Autoblog

Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Chris Paukert — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST

2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite claiming great success with its 2009 Genesis sedan, Hyundai doesn't appear to be resting on its laurels. For 2010, there are no cosmetic changes in store, but the entry-level luxury sedan is getting a gentle fettling in the suspension and steering departments along with some additional kit.

Unfortunately, Hyundai's press release wasn't terribly forthcoming about what changes had been effected upon steering and suspension systems, so we checked in with company spokesman Dan Bedore to learn a few more:

"We're Hyundai, and we'll always seeking continuous improvement. We've made a series of small chassis changes, with a particular focus on improving steering and handling. We've made small adjustments to the steering, increasing efforts and tweaking feel around center; reduced friction in some suspension components; increased V6 rear spring rates; and added more jounce and rebound control to our shocks."

On the creature comforts front (this is a luxury sedan after all), the 2010 Genesis gains available intelligent cruise control and an electronic parking brake on Technology Package equipped models - the latter including an automatic hill holder feature. Additionally, "Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces" will come as standard fit on 3.8 Genesis models with Premium, Premium Navigation, and Technology Package equipped models. Finally, in response to consumer demand, Hyundai says it has made an updated touch-screen navigation (with three-month trial subscriptions to XM radio and XM NavTraffic) standard equipment on 4.6-liter models as well as Genesis 3.8 models fitted with the premium navi pack. You can check out the complete press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis sedan

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010

Mess With Success: Hyundai already seen tweaking Genesis sedan for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Oops: Wife plows into husband's new Chevy Corvette Z06... in her Hyundai Genesis

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Safety, GM, Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis crashes into Chevrolet Corvette Z06 - Click above for high-res gallery

We can only imagine how exciting a day it would be to bring home a brand spanking new Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Genesis Owners forum member zedbuyers was feeling that love as he and his wife left a Massachusetts Chevy dealer with a spanking new Cyber Gray Metallic Z06. Zedbuyers was driving from the dealer in the rain with his wife following behind in the couples' nine-month-old Genesis Sedan when disaster struck.

As traffic slowed from 60 mph to 30 mph in the exit lane, zedbuyers applied the brakes, but his wife evidently didn't. The Genesis slammed into the hours-old Z06, thrusting the $80,000 supercar into the vehicle in front of it. Oddly, the Genesis took the brunt of the blow, and a local Hyundai dealer estimated the damage at $16,000, including nearly $2,000 for the HID headlamps alone. The Z06 damage was $10,000, including $2,000 for a carbon fiber bumper.

Luckily, nobody was seriously injured in the accident, but we're sure the owner is smarting none the less. We're guessing the insurance company is not going to react kindly to a combined $26,000 in damages only hours after the purchase of what is likely a very expensive vehicle to insure in the first place. Peruse the gallery below to check out the carnage, and click on the link below for zedbuyers' damage estimates.

Gallery: Genesis crashes into Corvette Z06

[Source: Genesis Owners via Jalopnik]

Double Oops: Wife plows into husband's new Chevy Corvette Z06... in her Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Rhys Millen drifting the Hyundai Genesis... Sedan

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Hyundai

Cick above to view the video after the jump

Getting a Hyundai Genesis Coupe to drift is relatively easy (our man Mike can attest to that). But getting its big, four-door brother to get sideways? That's a job for Hyundai's Formula D hot-shoe Rhys Millen.

The crew from KickingTires had the chance to spend some time with both the Genesis coupe and sedan, and during the course of the event they asked Millen to take Hyundai's luxo-barge around the autocross course. The results are posted after the break, and as you'd expect, getting the Genesis sedan to slide gracefully is harder than it looks.

