Saturday

Hyundai Genesis 4.6

It has been a long time running and it was bound to surface sooner or later, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan is the earth child of a constantly improving automotive manufacturer. There have been great praises and spy photos for the car that will give some of the most elite luxury sedans a run for the money, and consumers will soon see why. Just recently arriving at local dealers, consumers can expect wide array of features and creature comforts that come all too familiar with similar offerings from Europe's and Japan's elite, only your dollar goes a lot further. Think of it as a dollar menu item, what you see is what you get, and it fulfills every hunger or thirst expectation in the features to dollar ratio. Let us take a close look at the Hyundai Genesis and respect what we expect from the car that will win over prospective buyers.

At first glance, the 2009 Genesis is unmistakably an amalgamation of parts from some of the comparable models today. The front-end design is truly Mercedes S-class, the rear half is somewhat familiar in Acura RL. And of course the side profile can be a Lexus LS, if it wanted to be of course. But whatever Hyundai chose to build its first super high end auto, they surely did a fantastic job integrating a look that will make the Genesis a suitable flagship for the underdog Hyundai Corporation. In-spite of record gas prices this summer, consumers can't get enough of the luxury mid-size sedans and coupes.

But by looking at this sweet looking model, it is huge, about the size of that S-class or LS. As a result, the Genesis will appeal to those larger families and carpool fanatics that are looking for an inexpensive but awe-inspiring piece of automotive machinery.
What the Genesis lacks in light weightness (and we're talking 4000+ lbs. here folks), the car more than makes up in superb powertrain ingenuity. Aside from the smaller V6 option, spend a couple thousand more and opt for the incredible 375 hp 4.6L eight that everyone is talking about. From push of the throttle, the car is instantaneously responsive and fluid in transmission response as it climbs the gearing. A sensible choice for the powerful engine, is the ZF 6-speed automatic with Shift Tronic control to help hold the gearing over longer, broader ranges, it doesn't disappoint.

And as expensive as gas is, the Genesis' 20 gallon tank is consumption frugal in it's V8 economy with 17city/25hwy, just as good as some V6 choices in other midsizers. With a large, heavy body, the suspension is taut and smooth over the California freeways with it's 5-link and gas charged shocks, there's nothing more relaxing for the bumps. The car does float a little at higher speeds and there is some body roll evident in the corners but the car isn't built for tracking the curves anyways. Additionally, the steering feedback is splendid with cleanly engineered power rack and pinion internals. And finally, the 18" wheels are glam-ready for the cruises and are performance oriented with it's grippy tire package. The Genesis hits the mark yet again for pleasing driving dynamics; it is a little something for everyone.
Just as well put together as the outside, the interior amenities give the Genesis owner something to talk about to that pesky neighbor who always has something to say about that aging 2005 E-class in his driveway. The paneling and many little plastic parts flow together well and lend that clean fit and finish facade. Some of the spots are pleasing to the touch with plasticoted soft material that is vinyl-like in nature, just one thing to remind folks that this is still Hyundai crafted. Gadgetry is everywhere and is easy to understand with little effort, buttons were easy to reach and illuminate well at night. The guage cluster is beautifully crafted with electro-luminecent technology, something that the Toyota Camry perfected in its newest generation. The fully loaded 4.6 also had crisp navigation technology and stunning 7.1 surround, Lexicon 17 speaker system that sounds as good as it's name implies.
Tech minded individuals will also enjoy the XM Radio w/navtraffic and various USB and auxiliary input jacks for the mp3 devices aplenty. Lucky owners that have navigation will also appreciate the rear backup camera and front and rear ultrasonic park assist sensors for tricky parking maneuvers. Safety never relaxes in the Genesis as one will find plenty of airbags and stability control programs, a sigh of relief for the safety conscious. As one can see, the Genesis comes complete with the full array of features to make even the haters drool with envy.
As great as the 2009 Hyundai Genesis is, couldn't there be something that can turn away the luxury buyer? Well for one, owning a Hyundai doesn't necessarily bring the status moniker that most discrete buyers look for when they own the likes of Mercedes or BMW.
For just over $40 grand, the Genesis is a superb bargain and one that can't be ignored if consumers are in the hunt. It is great to see HID headlamps w/adaptive forward lighting, tire monitors and push button start, but also keep in mind that there is only a driver cooled seat and faux feeling leather appointments that doesn't measure up to the best of Stuttgart.
As yet again, and a constant reminder, that the 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a genre all its own when luxury and affordability come together like it has never been before. It will cover the bases and appease those whom want something that will complete a lifestyle, the Genesis is the ultimate response to that large gap between fully loaded mid-size and the entry-level luxury sedan. And now, just wait until that incredible couple version to hit the market next year!

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