Exclusive Video and Spy Photos: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
Hyundai luxury sedan caught testing prior to debut at New York auto show
By Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor | Published Mar 20, 2007
0 Ratings
Officially unveiled as the Concept Genesis at the 2007 New York Auto Show, this new Hyundai luxury sedan has been in the works for years. We caught prototypes testing in the California desert late last year, so here's a recap of what we know about this new Hyundai flagship as the production model nears completion.
Code-named BH, this premium sedan has been designed to compete in the $28K-$35K price range, well above Hyundai's current Azera sedan. It's built on a rear-wheel-drive platform with a 116-inch wheelbase. This is slightly longer than a Buick Lucerne, yet still 4 inches shy of the wheelbase of a Chrysler 300.
Like those big American sedans, Hyundai's new luxury liner will offer both V6 and V8 engines. Hyundai's current 3.8-liter V6 already produces a healthy 263 horsepower, but we expect base models of the production BH to get a slight bump to around 270 hp. Hyundai officials have confirmed that a V8 engine is in the works as well, and we expect about 4.0 liters of displacement and at least 300 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission will be standard with both engines.
Interior photos reveal a conservative cabin design that makes generous use of wood and leather trim. For a luxury car, it's a relatively simple setup, with none of the usual button clutter that tends to plague cars in this class. Not surprisingly, rear-seat room looks generous, although the seats themselves appear a little flat and featureless.
Like most Hyundai models, this sedan will attempt to make up for its lack of brand cachet with a heavy dose of standard features. There will be Hyundai's typical safety technology, like a full array of airbags and electronic stability control, along with high-end features like adaptive cruise control, navigation, Infinity surround sound audio system with both USB and MP3 input jacks.
Expect to see the production version of the Concept Genesis go on sale late next year after its Korean debut in early 2008.
See new Hyundai models
See future Hyundai models
Code-named BH, this premium sedan has been designed to compete in the $28K-$35K price range, well above Hyundai's current Azera sedan. It's built on a rear-wheel-drive platform with a 116-inch wheelbase. This is slightly longer than a Buick Lucerne, yet still 4 inches shy of the wheelbase of a Chrysler 300.
Like those big American sedans, Hyundai's new luxury liner will offer both V6 and V8 engines. Hyundai's current 3.8-liter V6 already produces a healthy 263 horsepower, but we expect base models of the production BH to get a slight bump to around 270 hp. Hyundai officials have confirmed that a V8 engine is in the works as well, and we expect about 4.0 liters of displacement and at least 300 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission will be standard with both engines.
Interior photos reveal a conservative cabin design that makes generous use of wood and leather trim. For a luxury car, it's a relatively simple setup, with none of the usual button clutter that tends to plague cars in this class. Not surprisingly, rear-seat room looks generous, although the seats themselves appear a little flat and featureless.
Like most Hyundai models, this sedan will attempt to make up for its lack of brand cachet with a heavy dose of standard features. There will be Hyundai's typical safety technology, like a full array of airbags and electronic stability control, along with high-end features like adaptive cruise control, navigation, Infinity surround sound audio system with both USB and MP3 input jacks.
Expect to see the production version of the Concept Genesis go on sale late next year after its Korean debut in early 2008.
See new Hyundai models
See future Hyundai models