[Source: KickingTires]

Continue reading VIDEO: Rhys Millen drifting the Hyundai Genesis... Sedan

VIDEO: Rhys Millen drifting the Hyundai Genesis... Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 May 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand

Chris Shunk — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai Equus: Click above for photo gallery

Hyundai may have started off as a value brand devoid of high end transportation, but over the past few years, efforts such as the Azera and Veracruz have demonstrated that Hyundai can elevate its game. This became abundantly evident with the introduction of the the new Genesis sub-brand, which shows that Hyundai can do full-blown luxury. Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik feels that Genesis could eventually be a model lineup all its own, much like Toyoda's Lexus brand. Krafcik told Wards Automotive that Hyundai didn't want to ask its dealers to spend $5 to 10 million on new showrooms to peddle a whole new brand. Instead, the decision was made to sell the Genesis at existing Hyundai dealerships, just separated from the rest of the lineup.

The Genesis lineup is in its fledgling state at this point, but it holds promise. The Hyundai Genesis sedan has its sights trained on luxury competitors like the Lexus GS, while the Genesis Coupe obviously places a premium on sport over luxury. Hyundai's high-end, home-market Equus sedan, displayed for the American audience in New York over the last week, looks ready to compete with the LS460 in terms of size and amenities, while costing thousands of dollars less. Hyundai's Equus flagship sedan could arrive Stateside within 2-3 years.

Beyond Genesis, Hyundai has plans for turbocharging and direct injection in its vehicles beginning next year with the all-new Sonata. The goal is increased sales in the lucrative US market, but given the current economic state of affairs, volume projections take a back seat to sustaining the sales Hyundai has already achieved.

Gallery: New York: Hyundai Equus

[Source: Wards Automotive]

REPORT: Hyundai CEO Krafcik sees Genesis as a Lexus-like sub-brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking"

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res gallery

"Simply smoking." Those are the exact words that John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai USA, used to describe early sales of the automaker's new Genesis Coupe during a recent interview with Motor Trend. The highly-anticipated two-door is selling better than the Genesis Sedan, which arrived on the market last year, even though Hyundai has focused more advertising dollars on the larger luxury sedan.

Still a newcomer, the Genesis Coupe is offered in turbocharged 2.0-liter and normally-aspirated 3.8-liter trim. The bulk of the cars on dealer lots have been the V6 models, with the late-to-arrive four-cylinder variants (including the Track model and next year's R-Spec model) yet to make a significant impact on sales. Seemingly undeterred by its $27,500 sticker price, Krafcik says that more than 50 percent of the 3.8-liter buyers are driving home in the loaded Grand Touring model (the entry-level 2.0T starts at just $22,000).

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Motortrend]

Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyund-"eh" Genesis wins Canadian Car of the Year Award

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Canada

Another trophy has been thrown at the Hyundai Genesis by the Automobile Journalists' Association of Canada: 2009 Canadian Car of the Year. To get to the top spot, the Genesis beat an odd assortment of cars, including the Audi A4 and TTS, the Lexus IS F, Mazda6, and Mercedes CL550 and SL63 AMG. Among the other vehicles joining the Genesis on the podium: the Ford Flex took the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the Honda Fit snagged Best New Design. Kudos, Hyundai. Again...

[Source: The National Post]

Hyund-"eh" Genesis wins Canadian Car of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Motor America design chief Piaskowski resigns

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hyundai

The Genesis Coupe isn't even out yet and the primary pen behind it is leaving the company. Joel Piaskowski, Hyundai Motor America's chief designer since 2003, is walking out the door.

Besides his work on the upcoming Genesis Coupe, Piaskowski is also known as being the driving force behind Hyundai's HCD concepts like the Hellion (above), and has been credited with beginning to develop a consistent design language among the automaker's vehicles.

For an interesting interview on car design featuring Piaskowski, General Motors' Ed Welburn, Franz von Holzhausen (formerly of Mazda, now with Tesla), and the New York Times' Phil Patton, check out this video on the Charlie Rose show by clicking here.

Piaskowski's tenure ends at the end of this month, and there is no word yet on where he is expected to end up.

[Source: Automotive News, Sub Req.]

