Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai Genesis | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Hyundai Motor Company |
Production | 2008— |
Assembly | Ulsan, Korea |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Full-size |
Body style | 4-door sedan |
Layout | FR layout |
Platform | BH |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 3.3 Lambda V6 3.8L Lambda V6 4.6L Tau V8 |
Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
Length | Template:Auto in |
Width | Template:Auto in |
Height | Template:Auto in |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Hyundai Dynasty |
The Hyundai Genesis (Korean: 현대 제네시스) is a rear-wheel drive, full-size luxury [1] car that first appeared as a concept car for the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
Hyundai is in the process of introducing the vehicle worldwide, known internally as the BH model, and will market the Genesis as a "premium sports sedan," [2] in one body style with three possible engines.
Hyundai targets 55,000 sales of the Genesis in 2008 (35,000 in Korea and another 20,000 overseas) and 45,000 in 2009. [3] According to the Hyundai Chairman and CEO Chung Mong-koo, the Genesis is Hyundai's entry into the European dominated luxury arena. [3]
According to Hyundai Vice Chairman Kim Dong-jin, the name Genesis is a reflection that the vehicle is the first of many premium cars the company will introduce. [3]
Development and design
Hyundai reportedly benchmarked the BMW 5-Series sedan during the Genesis' development; their press release indicates the Genesis body-in-white exceeds BMW's in torsional rigidity by 14%. [4]
Initial press released indicate the Genesis has more interior volume than Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series. [4]
Hyundai will use an advanced 5-link rear suspension for enhanced ride and handling characteristics. Front/rear balance is targeted at 53% front, 47% rear. [5]
Projected mechanical specs
Hyundai will manufacture three engines for the Genesis, marketing the car internationally with various combinations of the three:
- Tau V8: The Tau V8 is Hyundai's first internally engineered 8 cylinder engine and Hyundai's first V8 equipped vehicle offered in North America. The 4.6L engine produces an estimated 375 horsepower (280 kW). Hyundai has reported 0-60 times of less than 6 seconds. [4] [5]
- Lambda 3.8L V6: scheduled for availabiltiy in North American, now available in Korean models, producing 306 horsepower (228 kW), (290 horsepower (220 kW) US).
- Lambda 3.3L V6: available in the Korean market, producing 266 horsepower (198 kW).
The V8 Genesis is projected to feature a standard 6-speed automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen, in contrast to the Aisin transmission found in the Hyundai Veracruz.
Further V8 specs:
- Configuration: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports sedan
- Track, f/r: 1575 mm / 62.0 inches, 1580 mm / 62.2 inches
- Tires: P235/50R18[6]
- Estimated horsepower: 375 hp (280 kW)
- Estimated torque: Over 300 ft⋅lbf (410 N⋅m)
- Displacement: 4.6 liter
- Block material: High pressure die casting aluminum block
- Cylinder head material: Aluminum
- Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
- Valve timing: Continuous variable valve timing
- Variable induction system
- Fuel delivery: Multi-port fuel injection
- Recommended fuel: Premium Unleaded
- Stabilizer bar (front/rear): 26 mm/18 mm
- Weight distribution front to rear: 53:47
- Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc
- Front brake diameter (mm / in): 320 / 12.6 ventilated disc
- Rear brake diameter (mm / in): 314 / 12.4 solid disc
- Steering type: Speed-sensing rack-and-pinion
- Steering ratio: 14.86
Projected features
Anticipated features include:[1] [2] [4]
- adaptive cruise control
- adaptive headlamps, turn direction with the car
- driver interface, similar to BMW's 'iDrive'
- 17 speaker Lexicon audio system [7]
- USB/iPod auxiliary inputs
- navigation system with backup camera
- Bluetooth technology
- active, variable-rate shock absorbers
- push-button start
- electronic stability control
- fully independent suspension, five-link design front and rear
- heated and cooled seats
- proximity key
- a rear power sunshade
- eight airbags, including rear seat side-impact airbags
The Lexicon audio system offers 7.1 channels, 528 watts output, 17 speakers, two 3-way transducer systems, five 2-way transducer systems and digital signal processing that provides equalization among driver and passengers. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the only other automobile to offer the system. [7]
Global Marketing
Korea
- A full production version went on sale on January 8, 2008 in Hyundai's home market of South Korea [citation needed]. Notably, the Korean market Genesis does not carry a Hyundai badge, only the 'Genesis' emblem. [8] [2]
- The Korean model is available with a 3.3L V6 producing 266 horsepower (198 kW), and a 3.8L V6 producing 306 horsepower (228 kW).
North America
- Marketed as the Hyundai Genesis in the US beginning Summer 2008[2], the vehicle will be a larger, more powerful car than Hyundai has previously marketed in the US. [2]
- The Genesis V6 model has a projected price just under US $30,000 [1], while the V8 model is projected to start from US $35,000. The engines are projected to produce 306 and 375hp respectively, using premium fuel.[9]
China
- To be sold as Hyundai Rohens in China, the unveiling is scheduled for Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, 2008.[10] Sales are set to begin in August, 2008. [3]
Europe
- Hyundai does not currently anticipate European release of the BH model, citing the company's "poor brand image" [11][12] in that market.
Coupe version
Another rear wheel drive car from Hyundai, sharing the Genesis Sedan's platform and name, was recently unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto show, dubbed Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Media coverage
The Hyundai Genesis was listed in Motor Trend's 2007 "Top Ten Cars Worth Waiting For" [13] and was featured in TV ads during the third and fourth quarters of Super Bowl XLII [1]. As a part of Hyundai's 'Think About It' ad campaign. [14], the ads suggest the Genesis offers "7-series size, 3-series price."
References
- ^ a b c d "Hyundai Comes Out Swinging for Genesis". Insideline.com, 02-04-2008.
- ^ a b c d e "2009 Hyundai Genesis". NCTD.com.
- ^ a b c d "South Korea's Hyundai Motor launches Genesis luxury car in foray into high-end market". SignonSanDiego.com, Kelly Olsen, AP, Jan 8, 2008.
- ^ a b c d "2009 Hyundai Genesis". Topspeed, Jan 082008.
- ^ a b "New York Auto Show: Hyundai starts over with the Genesis". Autoblog.com, Apr 4th 2007, Eric Bryant.
- ^ "Offical Genesis sedan website".
- ^ a b "All-New Hyundai Genesis Sedan to Feature Lexicon Discrete Surround Audio System". Yahoo Canada, Business Wire, Jan 11 2008.
- ^ "New Hyundai Genesis Emblem Revealed and V8 Confirmed". Wordcarfans.com, Frank de Leeuw van Weenen, December 4, 2007.
- ^ "Hyundai Unveils Genesis Premium Sports Sedan".
- ^ "A turning point for Hyundai next year".
- ^ "Hyundai Motor isn't considering selling premium car Genesis in Europe".
- ^ "Hyundai Not Considering Selling Premium Car Genesis in Europe".
- ^ "Top Ten Cars Worth Waiting For". Motor Trend, Bob Nagy, Matt Stone.
- ^ "Hyundai Drives Consumers To 'Think About It'". Brandweek.com, Steve Miller, September 07, 2007.