2009 Hyundai Genesis. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Hyundai Genesis
Detroit, Michigan - Based on the Concept Genesis Coupe shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2007, the new 2009 Hyundai Genesis mid-size luxury sedan features rear-wheel drive and available V6 and V8 powerplants.
"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "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."
The Genesis is built on Hyundai's all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-litre and 3.8-litre V6 engines, and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-litre "Tau" V8 mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. The Tau will produce an estimated 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded leading all competitors in specific output with 79.5 to 81.0 horsepower per litre. This powertrain combination will launch the Genesis to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.
The Genesis has a near ideal 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and the rear-wheel-drive layout allowed engineers to position the car's front wheels farther forward delivering better handling and steering performance. Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), further enhances the vehicle's driving safety.
Inside, the Hyundai Genesis has more interior volume than Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series, says the company. The use of high tensile steel in critical areas in the unibody provides the Genesis with 12-14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight than the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class - despite having a substantially larger cabin than either of those cars.
The Genesis features XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon audio systems and electronic active head restraints.
