Detroit 2008: 2009 Hyundai Genesis revealed, Phil Collins would be proud
by Damon Lavrinc on Jan 13th 2008 at 5:05PM 
click above for more high-res live images of the 2008 Hyunda Genesis Sedan
The unveiling of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis revealed that Korean automaker wants to make this sedan "the LS400 of the 21st century," doing for Korea what Lexus did for Japanese luxury in the '90s. If that's achievable – and we certainly aren't going to deny the possibility – the Genesis might have what it takes. But its non-descript demeanor and derivative styling has to be overcome by the tech and torque of a premium sedan delivered at a rock-bottom price.
As mentioned previously, three engines will be available: a 3.3-liter V6, a 3.8-liter V6 and the Tau 4.6-liter V8. The latter, when equipped with the six-speed automatic gearbox and Shiftronic controls, should allow the stately sedan to make the run to 60 in under six seconds. More impressive, the Genesis comes with a five-link suspension in both the front and the rear to keep things planted at speed and comfy for the daily slog.
What's likely to get buyers in the door, however, is the standard and optional equipment with which the Genesis is offered. Aside from plenty of safety features (active head restraints, stability control and eight airbags), Hyundai has equipped the Genesis with everything from adaptive front headlamps, a heated and cooled driver seat, push-button start, sat-nav with a backup camera, adaptive cruise control and a Lexicon 7.1 surround sound stereo with almost as many speakers as you have fingers and toes. Lexicon – as Hyundai was quick to point out – is the same supplier to Rolls-Royce; take that however you like.
Check out our new lives shots in the gallery below and our previous post on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan for more details.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Ross 5:08PM (1/13/2008)
That is absolutely beautiful...and I hate Japanese/Korean cars. Acura better watch their back.
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why not the LS2/LS7? 5:10PM (1/13/2008)
How much?
Looks nice. It's too bad Hyundai felt they needed to put in a guzzling V8 and RWD to compete. Acura doesn't seem to have such problems.
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YouFaceTheTick 5:27PM (1/13/2008)
Lack of RWD is what keeps Acura a tweener company
Za 6:11PM (1/13/2008)
That's why Acura is the joke of the luxury world, known primarily for their rice rocket RSX.
MikeW 6:36PM (1/13/2008)
Well, if the price of gas goes through the roof. Hyundai can drop the V8, and bring over the 3.3 V6.
The V6s look cammy [all the more reason to rev it out]
http://www.hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/2009_Models/Genesis/Press_Release.asp.
I wonder if Hyundai is using the ZF 6hp21 or 28?
If BMW is using the 21 with the N54 (twin turbo 3.0) then I guess Hyundai can use the smaller one (for better mileage)
The Acura RL weighs just as much as the V8.
Who is going to get the first licence plate to say SEGA?
Reality Check 7:43PM (1/13/2008)
Have you looked at Acura sales for the past 3 years? With the exception of the TL they have some serious sales decline! I agree that RWD V8 is not the answer but one or two per car line won't end the earth as we know it.
why not the LS2/LS7? 9:05PM (1/13/2008)
Yeah, well, I'm talking about the TL here.
Who cares if they're considered a tweener as long as they sell cars. And they are on the right side of the fuel economy story as gas prices ratchet up.
Ligor 10:25PM (1/13/2008)
well,
you can get the 3.3L v6 since you're concerned with fuel economy
why bother with the TL when the Accord is the same and has better day-to-day driving characteristics and is more fuel efficient
oh yeah, and look again, even the TL sales are down
Za 10:51PM (1/13/2008)
To quote your name, why NOT the LS2/LS7? Now, wouldn't the TL be much more awesome a vehicle if it were RWD with a detuned LS2?
TUFAST 6:54PM (1/17/2008)
you have a choice of 2 6 cylinders as well, although I am a v/8 fan & will have a v/8 in mine when I purchase.
Richard 5:12PM (1/13/2008)
Say what you will about the styling, I think its pretty clear that it can run with the pack of a lot of those luxury sedans without looking out of place. Even the grill manages to look better in the live shots than the previous pictures. Good job, Hyundai!
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cameron42985 5:13PM (1/13/2008)
Nothing to bring your kids for...
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aman 5:14PM (1/13/2008)
I've said it before, and ill say it again: wheres the damn badge?
it may be a good thing that the hyundai badge int on it though
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Frank 10:18PM (1/13/2008)
I'm starting to wonder if the lack of a badge means Hyundai is thinking of launching it's own lux brand for this car.
aman 4:04PM (1/15/2008)
there have been rumours of it before...
g_david 5:21PM (1/13/2008)
So when this has issues and I need to leave it at the dealer over night, does this mean I will have to drive a loaner Accent?
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TUFAST 11:17AM (1/18/2008)
no, you will not drive an Accent, Hyundai loaners consist of Sonata & SantaFe
vehicles
TriShield 5:40PM (1/13/2008)
Zzzzzzzzzz
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Brian 5:46PM (1/13/2008)
Before people start crying about the styling of this car. READ WHAT THIS CAR OFFERS ON PAPER. Nothing delivers so much performance and technology for the price. Nobody can deny the potential greatness of this car.
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zamafir 9:19PM (1/13/2008)
Yes... No one's ever gone such a route before. *cough* Pheaton *cough*. Well this doesn't have a VW badge... erm... wait... It has a Hyundai badge.
Who knows, if the Santa Fe works so well, maybe this'll catch on. I'd never drive one, then again I'm not half a decade old like the majority of US car buyers (or greater)