- What We Know
- Hyundai will attempt to muscle its way into new turf occupied by premium European, Japanese and American brands when its all-new 2009 Genesis sedan arrives at U.S. dealerships this summer, priced from less than $30,000. It is the first product to be built on Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive architecture; a sport coupe, previewed last fall at the Los Angeles show, will follow in production in late 2008 or early 2009.
The Genesis sedan will offer a choice of three DOHC engines in the U.S. - a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque; a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 264 lb-ft and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 rated at 368 hp and 324 lb-ft. The V8 will be mated to a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox, while the V6 engines will use an Aisin six-speed automatic. Both transmissions have manual shift capability.
Hyundai says the Genesis V8 will accelerate from zero to 60 in less than 6.0 seconds.
Among the technical highlights are adaptive headlamps, adaptive cruise control, Lexicon premium audio system with XM NavTraffic radio, as well as USB and iPod auxiliary inputs. Options include a navigation system and rear back-up camera.
Standard safety gear includes electronic active head restraints, electronic stability control, rain-sensing wipers and eight airbags.
- What Edmunds.com says
- It has all the right features, a good looking shape and an optional V8, but it's still hard to imagine a $35,000 Hyundai.
