click above to view more high-res images of different Genesis grille
When the production version of the Hyundai Genesis was revealed, debate over its styling was a hot topic. Of particular interest to commenters was the grille, dubbed the "Klingon forehead" by some of you, which has a vertical center spine with three horizontal bars that turn down when they meet from either side. We instantly noticed the absence of Hyundai's logo on the grille and surmised that perhaps the Korean automaker felt that the presence of its logo would somehow divert attention away from the levels of luxury and refinement that people might normally associate with Hyundais. With that in mind, we were surprised to find this Genesis V6 model with a different grille on the floor of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. When asked what it was doing there, Hyundai responded that the badgeless grille is the only Genesis grille for now, but this version was done up as a kind of market research exercise. We were also told that it had been taken out of Hyundai's display before the Detroit Auto Show opened up to the public.
Well, we've decided to help Hyundai figure out which grille is preferred most by consumers. Vote for your preference below and, who knows, Hyundai might be listening.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
why not the LS2LS7? @ Jan 18th 2008 12:14PM
They're both fine grilles.
I think making a version without the badge is an interesting experiment. See if you can get some people to evaluate the car without knowing the brand, hoping that when they discover the brand they won't be turned off.
And know that I don't hate Hyundai, I love the Azera. But I just think there are a lot of people out there who are less likely to take a good look at a car if they know it's a Hyundai. Especially a lot of people who would be in the market for a car of this sort.
psarhjinian @ Jan 18th 2008 12:23PM
Agreed. In an era where the most common phrase heard by designers is "It's nice, but the logo needs to be bigger", it's nice to see something gutsy enough to go without.
This would be a sort of anti-Mercedes design, which is a good thing because the sheer size of the logo on, say, the new C-Class is really pretentious.
On an semi-related note, I took a vacation in Cuba a while back and it's interesting to note how much more appealing the landscape is with the visual pollution of advertising removed. I've seen similar things (Vermont has a visual pollution regulation, I think, and the countryside is the better for it) but the total lack of advertising was really refreshing.
The Other Bob @ Jan 18th 2008 12:57PM
Oldsmobile tried this with the Aurora. I don't think it fooled anyone that it wasn't an Olds. (Don't get me wrong, the Aurora was a pretty sweet car.)
John R @ Jan 18th 2008 12:15PM
I voted for the Klingon-forehead grill. Its grown on me.
Jerk Face @ Jan 18th 2008 12:19PM
I like the one without the emblem because it actually seems to set the car apart from all the other econo-sedans out there. The fact that it is a Hyundai is not something that I think needs toned down, per se; but I prefer the look that makes it seem like a different kind of Hyundai.
9600baud @ Jan 18th 2008 12:19PM
Klingon forehead ftw, the plain grille reminds me too much of a run-of-the-mill Sonata or something.
Triboy16 @ Jan 18th 2008 12:23PM
The flying hyundai grill doesn't fit this car well. Not only does it have curves all over the place but the front especially lacks much straightness anywhere. But just like the 08 santa fe the overall design works and hyundai is starting to become a company that designs cars with the philosophy "basically beautiful" imo. I mean just look at the new accord or toyota venza , wow what were they thinking??
Getting back to the topic at hand take a look at this footage of a genesis that has a straight line grill compared to the spine version one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3muazbpNxE
and you see that the spine version one in motion looks better and in more harmony with the rest of the front shape of the car
steveo391 @ Jan 18th 2008 12:25PM
It a hyundai, I vote neither
Craig @ Jan 18th 2008 7:29PM
Bigot :)
SNIFFDAR @ Jan 18th 2008 12:26PM
I like the Klingon grille too, but I feel there should be some sort of emblem on the hood. I think Hyundai is missing the point. It's not that the first grille is bad, it's just that it needs something on the hood. As for the Hyundai H Grille, 9600baud is correct. It looks like any other common car. Just put the damn Genesis logo on the hood PLEASE!
Triboy16 @ Jan 18th 2008 12:28PM
Actually the black spine with 4 straight lines vertically without the fliying wing logo and plastic patch over the spine looks pretty good too. But not the flying logo with 5 vertical straing lines(over kill).
FThorn @ Jan 18th 2008 12:31PM
like the 300, paying customers should have a choice in grills.
J M C 3 @ Jan 18th 2008 12:43PM
This grill is better than the expressive 'klingon forehead' grill because it's conservative style is better suited for a higher end car.But,ugh,it's too dull.Not distinguished enough.It certainly doesn't set the car apart either because it looks like a generic Toyota copy or Chrysler minivan inspired.
Joshua @ Jan 18th 2008 12:46PM
I like the regular grille with the logo - much more classy. The spine/badgeless one looks like an aftermarket piece... to compliment a set of 20" chrome spinners.
JW @ Jan 18th 2008 12:50PM
You took the words out of my mouth; they should just make it an option if the consumer wants the after market looking grille.
Spike @ Jan 18th 2008 12:49PM
There is less need for driving it with a bag over your head if the "H" is not present.
YeeDiddy @ Jan 18th 2008 12:50PM
the "klingon" grill is hoTT (i bet that moniker is gonna stick with the genesis - kinda like how "flying vagina" sticks with the 1st gen Subie Tribeca). I'd be willing to buy a Genesis with the original grill, debadge the rear emblems, and have people totally question / wonder what i'm driving.
Reader @ Jan 18th 2008 12:52PM
Klingon most definitely. The badged one blends in with every other compact car on the street, the klingon stands out.
NPJ @ Jan 18th 2008 12:53PM
The badge on the grille cheapens the car. I say you either need to keep it off and use the existing rib grille which is fine or you need to put the Genesis badge (which looks very nice IMO) on the hood (like BMW does with the shield). I would put no logos on the grille at all.
Hamud @ Jan 18th 2008 12:56PM
Not that the one with the "H" looks bad, but I prefer one without it. It looks more distinctive.
It's true that the "H"less one looks like an aftermarket grille, a nicely done one.