14 Jan 08
US-market versions of the Hyundai Genesis have been revealed, along with prices for this Merc-alike large saloon: it'll start from just $30,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
The rear-wheel-drive Genesis will be offered with 3.3- and 3.8-litre V6 petrol engines (268bhp/233lb-ft and 290bhp/264lb-ft respectively), plus Hyundai's all-new 'Tau' 4.6 V8 (368bhp/324lb-ft). Although priced to undercut European imports in this sector in particular, the Genesis will also be specified to compete with the likes of the Chrysler 300, Pontiac G8 and Infiniti M in the US.
Features such as adaptive suspension damping, adaptive front lighting, adaptive cruise control, XM satellite radio, USB/iPod audio compatibility and reverse-parking cameras will be offered, and standard kit includes an electronic parking brake and keyless entry with ignition button, plus stability control, active front head restraints and eight airbags.
Hyundai has engineered the Genesis for a sporty drive, despite its size: despite having more interior space than either the Mercedes E-Class or BMW 7-Series, it's lighter than the E and even the smaller 5-Series. Performance from the V8 model will be strong, with 0-60mph in less than six seconds, with the engine coming in combination with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential-shift mode. Hyundai says that the engine could later be offered with 'larger displacement, forced induction options and other technology enhancements.'
Hyundai has not yet confirmed if it will offer the Genesis in the UK, and Europe. The company is currently deciding whether to drop the slow-selling, smaller (and front-wheel-drive) Sonata in the UK, where there has been little demand for large Hyundais, but the Genesis may prove to be a more attractive proposition. It is also set to give the green light to production of a coupe version, as previewed by the Concept Genesis Coupe seen last year.
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