Hyundai Motor America design chief Piaskowski resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Michael Harley — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Hyundai

2009 Genesis Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been capturing more than its share of the spotlight this year. The luxury-oriented four-door sedan was launched with much ballyhoo over the summer. With a long list of standard features, a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power, and its sights pointed directly at some heavy-hitting established competition, the sedan rolled into showrooms with high expectations. After a few short introductory drives, Hyundai put both models in the Autoblog Garage so we could spend some time getting a bit more intimate with its new players. How solid is the chassis, engine and powertrain? How does the sedan hold up to the daily grind? How does the late-arrival fare against its status-laden competition? Find out after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Continue reading Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Hyundai debuts tuned Genesis Sedans, 460-hp supercharged V8

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Sedan, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Genesis Sedans from SEMA

While the trio of tuned Genesis coupes have garnered their fair share of attention, these three Genesis sedans had a few tricks up their sleeves, beginning with the RKSport model above that benefits from a Hyundai-developed screw-type supercharger mated to the 4.6-liter Tau V8.

With 11 pounds of boost huffed into the bent eight, the RKSport sedan is putting out an estimated 460 horsepower, but with a new cylinder deactivation system, fuel mileage is equivalent to that of the V6-equipped Genesis. Hyundai made it clear that it hasn't made an official decision to offer the supercharger, but expect the cylinder deactivation system to be available in the future.

In addition to the engine mods, the RKSport model receives a custom body kit, composite hood, rear roof spoiler and trunk spoiler, along with Enkei LS-5 wheels, Baer brakes, a K&N air intake, Magnaflow exhaust and lowering springs.

Both the RIDES and DUB brought out their Genesis sedans to the show, and you can get up to speed below the fold and peruse the galleries for plenty of live and stock shots.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Hyundai Genesis Sedans

Gallery: SEMA 2008: RKSport Hyundai Genesis V8

Gallery: RIDES Hyundai Genesis Sedan

SEMA 2008: Hyundai debuts tuned Genesis Sedans, 460-hp supercharged V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Michael Harley — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, First Drive

2009 Hyundai Genesis - Click above for high-res image gallery

Unless you've been living in a mine deep in the hills of West Virginia, Hyundai's newest addition isn't coming to you as a surprise. Around these offices, we've been anticipating the rear-wheel-drive Genesis platform and its offspring of luxury sedan and performance coupe for years. While we'll have to continue waiting for the eagerly-anticipated 2010 Genesis Coupe, we've just taken our first drive in the elegant 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan. Follow the jump to see if the most expensive Korean sedan ever sold on these shores is enough to take on the segment leaders from America, Europe, and Japan.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let there be technology: What's under Hyundai's new Genesis sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Hyundai

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis

The story of what's underneath -- and inside -- the Hyundai Genesis is central to the story of the car and what Hyundai's trying to do with it. The body-in-white of the Genesis has a larger total body area than the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes S-Class. Yet ten years ago, if we had asked you which carmaker would create a rear-wheel-drive V8 sedan with a body structure that is larger, yet stiffer and lighter than the 5-Series or E-Class, would you have guessed it would be Hyundai?

Of course, you probably wouldn't have guessed that BMW would be selling all the MINIs it could make, or that Alfa Romeo would sell out a run of $200K supercars. The lesson: the games -- plural -- have changed for everyone. Follow the jump to find out how the Genesis is the spearhead of change for Hyundai and, if Hyundai gets its wish, the entire luxury segment. And be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Misc.

Continue reading Let there be technology: What's under Hyundai's new Genesis sedan

Let there be technology: What's under Hyundai's new Genesis sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai to spend $80m on Genesis sedan launch, pre-sales top 700 so far

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 May 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Hyundai has big plans for its luxury Genesis sedan, and the Korean automaker is willing to pony up $80m to get the word out. Rich appointments, rear-wheel-drive, a choice of powerful engines, and a starting price of $30k is a good story to sell customers on, and the Genesis sedan is being looked at as the halo car in Hyundai's lineup. That helps justify spending the most launch money on any Hyundai ever, even though only 30,000 Genesis sedans are scheduled to be sold per year. Genesis marketing begins with a 15-city tour involving about 100 sedans, and will include television ads plus the Internet and plenty of viral events.

