2007 Hyundai Concept Genesis Review

Specifications

Though it is best known for its high-value, high-quality vehicles, Hyundaihas a reputation for producing one of Korea’s most expensive sedans. For years, Hyundai has offered a large, rear-wheel drive four-door in its home market of Korea called the Equus. It was the largest car in the Hyundai range, a proper, executive sedan with an opulent cabin, conservative styling and power provided by a series of engines, including an available Mitsubishi-sourced 4.5-liter direct injection V8. It was a car designed to please and coddle the wealthiest Korean businessmen and politician. Hyundai didn’t offer the Equus in North America or Europe, but the brand’s sharp growth in popularity and excellent new product lineup, not to mention the Equus HCD-7 concept that debuted at the Detroit auto show in 2002, has had industry analysts predicting a large, rear-wheel drive executive sedan in the not too distant future.

It doesn’t take long to find proof of Hyundai’s interpretation of unpretentious luxury; a look around a dealership and you will find the Azera, Veracruz, Santa Fe, Entourage and Sonata – well built, quiet, luxurious and representative of high value. Truly, the brand’s cars, crossovers and vans have been rewarded accolades justly. At this year’s New York International Auto Show, Hyundai brought out the Genesis Concept, a preview of the large, rear-wheel drive, V8-powered car that will lift the brand into the big leagues, competing against Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and others.

Hyundai knows that if it’s going to succeed with the Genesis, a half-bakedeffort simply won’t work. Having observed Cadillac’s first attempt (and failure) at global validity with its front-wheel drive, V8-powered previous-generation STS sedan, it was obvious that rear-wheel or all-wheel drive was a necessary factor for Hyundai. The brand also benchmarked one of the finest all-rounders on the market during the development of the rear-wheel drive platform, the BMW 5-Series; one of the benchmark cars used by Lexus to develop the current GS. Despite being larger than the 5-Series and its competitor, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the body-in-white (body shell without the engine, interior, drivetrain, etc.) of the Genesis is between 12- and 14-percent more rigid, not to mention that it weighs less. This is particularly impressive considering the 5-Series’ front structure is made out of aluminum whereas the Genesis’ frame is made completely from steel. Connecting the body to its wheels is a five-link front and rear suspension system that features adaptive damping. Add that to a weight distribution of 53/47 and Hyundai may have just come up with a large luxury sedan that can not only provide a comfortable and cosseting ride, but entertain drivers as well.

In the photos and on the show floor, the Genesis looks sleeker, younger andmore modern than the Azera, which would increase its appeal to a wider range of customers. The nose is aerodynamic, and shows hints of Toyota’s latest Camry with the narrow bulge that runs down the hood, though the grille is wider and chromed, which should give the car good presence on the show’s stands. The tail end of the Genesis keeps a close family resemblance to the new Elantra, with similarly shaped lenses, and bodywork that flows into the bumpers and the trapezoidal recess for the license plate. The thin strip of chrome that runs across the rear end, splitting the tail lamps and housing the LED turn signal indicators, is an elegant touch, one most likely inspired by the facelifted 7-Series, but, dare I say, more elegant in execution. Slim exhaust pipes, recessed in the lower rear valance, mimic the shape of the fog lamps in the front air dam. Hopefully Hyundai will keep things consistent with the concept when they produce it.

Other groundbreaking news is that the Genesis is powered by anall-aluminum V8 engine that was developed in-house. The Tau series engine, measuring 4.6-liters in displacement, is aided by continuously variable valve timing and a variable intake manifold. The net result is Hyundai’s most powerful engine to date, with “well over 300 horsepower” and “over 300 lb-ft of torque”. We’re very curious to see what the Tau engine will put out when the numbers are verified. Interestingly, the Tau engine was designed to be flexible, in that it can feature larger or smaller displacements, forced induction and other yet to be developed technologies (at least within Hyundai), such as direct injection. The engine is paired to a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox, the same unit that Audi, BMW and Jaguar use. Furthermore, Hyundai’s seriousness in producing an excellent powertrain is evident in the fact that the Genesis has a limited slip differential, a feature usually reserved for high-performance sports models. When the Genesis hits production, the big V8 will most likely be joined by the smaller 3.8-liter V6 from the Azera as an entry level model.

We haven’t seen the interior of the Genesis, but if Hyundai’s impressive Azeraand Veracruz are anything to go by, you can expect world-class levels of fit and finish and high-grade materials for its range-topping product. The Azera might fall a bit short when it comes to groundbreaking technologies, but Hyundai is equipping (or says that it’s equipping) the Genesis with the latest gadgets expected in this class of car. The new model will pack adaptive cruise control, heated and cooled leather seats, adaptive xenon headlamps, navigation with a reverse camera, an electric parking brake, and keyless ignition. Imagine, getting equipment levels that rival the competition, V6 power and an excellent warranty all at truly affordable prices?

The rear-wheel drive architecture and Tau V8 engine open plenty of doors for Hyundai, including the potential for a true sports car or even a performance crossover vehicle. But back to the Genesis, Hyundai’s VP of Product Development and Strategic Planning says, “We’ve got a unique product position, an all-new, highly capable, rear-wheel drive platform; a high-performance powertrain; and a premium, progressive design – all at a price starting well under $30,000.” It seems pretty clear that the Genesis is getting the green light for sure, and given the technological advancement and powertrain, it’ll be an outright bargain. If not identical to the Genesis concept, we’re sure to see something big, quick and luxurious coming our way, and we look forward to it.