Photo gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Wow…very interesting design by Hyundai. I notice a style that looks to be targeting mostly Infiniti G35/M35/M45 and maybe Acura (naturally?), although the rear seems to still resemble the now familiar Azera (attractive nonetheless). The interior is also decidedly Japanese Luxury, again something I’d expect to see in an Infiniti, albeit 3 or 4 years ago. I also really like the rib-cage grill, a bold move from the usually conservative Korean carmaker. A good step forward, hopefully this really expands the brand. Can’t wait to see the new RWD Coupe version!

Although I’ve never been a particular fan of Hyundai, they certainly seem to have come out with some decent cars in recent years. This one appears to be no exception. It looks like a nice car, and should provide Lexus, Pontiacs G8 and Chrysler’s 300 a little competition. It even looks a little like the Lexus.

I also agree that with its body lines, it would make a great 2dr coupe, especially with the V8 and rear drive. Too bad it’ll never happen.

Seems like an up-scale division (like Acura/Lexus/Infiniti) would do Hyundai a world of good if the name association does prove to keep luxury car buyers away. Maybe the Sonata should be Hyundai’s flagship, and a luxury division should take over from there with the larger sedans. Call them all Genesis…great name, handsome cars!

Eric, it will happen — or something like it. A rear-drive production model based on the Genesis Coupe Concept (photos: front/rear) shown at the LA show is scheduled for production. — Aaron

Hyundai has been laying low and actually listening to what buyers want. Quality has improved quite a bit over these years and now they are making their move to provide the performance people want without the huge price tag. The lines are crisp, clean, and just sporty enough to appeal to the majority of buyers. Definitely a shot at Infinity and Lexus.

It really is a gorgeous automobile, shame really. While Hyundai is getting a better rep in recent years, they still have horrible resale values and the dependability stigma from years past.
I have owned a Hyundai before…when I tried to trade it in last year I got laughed at most places I went, even Hyundai would not give me a good trade in! I ended trading in way upside down and getting a Toyota.
I think people will probably opt for a slightly used Lexus/Acura/Infinity before investing in a Luxury Hyundai for for over $30K, because lets face it, no one likes to get laughed at when reselling a vehicle.
If Hyundai keeps up this way, who knows…in ten years or so they might have a great product AND a decent resale value. Then I might buy another one.

I guess I’m just a little bit more than pessimistic about new vehicles after the whole Charger debacle, as well as several other manufacturers cancelling their various 2dr cars in favor of hatchbacks and the latest attrocity, the “four door coupe.” I love cars like the Monte Carlo, Stratus Coupe, etc, but they’ve all been cancelled. I realize Dodge is doing the Challenger and Chevy the Camaro, but they’re the only offerings in that class from their respective manufacturers. I’d love to see a two-door Charger along with the Challenger so I had an option, but it won’t happen. How about a two door Malibu, or two-doors of other models?

That’s exactly the problem that Chrysler has been fighting for nearly 40 years, Shaun. I understand exactly what you mean. Every time they seem like they’re about to break out of that stigma lately, they get sold out and have to start all over again. Who knows how long it’ll take this time, or even if?

I can’t wait to sit in it at the Detroit Auto Show in a couple weeks. I really hope that they don’t overprice it like I think they will. “Starting below $30k” means that once you add your options you could be looking at a $40,000 Hyundai. It’s a great looking car, but if it’s near $40,000 I would prefer a used Mercedes E-class.

I hate to say it, but maybe Korean car manufacturers need to stick to what they are good at…supplying affordable, somewhat dependable cars to the nations college kids and frugal car buyers and stay away from the luxury sedans. I think we should all just accept that if you want a luxo cruiser, you are going to have to pay for it. Anyone remember the Kia Amanti? Do they still make that?
And while I am talking about Korean car makers…remember Daewoo?

Wow–pretty good looking. best of Mercedes S class with the hind end of a jap make.

Hopefully these will devalue quickly so I can snap up a used one on the CHEAP after a year or two! Why pay $12000 for a used taurus when I can get a used one of these!