We're very anxious to see if Hyundai can deliver a legitimate Lexus GS competitor for over $10,000 less, and if the Genesis is as good as advertised, the $80m will be money well spent. Hit the jump to see the Hyundai Genesis sedan Super Bowl commercials.

[Source: Auto News (subs req'd)]

Continue reading Hyundai to spend $80m on Genesis sedan launch, pre-sales top 700 so far

Hyundai to spend $80m on Genesis sedan launch, pre-sales top 700 so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 May 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: One cranky South Korean gets to drive the Hyundai Genesis

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Hyundai, First Drive

Click above to watch the video

UPDATE: Hyundai Motor America responds to the cranky South Korean reviewer. Click here.

The Hyundai Genesis has had a lot of positive speculative press, and there are a lot of journalists anxious to get behind the wheel of the rear-wheel-drive sedan from South Korea. A quick check of the Genesis stat sheet shows that Hyundai is delivering an awful lot of luxury and performance for what promises to be a very low price, but at least one South Korean journalist isn't all that impressed. After the jump is a seven-minute review of the Genesis sedan that absolutely trashes the South Korean Domestic Market sedan in its native tongue.

The reviewer liked the acceleration from the 3.3L V6 and we agree that it sounds great, but from there things get ugly. The Genesis sedan had too much body roll, its driving characteristics were far from dynamic, the brakes were mushy and the tires struggled to grip the road even when they weren't being pushed that hard. The on-camera reviewer summed up the Genesis by saying that luxury equipment does not a luxury vehicle make. We're hoping the Genesis is far better than this reviewer's description, but we won't know until we get behind the wheel to judge for ourselves. Thanks for the tip, Bobae!

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

[Source: Auto.joins.com via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: One cranky South Korean gets to drive the Hyundai Genesis

VIDEO: One cranky South Korean gets to drive the Hyundai Genesis originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Genesis sedan officially revealed in Korea

Alex Nunez — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Hyundai

Click image for hi-res gallery of the Genesis

The spy photos were both detailed and plentiful, and today, any remaining mystery about the new Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan's looks can be put to rest. The car was previewed to the media in Korea this week, and the photos released by Hyundai show the Korean-market version of the car au naturale. Note the newly-unveiled winged Genesis emblem on the hood and wheel centers. The US-market cars should sport the familiar stylized "H" instead. Specific technical details are not given save for confirmation that the four-door Lexus-fighter will be offered with a 375 horsepower Tau V8 and a pair of Lambda V6's (3.3L and 3.8L). According to a company spokesman, the most expensive version of Hyundai's new flagship should come at around $40,000 USD depending on equipment (the V6 should sticker under $30K). Koreans will be able to buy the car in January, with US and Chinese sales to follow later in the first half of '08. The car's full dog-and-pony show reveal will take place next month at the Detroit Auto Show, and we'll be there to bring you all the details.

[Sources: Hyundai, International Herald Tribune]

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan (Korean-market version)

Continue reading Hyundai Genesis sedan officially revealed in Korea

Hyundai Genesis sedan officially revealed in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed! Hyundai making Tiburon replacement RWD

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hyundai

We've had rumors and spy shots before, but up until now we really didn't have any confirmation that Hyundai's new Tiburon replacement would switch from a pull-me to a push-me. With the new rwd platform that the company recently developed for its Genesis luxury sedan, it was expected that the next generation of affordable sports car from Korea would ditch its fwd layout and get some true sports car manners. Well, Hyundai just confirmed that when that car shows up in late 2008 or early 2009, it will indeed be rear-wheel drive.

As predicted, the car will share its rwd platform with the already-announced Genesis sedan, which we should see in about a year. The Tiburon replacement should show up half a year to a year after the sedan, and might even come as a convertible. In fact, there is also a suggestion that we'll be seeing several models based on this platform. We're not sure if the coupe will share the sedan's new V8 in addition to the expected V6, but it would make an interesting competitor for the Mustang if it did. Hyundai has officially said no, but there are still whispers, and if not a V8, some kind of boosted V6 in the top models might suffice.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots II

Confirmed! Hyundai making Tiburon replacement RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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