New York Auto Show: Hyundai Genesis Concept

This week you’ll be reading a lot about the New York Auto Show even though it doesn’t open, even to the media, until next week. Why? We’re not quite sure, but a number of automakers have interesting new cars they want to announce a bit early. This morning, Hyundai started the week off with a look at its Genesis concept.

The V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive sedan is actually already green-lit for production in 2008. It’ll have more than 300 horsepower under the hood and feature a bevy of safety features. The big news is that the car will be Hyundai’s first “luxury” offering in the United States, but the company is saying the starting price will be “well under” $30,000. That makes us think this might not be as luxurious as Hyundai wants us to believe. Regardless, it’s still an attractive sedan even if it doesn’t break much new ground.

Check out the larger pictures and tell us what you think below. 

Comments

[wade]

It's got a lot of BMW from the sides and Infiniti from the front and rear. It does look good. Hyundai is really doing some nice looking vehicles. I don't know if the U.S. is ready for a luxury Hyundai, but I bet the quality will be there.

[Dee]

Very nice looking, can't wait to see the interior. Betting the headlights don't make it to production, too kewl looking! I don't like the top of the chrome grill, the big thick chunk in the middle doesn't look right(IMO).

[Jonners]

Car looks REALLY nice. Hyundai has put a lot into this vehicle and nice to see it has a V8. They can not market a luxury vehicle in the US with out it. I don't think you will sway many MB or BMW customers away because the majority of them are buying the brand and status associated with it. They sure don't buy a Mercedes for the reliability. I think Hyundai has them beat on that. Hyundai will have to have and provide its customers head to head test in everything from acceleration to quietness and all to convince them to consider this car.

[Dave T.]

if they can take on lexus or infiniti I think Hyundai would be happier than the germans. But I'd be pretty surprised if their first stab at the premium segment comes off perfectly.

[happymantis]

Looks like an Infiniti from the rear and a bit of Camry-esque vibe is emanating from the elongated headlights. But this looks pretty darn good, but Hyundai had better put a navigation system in this thing! It was the only reason why I bought a Camry instead of a Sonata... and I know that folks out there are starting to see the requirement for a decent navigation system and would shell out extra $ for one...

[happymantis]

On that note, Toyota and Honda ought to watch their backs... I can see Hyundai replicating the Toyota approach against GM, against Toyota (oh the irony)in a decade or so...

[Fredrick]

Is this going to take the place of the Azera or come slated about that?

Who is making the V8 engine? Is it gonna be in-house design or will somebody else do it?

[D Lu]

first impression when i saw the front -- "Oh, the next Camry ..." The rear end is reminiscent of a Zephr ...

[wade]

It sounds like this would be slated above the Azera. Maybe this would appeal more to the enthusiast where the Azera is certainly a "sensible" purchase. Think IS350 vs ES350. I am curious about the V8. Can a mid/full size SUV or truck be far behind.

[Dave T.]

Concept Genesis is powered by Hyundai's newly developed Tau DOHC 32-valve V-8 powertrain.

TAU V-8 POWERTRAIN

Adding to the Concept Genesis' performance factor is the all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control and a limited-slip differential. The Tau delivers well over 300 horsepower to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. This powertrain combination will launch Genesis to 60 miles per hour in well under six seconds. The Tau engine is built with flexibility for the future. Future Tau variants may offer larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.

[M3]

Reminiscent of when Toyota and Nissan launched Lexus and Infiniti. Would Hyundai consider a new brand name for it's luxury cars? That may reduce the perceived social stigma of the Hyundai name. This looks like a definite winner of a car. But as a long-time Hyundai customer I do miss the very inexpensive basic cars they used to sell. Even the Accent is pricier than many other cars.

[Dave T.]

M3,
I think in reality the Accent is one of the least expensive out there. The Yaris gets priced up very quickly with basic items like A/C added. Here's a comparison to check out:
http://www.cars.com/go/compare/modelCompare.jsp?myids=8181,8228,8604

[LM]

DT...the Yaris comes standard with A/C, it's not a Lancer, or an Accent. A/C is only available with a $1,450 pref. package which also includes the radio (also standard on the Yaris).

The Accent does include side airbags, something I wouldn't be caught dead in a tiny car without.

[bigbib]

it looks like a restyled camry from the front and a blown up elantra from the back why cant hyundai come up with something new like a trademark design element like audiand volkswagen

[KJ]

It's time to drop the stupid and deformed looking "H" logo. This car won't spell luxury until a new designed letter is created.

[Mr. Ivan]

Very nice attempt for Hyundai. It looks like an Infiniti M in the front and side angles, and a Lexus LS from the rear, two very nice designs however why is it that we can't get an original design out of hyundai/ kia that is worth a second look. The Sonata is an exact copy off the previous generation Accord, and even this new Elantra from all angles to me looks like a Toyota Corolla. I mean its an honest effort and the design is attractive, but would you trust this company to provide you with a descent V-8 engine on the first try or a rear wheel drive car for that matter.

This car isn't their first attempt at the luxury car market, any one remember the XG300/350, no, neither do I, and the Azera is supposed to be near luxury I guess, but yet it has no navigation system. I shudder to think what the gas mileage will be, b/c for some reason they can't get good epa numbers off any of their engines, on average their cars gas mileage is acceptable at best. I hardly think Lexus, Infiniti, or Acura are in big trouble, but the american car companies may be...

[arumage]

Why not trust them? All of Hyundai's recent offerings have been near bulletproof. They are some of the safest. The new Veracruz gets 18/25 mpg which is decent for its class. The Azera suffers from not having the extra gear on the transmission. I think they could definitely steals some sales from imports given that their cheapest luxury sedans are quite a bit more expensive. Alot of them start at $40k whereas the Genesis will be topping out around there.

[arumage]

The import's entry-lux cars start at around 30k, not 40k. They all top out at around 40-45k.

Even the BMW 3 starts in the low-30s.

[Mark6388]

Very stunning example from Hyundai! WOW! I am amazed how this automaker stepped up to the plate, addressed their nagging quality issues from the 1990s, and now are in the mood to pick a fight with the Lexus division! They provided more than a few nails for Oldsmobile's coffin...

Genesis looks like a winner form all I have read and seen. Owning a Azera Limited now for 9 months I can tell you it's the best car I have ever owned. I can't wait for the Genesis to arrive on the USA shore. The day it arrives at my dealer I will be in line to order one, that's how much I trust the reliability of the Hyundai brand. As for gas mileage I'm happy with the 27mpg I get on the highway when I consider it's operating on 87 octane gas and not the premium that just about all the other's are using.

[old bear cat]

Really looks good. What's the inside look like?? Have an old Max and needs replacement. have owned two hyundais and both went over 100k. Kids still driving one of them.
Will it have a V-6? Gas $2.70 and going up in WI. so need good gas milage.V-8 will like gas.
Looks like the price will be about like an Azera limited. Can't wait to see it at the dealer.

[kevin]

I just bought a new veracruze AWD it is nicer in every way than my lexus GS 300. I live in alaska if thay offer the genesis with AWD I will for sure buy one

[mike]

This new concept gives the impression of it's new found long term reliability. Smart consumers will patronized Hyundai's car simply because the hyundai parts and design blow away the other cars.

[lucian kapp]

I have an xg300 bought new and love it.But under 40 thou.I'll buy a CTS