REVELATIONS
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Mar 15, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff


Our test vehicle was fully loaded, having the benefit of an all-mighty
368-horsepower DOHC, 32-valve V8 and the Technology Package, which includes a
528-Watt, 17-speaker Lexicon Logic 7 Discrete 7.1 audio system with HD and
satellite radio, six-DVD changer, integrated Bluetooth, rear backup camera, GPS
navigation system, high-intensity discharge self-leveling headlights, an
adaptive lighting system, front and rear parking assist sonar system, and
air-conditioned seating.
The 4.6 liter V8 Genesis has a number of standard features that are optional on
the base model, including 18-inch wheels with P235/50R18 tires, chrome lower
bodyside moldings, ultra-premium leather seating surfaces (as opposed to the
non-ultra-premium variety), a beautifully stitched, leather-wrapped dash and
door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, a Lexicon®
14-speaker surround sound audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer,
illuminated door sill scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel,
electrochromic outside mirrors, a power rear sunshade, and rain-sensing wipers
with an automatically defogging windshield.
Having driven the base model, however, I can attest that the overall goodness of
the Genesis shines through even on the least-expensive version. The
290-horsepower V6 on the base model is more than quick enough for virtually
anyone other than quarter-mile drag racers (it is, in fact, as quick as the V8 from
0-to-60 mph). The six-speed Shiftronic provides the alternative of sequential
manual shifting, offering sporty driving in all models if you so choose.
Even the base model comes with a cornucopia of standard features. In addition to
the aforementioned Shiftronic automatic transmission, the standard equipment
includes leather seating surfaces with heated and powered front seats, a
leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls an electroluminescent
instrument cluster, proximity entry with electric push button start, dual front
fully automatic HVAC, an interior electrochromic mirror with HomeLink®
integrated transceiver and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM with iPod® / USB & Aux input
jacks, a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, Electronic Stability Control, front
and rear seat-mounted side airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags,
electronic active front head restraints, fog lights, automatic headlights,
acoustic laminated windshield and front side glass, and dual power heated
body-colored side mirrors with turn signal indicators.
The 17-speaker Lexicon discrete 7.1 surround sound system ranks as one of the
best factory sound systems that money can buy. The premium Lexicon uses 11
channels to make the sound more life-like. Given the right source material, the
Lexicon delivers a three-dimensionality that compares favorably to the best home
theater systems. Even better than most movie theaters, the Lexicon uses its 17
speakers to keep the sound seamless as it moves from left to right or front to
back. Lexicon uses what it calls Logic7 technology to make sure that a balanced
sound stage can be heard in all seating positions.
There is very little in the way of criticism that can be thrown in the direction
of the Genesis. One might accuse the design to be derivative, as there are body lines that
remind one of Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti. As a whole, however, it looks very balanced.
And unlike some of its competitors, the front, sides, rear, and roof of the Genesis form
a very cohesive design - as if it was all penned by the same artist.
The driving experience of the Hyundai Genesis is also reminiscent of the global
greats. While always comfortable, the car responds like the exemplary rear-wheel
drive sport sedan that it is. Moreover, the car feels as solid as a rock and
unusually quiet for a sedan with such sporting inclinations.
Above all else, however, it's the quality of the car that shines through. The
fit and finish of the interior surpasses anything near its price range. Inside
and out, the hardware feels like its of the highest quality. At $32,250 for the
base V6 and $37,250 for the V8, the Hyundai Genesis establishes a new benchmark
for large, upscale sedans.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
After living with the Hyundai Genesis for the good part of a week, it's clear
that this car company is going places - make room for another first-tier brand.
For more information about Hyundai products, go to www.hyundaiusa.com
For LA Car's review of the Lexicon discrete 7.1 premium audio system in the
Genesis, click here
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
Hyundai Genesis sedan
Price:
$32,250 (V6 base model)
$37,250 (V8 model)
$41,250 (as tested, V8 with Technology Package)
EPA mileage rating
18 mpg/city and 27 mpg/highway
17 mpg/city and 25 mpg/highway
Engine:
4.6 liter 32-valve DOHC V8 with CVVT
Horsepower:
368 at 6550 rpm
(375 at 6550 rpm with premium fuel)
Torque:
324 pound-feet at 4500 rpm
(333 pound-feet at 4500 rpm with premium fuel)
Transmission:
6-speed automatic with shift interlock and SHIFTRONIC®
Drive configuration:
Rear-wheel drive
Suspension:
Multi-link (5) independent front suspension
Multi-link (5) independent rear suspension
Brakes:
Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
Includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS),
four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brake Force
Distribution (EBD)
Dimensions:
Length: 195.9 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 58.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4006 pounds