2009 Hyundai Genesis

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What is it?
2009 Hyundai Genesis

What's special about it?
There are only two production cars in the world with a Lexicon-branded audio system. One is the $360,000 Rolls Royce Phantom; the other is the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Genesis will not cost $360,000. In fact, it will start below $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.

For that bargain price, you'll get a near-luxury sedan with all the value you would expect in a Hyundai. Base models will use a 3.3-liter V6 that delivers 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, while the midrange Genesis gets a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Both use a standard six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

Competing with more expensive European sedans takes more than a V6, so the top-of-the-line Genesis will offer Hyundai's first-ever V8. The new 4.6-liter engine generates an impressive 368 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque, and uses the same ZF six-speed automatic found in many BMW and Jaguar sedans. Hyundai says the combination is enough to get the V8 Genesis from zero to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds running on regular unleaded gas.

A new rear-wheel-drive chassis helps deliver all that power to the ground. It gets help from front and rear suspensions that use a sophisticated five-link design and the car's 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. Hyundai also says that the use of high-tensile steel gives the Genesis higher torsional rigidity and a lighter structure than the BMW 5 Series.

Hyundai is hoping to give its new flagship sedan an even bigger boost in the cachet department by offering high-end options similar to that of more expensive European sport sedans. In addition to the 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, the Hyundai Genesis will offer adaptive xenon headlights, heated and cooled front seats, iPod and USB audio inputs, adaptive cruise control, a factory HD Radio receiver and even reflective leather on the steering wheel to keep it cool in direct sunlight.

With a wheelbase of 115.6 inches, the Genesis has more room between the wheels than both the Infiniti M and Lexus GS sedans. It's also roughly 2 inches wider, so interior passenger space should be generous. There's the usual array of front, side and side curtain airbags along with electronic active head restraints, a feature Hyundai points out is only offered on select BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz models.

What's Edmunds' take?
It has all the right specs and a competitive price, but it's the little things that separate real luxury cars from the posers. We'll see if the Genesis has what it takes after some time behind the wheel. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor