Hyundai Genesis > 300C, GS460, E550

[Sal Collaziano]

What more needs to be said? This car is going to be a serious competitor.....

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html



Not only does the 4.6-liter Tau feature advanced technology and materials-aluminum block and heads, stainless-steel exhaust manifold, iridium double-tipped spark plugs, two-step variable induction system, and dual continuously variable valve timing-but it also boasts a green ULEV-II emission rating and more horsepower per liter (82) than all of the aforementioned competitors. Unfortunately for the Genesis's rivals, the outlook doesn't appear any rosier. "We already have a 5.0-liter direct-injected version on the horizon that'll produce well over 400 horses," says Krafcik, "and we're considering forced-induction as well."


"The Genesis costs barely more than the original 1990 LS 400." If Lexus isn't nervous, it should be. Sure, the Genesis lacks some of the exquisiteness and attention to detail of the LS, whose interior stitching and real wood trim, for instance, are a step above, but the Lexus costs nearly twice as much. That's a huge discrepancy in price for a minor disparity in excellence-ideal for Hyundai, not so much for Lexus. Still, prospective Lexus buyers aren't apt to suddenly cross-shop the Genesis, although they should, given its near-identical driving experience and projected three-year residual value, which, according to Automotive Lease Guide, ranks above that of the BMW 550i, Infiniti M45, Lexus GS 460, and Mercedes E550.


In fact, with 0-to-60 and quarter-mile runs of 5.5 seconds and 14.0 at 103.7 mph, respectively, the Genesis is quicker than most of the vehicles within its competitive and image sets, including the Infiniti M45, the Lexus GS 460, and the Hemi-fied 300C. The only quicker automatic-equipped sedans that we've tested and Hyundai targeted are the 6.0-liter Pontiac G8 GT (5.3, 13.8 at 102.3) and the 5.5-liter Mercedes-Benz E550 (4.8, 13.4 at 105.3). Not bad for a Hyundai? Not bad for any V-8-powered four-door.


Yes, the Hyundai is devoid of the BMW's ultra-sharp steering, flat cornering, and immense grip -- if the two participated in "Dancing with the Stars," the BMW would be the seasoned instructor, the Hyundai the awkward student. On the flip side, the Genesis is more serene and relaxed for everyday duties, able to eschew the Bimmer's busy, stiff ride and sometimes nervous road manners. This is not to say the Hyundai doesn't relish a twisty road. With a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution, the Genesis delivers excellent balance and impressive grip (certainly considering it doesn't wear summer tires), circling the figure eight in 27.4 seconds at 0.64 g and the skidpad at 0.87 g.


Perhaps the most striking similarity between the Genesis and the E550 is the sense of solidity. Shut the doors, and the body emits nary a quiver. Aggressively accelerate through a sharp curve, and the structure avoids flex like a Kevlar baseball bat.


While the V-8-motivated 4.6 is the considerably quicker of the two, the 3.8 is no slouch, with 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet serving up 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.1 mph. For context, our long-term 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6L DI, Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year, provides similar stats -- 304 horsepower, 273 pound-feet, 0 to 60 in 6.3, the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.6-but carries a base price of over $3000 more. Plus, the Genesis 3.8 sips less fuel than the direct-injected Caddy -- 18/27 versus 17/26.


In price, the Genesis 4.6 is closest to the V-6-powered Lexus ES 350.
In performance? Most akin to the GS 460 pictured here.
And in size and feel, it most closely mimics the flagship LS 460.

[leelander]

oh wow, those were two different cars? counld even tell, lol.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by leelander

oh wow, those were two different cars? counld even tell, lol.

A lot of cars look similar on their sides.. Otherwise, yours is the first Genesis / GS "looks" comparison I've seen or heard about.

[Sal Collaziano]

Amazing... They got 0-60 in 5.5 seconds... Unreal.. People are going to get even better than that on their own.. Especially with Summer tires.. It's only a matter of time... And 400+ horsepower is coming? Wow....

[CBECK]

huyndai is to lexus as what vizio is to sony. looks nice but still a poser. I'm not blinded by horsepower. Truthfully theirs no engineering in making power from a V-8.

[Ach]

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

Amazing... They got 0-60 in 5.5 seconds... Unreal.. People are going to get even better than that on their own.. Especially with Summer tires.. It's only a matter of time... And 400+ horsepower is coming? Wow....

What is unreal about it? It's barely quicker than a V6 Camry or LaCrosse Super, and slower than a G8 GT.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by Ach

What is unreal about it? It's barely quicker than a V6 Camry or LaCrosse Super, and slower than a G8 GT.

What amazes me is the fact that it's a Hyundai. Toyota, Buick and Pontiac have always had fast cars. It's very interesting to See Hyundai with one. Also keep in mind that the V6 Camry and LaCrosse super aren't exactly feature-rich luxury cars. Neither is the G8GT. First, it's a Hyundai - Second, it's a luxury car. Luxury cars are heavy. BIG heavy cars with lots of power have always impressed me...

[genjy]

I am not so much surprised by Hyundai's leap of quality and vehicle range, but by its new high-output engine lineup.

It seems like Hyundai just pulled a whole bunch of powerful, modern engines out of its ass all of a sudden.

[fp115]

Meh it looks boring on the outside. Who cares about such speed unless its meant to be a sports car. What still gets me is that it tries to be something it is not by taking cues from other cars and in the end not paying attention to detail.

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by Ach

What is unreal about it? It's barely quicker than a V6 Camry or LaCrosse Super, and slower than a G8 GT.

What is so special about the G8 GT? It's barely quicker than a Genesis and slower than a 300C SRT-8. ( I'm kidding. But 5.5 seconds and 14 seconds isn't bad at all. That beats the best-in-midsize-class Camry V6 by 0.6 seconds, and the Genesis is much bigger inside too. Until the G8 GT came out, GM had no RWD sedan below the CTS-V that could do better! )

This is Hyundai we're talking about, remember? Did you ever think they'd put a car against the 300C, E550, and GS460 and get second fastest acceleration, best horsepower per liter, best fuel economy, largest cabin, and best braking 60 mph to 0?

Solid feel, nice interior, quiet ride, leather, automatic climate control, automatic wipers, power rear sunshade, automatic HID lights, fog lights, power sunroof, 17 speaker sound system, nav, rear back up camera...

If you still think the Genesis is mediocre, ask yourself this: would you rather own a Genesis V8, an Acura TL, a Lexus ES, a Lexus IS, a Cadillac CTS, a Buick Lucerne, or a Mercedes C350?

If you even had to think about the answer, it's painfully obvious how far Hyundai has come.

[Buick61]

I'm not a Genesis or Hyundai detractor, but....I'd still get a '09 370hp 300C instead of this.

[fp115]

Originally Posted by Michael_S

What is so special about the G8 GT? It's barely quicker than a Genesis and slower than a 300C SRT-8. ( I'm kidding. But 5.5 seconds and 14 seconds isn't bad at all. That beats the best-in-midsize-class Camry V6 by 0.6 seconds, and the Genesis is much bigger inside too. Until the G8 GT came out, GM had no RWD sedan below the CTS-V that could do better! )

This is Hyundai we're talking about, remember? Did you ever think they'd put a car against the 300C, E550, and GS460 and get second fastest acceleration, best horsepower per liter, best fuel economy, largest cabin, and best braking 60 mph to 0?

Solid feel, nice interior, quiet ride, leather, automatic climate control, automatic wipers, power rear sunshade, automatic HID lights, fog lights, power sunroof, 17 speaker sound system, nav, rear back up camera...

If you still think the Genesis is mediocre, ask yourself this: would you rather own a Genesis V8, an Acura TL, a Lexus ES, a Lexus IS, a Cadillac CTS, a Buick Lucerne, or a Mercedes C350?

If you even had to think about the answer, it's painfully obvious how far Hyundai has come.

To be honest from the list you mentioned I would take any but the Lucerne. All the cars you mentioned actually do pay attention to detail. What is the most painful thing about the Genesis is that it can't even take the traditional Hyundai grill and has to take a Mercedes look to it. Look all over the car, a Mercedes grill, Lexus head and taillights. The interior looks like it was taken from all the cars. Why couldn't Hyundai take something unique or at least give it the luxury feeling that all other luxury manufacturers have been doing.

You say quiet, but put it next to a Cadillac, Mercedes or even a Buick and you will see that it is not nearly as quiet or as smooth feeling. Of all the options you mentioned there, cars have had for years now, even economy cars have it standard. Read camera is an option on the Genesis as it is on most cars anyway. Not exactly a feat.

Hyundai would have been smart to start a whole new brand if they wanted to do what they have done with this car. Hyundai's credibility on the market is not great and especially as a luxury provider. With the execution of this car I am certainly not impressed by the lack of attention to detail and the copycat engineering they have done on the whole car.

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by fp115

Who cares about such speed unless its meant to be a sports car.

Me - and plenty of others. I don't like Ferraris and Lamborghinis.. I like Bentleys and Rolls Royces.. I don't care so much about launching hard at a light. I care about easily passing someone on the highway going 60mph. That's where big, powerful, comfortable luxury cars with POWER come in.. 0-60 sprints are all fine and dandy. I prefer 60-120 sprints...

[Sal Collaziano]

Originally Posted by fp115

To be honest from the list you mentioned I would take any but the Lucerne. All the cars you mentioned actually do pay attention to detail. What is the most painful thing about the Genesis is that it can't even take the traditional Hyundai grill and has to take a Mercedes look to it. Look all over the car, a Mercedes grill, Lexus head and taillights. The interior looks like it was taken from all the cars. Why couldn't Hyundai take something unique or at least give it the luxury feeling that all other luxury manufacturers have been doing.

You say quiet, but put it next to a Cadillac, Mercedes or even a Buick and you will see that it is not nearly as quiet or as smooth feeling. Of all the options you mentioned there, cars have had for years now, even economy cars have it standard. Read camera is an option on the Genesis as it is on most cars anyway. Not exactly a feat.

Hyundai would have been smart to start a whole new brand if they wanted to do what they have done with this car. Hyundai's credibility on the market is not great and especially as a luxury provider. With the execution of this car I am certainly not impressed by the lack of attention to detail and the copycat engineering they have done on the whole car.

Say whatever you like. The "facts" are, the Hyundai Genesis is stealing sales from Lexus, BMW and Infiniti... And this is only the beginning.

[GMC-70]

Originally Posted by leelander

oh wow, those were two different cars? counld even tell, lol.

That's the first thing I thought. Looks like Hyundai really did their copycat homework here

I dont care how good the car is (and yes in technical terms it appears to be very good) but if they can't even think of one design aspect that's not a lift-off of some other make then really what have they accomplished??

There are piracy laws for software and Hyundai should be chared with such in this case.