Shaun, just a couple of points of order:

1. The Kia Amanti is still very much in production, as is its corporate cousin the Hyundai Azera, which I’ve already mentioned. These are both very classy cars that offer an extremely high level of content for their prices ($26,195 for the Amanti, $25,295-29,245 for the Azera), especially compared to their Japanese and European opposition.

2. Daewoo? What of it? Since you’re probably a very close-minded “America is the only country” type of person, you obviously don’t realize that Daewoo (owned by GM) is a thriving world-wide auto manufacturer. They sell about 1,000,000 vehicles annually to over 140 countries around the world. So right now you’re probably asking “why aren’t they sold in the U.S.?” Ever hear of the Chevy Aveo? Yep, its a rebadged Daewoo Kalos. The Suzuki Forenza? That’s a rebadged Daewoo Lacetti. It makes for very good business sense…if a brand name has a faltered image, sell the cars under a better one.

Perhaps maybe you should stick to what you’re good at, making fun of Korean quality, praising American Innovation (oximoron?), and scraping pennies for a frugal used Acura because you can’t afford the $30k Hyundai.

Very nice car…can’t wait for a test drive. What’s been said above about Hyundai’s resale value, I’ve written about before. The thing with this company is that with their huge warranty you have little to worry about for a long time. So don’t trade this baby in for 10 years. From the looks of it, it should be pretty easy to live with that long. By then, you’ve long since gotten your money’s worth, so you can take what they give you or donate it for tax credit…unless Hyundai’s reputation rises to the point that it will actually bring in good bucks. I betting that it will!

I had a 1990 Hyundai that I bought in 1994 and it turned out to be one of the most reliable cars I ever had. Put lots of miles on that car because I was a Real Estate Agent. After putting on well over 100,000 I had to replace the front tie rods. Other than that nothing ever broke on that car. Great in the snow too. I am looking forward to a test drive in this car. I have always thought that the general public under rated a Hyundai.

To BJKleen

Let me first appologize for ever giving the imression that I am an “America is the only country” type of person. I often tend to be in line with the mindset of countries other than America when it comes to automotive transportation. I believe that our cars should be getting much better fuel mileage and do not readilly agree with the American addiction to huge gas guzzling SUV’s.Yes, I was uaware that Daewoo is still such a flourishing auto manufacturer…good for them, and my sincerest appologies for making light of that company. I must admit I have a swayed opinion against the Korean auto manufacturers that are available for sale here in the U.S. because I have owned cars made by both of them. I had nothing but trouble with my Kia Optima and the Hyundai Sonata I owned was a decent running car with horrible fit and finish and as I previously wrote, had a preposterously low resale value. These experiences would be sure to have a negative impact on anyone. So yes, I may stick to what I am good at and warn others of my negative experiences with Korean auto companies. While I’m at it I’ll likely be driving a slighlty used luxury car from a reputable Japanese or European (not American) manufacturer that will actually retain a resale value (Lexus/Acura/Mercedes), not because I cannot afford a $30-40K Hyundai, but because my experience with the company has driven me elsewhere, and the other used offerings reflect a smarter monetary investment.

I love the look of this car. But I promised myself the next new car I buy needs to be a car for the future. That means I am going to demand a diesel. I didn’t see a diesel in the choice of engines for this car.

Am I mistaken, Mr. Gold, but didn’t KIA announce a coming AMANTI that appears to be very similiar to this vehicle? I believe that both divisions of HYUNDAI (KIA & HYUNDAI) will produce LUXURY rear wheel drive sedans that will SELL worldwide! Mr Gold, I believe that very soon the American public will wake up and notice that these vehicles ARE first class and very DEPENDABLE. I am speaking from experience! I purchased a 2002 KIA SEDONA and a year ago a 2006 KIA SEDONA and have been responsible for friends who have purchased four (4) KIA models! This is a better average then when I drove Lincoln Towne Car and Mercury Gran Marquis vehicles! Yes, I also would like a diesel that KIA has in Europe but that might be in the future!

Having only the pics in the gallery to by, I can’t be dogmatic, but this car looks expensive! Clean, conservative lines with an upscale, unique grill. Strong list of features. Makes for a nice luxury package if it drives right.

