but it’s really strange why other manufacturers copy Bangle-designed cars instead of more handsome ones. The Lexus LS side panels are also derived from BMW, this time the goofy 7-Series, although the Japs managed to come up with a better looking car. Going back to the 5-Series, the headlights of the Epica and some Citroens are obviously photocopied from that car.
Vote:January 13th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Prices from CarPoint NM
Vote:January 13th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Cheers JBOT!
Vote:January 17th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Sure if looks like the 5-series, but you have to applaud Hyundai for the effort. Those who have dreamt of owning a Bima 5 series, but couldn’t afford one are going to be heading to a Hyundai dealership to get their dream look alike for nearly half the price. Just like the Chrysler 300 as a Bentley look alike.
Vote:January 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I love this car and i would pay whatever it cost to get the V8 280kw engine, in my opinion its worth it! Can’t wait till i recieve it :)
Vote:March 18th, 2008 at 9:43 am
I am the actual owner of GENESIS in South Korea. In Korean version, they have night vision in the center of the gauge(not even mercedes S class has this feature), multi-vision plasma, auto de-fog system, lexicon speakers with dolby 5.1 surrounding system, and most impoertantly, large space & keen leather finish… I is $74000 in US dollar in Korea..BMW 7 series + Mercedes S class + Rolls Royce Features in BMW 3 series price?
Vote:P.S. Just letting you know that I sold my love Cayeen S..
It really does worth a lot to me at least..
March 18th, 2008 at 10:06 am
LOOKS LIKE THE KOREAN HOLDENWOO EPICA VERY BLAND AND BOXY….
Vote:July 20th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
i think it looks like the new honda accord?
Vote:July 23rd, 2008 at 6:10 pm
the car looks good but not impresive its as said a cheaper copy of LUXES, if they improve the front and rear then its could be something to think about.
interior quality must be high to atract consumers
the car dimention must be equal or exceed the Lux 4.6 to be atractive.
finaly relaiability and price will be the making or breaking for this car.
Vote:June 26th, 2009 at 12:12 am
This car was awarded the best car of the 2008 for its powerful v8 motor. It is faster than your fatty commodore!
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