Hawaiian Don! This would be my going to Church, etc., car but I still would put my 83 yr old body (soon to be 84) into a flashy new JEEPSTER to get the “babes”! Don’t you agree?

OK Billie Joe,you asked for it!
What a guy your age(84) needs to pick up the girls that’ll treat you right, is a van modified to ADA specs,(ADA=American Disabilities Act)…or in other words a van with an electric wheelchair ramp/lift setup!!! All in good fun, Joe.

BJKleen is exactly right, especially concerning Daewoo. One of the largest most advanced manufacturers of (almost anything it seems) autos, electronics and heavy equipment in the Asian market with extremely favorable market name perception. As far as the Asian market goes, it’s amazing some of the vehicles and offerings that the manufacturers have there, including ones from our own domestic companies that we’ve never heard of or seen. The Chinese market Chevy Caprice for example would sell well here just on name recognition alone. Speaking of, look out for China as well in the automotive world….

Hyundai has made significant improvements in quality and style over the last couple of years. I have been a Hyundai owner for now 14 years starting with a 94 Elantra that never left me on the side of the road. This latest offering is a quantum leap in terms of looks and quality for the proposed price. The rear lights actually remind me of a BMW 5 series while I agree that sideways it looks like an Infinity. The front grille could still be reworked to give it a slightly more expensive look. If all fails throw some chrome at it sans Cadillac CTS, which will never match the fit and finish quality of a Hyundai.

Hyundai Cars are awsome. The sales people come off as low lifes sometimes.

The Genesis 4.6 – Profound Technology, Performance & Value
I would like to speak to those of you looking into the underlying science and research and everyone considering the Genesis 4.6 sedan by Hyundai. The vehicle is a profound example of what can be accomplished when a world-leading super-corporation decides to enter a market segment – the luxury sedan market – taking on the Germans, English and the Japanese. The reason Mercedes, BMW, Ferrari, and the guys behind A8, the Jaguar and Aston Martin are quiet right now is because EACH of their cars has key components that, by design, were incorporated into the Genesis 4.6.
Check This Out – The Genesis 4.6 comes with the ZF Transmission; it is the best in the world which is why it’s been in all the best Formula-1 Race Cars, and is in MOST of the super-cars as well as some the vehicles mentioned above. Next, the ESC or Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control Technology is “agnostic” which is legal speak for engineering that can be found on numerous super-cars and luxury sedans as opposed to just one brand.
In addition to the foregoing, almost each and every component and key element of the Genesis 4.6 is supported by proven science and technology – and in most instances can be found to be THE BEST in its particular function i.e. the ZF titanium strong transmission, the super-high-tech all aluminum 4.6 ltr DOCH engine with CVVT. If that’s not enough, check out the brake and safety components. Instead of 12 inch all around they super-sized the front end and assist just as they do on the baby Lambo. BTW. The baby Lambo also uses a ZF format tranny. Moreover, the interior design, exterior design and paint, aero-dynamics, and even the profound sound system were each individually designed by people believed to be industry leaders in their craft, etc etc etc.
The bottom line is that you’re going to love the Genesis more and more as you begin to discover that the Genesis is going to sell to the most discriminate auto-enthusiasts because of the sum of its components – a symphony of profound technology – proven best of the best and then incorporated into the design.
Moreover, Hyundai isn’t a start-up company but rather is an Asian dynasty with extensive global power inasmuch as they are among the largest and most technically advanced companies in the world and have accomplished some pretty extraordinary things – such as the largest ocean vessels operating at sea. But they are not just ship builders, car makers or just another global oil giant – these guys provide value to the industries and consumers they serve.
Kudos to the Genesis Team, Well Done!

I just can NOT believe that Hyundai is not offering Genesis Diesel in USA. Simply it does not get into my head. Looking today (06/08/09) gas prices, diesel has come long way down and he e in Atlanta on most gas station is even chaper than regular. Honestly, if Hyndai would come with Diesel option I would be in the first bacth to buy it. Nobody offers diesel car in USA in same or similar class. And trust me, diesel is slowly going into USA. In May 2009, Audi sold 800+ Q7 vehicles in USA – 44% of them were diesel.

G