?All-New Hyundai Genesis delivers value laden premium content?
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Should you happen to be in the market for an entry level, premium luxury sedan that delivers the latest state-of-the-art safety and connectivity technologies along with an extremely attractive and appealing design form inside and out, that?s based on a world class platform, with mechanical attributes capable of providing? dynamic performance, all at a price that won’t break the bank, then perhaps you should consider looking into the purchase of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis, which starts at a base price of $38,000. The first Hyundai Genesis bowed in 2009 as a luxurious rear-wheel drive sedan, and enjoyed successful sales. Now, only five years later, rather than introducing an evolutionary enhancement to the first generation model, Hyundai has chosen a revolutionary path, coming up with a ?clean sheet of paper? Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design that stirs one?s emotions, That?s based on a stiffer, more stable platform architecture tuned by Lotus Engineering, and with a mind-boggling level of vehicular technology ? certainly more than most of its rivals, at a price thousands of dollars less than the majority of its competitors.
Visually, the exterior of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis leads off by implementing a modern look, premium single frame hexagonal grille, followed by refined and enhanced fluidic aesthetics that address surface forms and volumes, and wrapping up with a high-tech sculptural surface rear design that completes the character line flow.
The interior design and execution is a reflection of the sophistication and attention to detail displayed by the car?s outward appeal.
This latest second generation Hyundai Genesis lineup provides a variety of choices, which cover the gamut from Sport sedan to Luxury sedan. There will be two engines from which to choose: a Lambda 3.8-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with CVVT and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that produces 311 horsepower along with 293 pound feet of torque; or a Tau 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT and GDI that cranks out an impressive 420 horses at 6,000 rpm, while generating 383 pound feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The EPA fuel economy estimates are 18-mpg city, 29-mpg highway and 22 combined for the 3.8 RWD. The AWD is 16/25/19 mpg and the V-8 is 15/23/18 mpg.
Both engines deliver motive force to the driving wheels via an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission with skip shift capability and a lock-up clutch from gears 2-8, standard paddle shifters, a new drive model select (Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport modes). Shift logic is enhanced along with improved shift speed. Drive configurations include both Rear-wheel drive or Hyundai?s HTrac All-Wheel drive system with dual mode tuning, available only on the 3.8 liter V6 models at this time for $2,500., which includes heated rear seats and steering wheel and headlamp washers.
Packaging of the new Hyundai Genesis is simple and actually offers only 10 buildable combinations factoring in engine, drive configuration and option packaging. 3.8-liter option packages include: a $4,000 Signature Package ; with a power tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof; an integrated memory system; a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; a power rear sunshade and manual side shades; a Lexicon? 14-speaker Discrete Logic 7 Surround sound system; ventilated front seats; Auto-dimming outside mirrors; Blind spot detection/rear cross traffic alert; HID headlights; and Parking guidelines; a $3,500 Tech Package with Ultra leather seats, Power driver seat cushion extender and side bolster, Lane departure warning system, Lane keep assist, Smart cruise control (full stop / start capability), Haptic steering wheel, Automatic Emergency Braking, Electronic parking brake w/ automatic vehicle hold, Pre-safety seatbelt, High beam assist, Front & rear parking assistance system, and 7? TFT LCD cluster display; and a $3,500 Ultimate Package with Full color head-up display, Premium DIS Navigation with 9.2? HD Display, Lexicon? 17-speaker Discrete Logic 7 Surround, Continuous damping control suspension, Power trunk lid with hands-free trunk opener and? Dual mode climate control with CO2 sensor.? The 5.0-liter V8 comes with the Tech Package, with a $3,250. Ultimate Package optionally available.
Key standard fare for V6 models includes: 18? Alloy wheels with P245/45R18 tires, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System, 9 airbags including driver knee airbag, Automatic headlights w/ LED headlight accents, 4.3? TFT LCD cluster display, Power folding outside mirrors with puddle lamps, Heated dual power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, 12-way power heated leather front seats (with power lumbar), Power windows with front & rear auto-down/up with pinch protection, Proximity key with push-button start, new World?s first Hands-Free Smart Trunk, Leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, Dual automatic temperature control, Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass & HomeLink?, Navigation System w/8? Display with rearview camera, AM/FM/XM?/CD/MP3/HD Radio? audio system with 7 speakers, Hyundai Blue Link? Infotainment System with Google? (90-day trial), Bluetooth? hands-free phone system and audio streaming, Rain-sensing wipers w/ auto defogger windshield, TPMS with individual tire pressure indicator, Hyundai Blue Link? Infotainment System with Google? (90-day trial) and SiriusXM Travel Link? (3-year complimentary).
The 5.0-liter V8 models also add ? 19? Alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires, P275/35R19 tires, LED fog lamps, Quad exhaust tips, Illuminated door sill plates and genuine matte finish wood trim and aluminum trim. Base pricing ranges from $38,000 for the 3.8-liter RWD to $54,750. For the 5.0-liter RWD. Add $950 Freight Charge for all models.
During the national media launch program, my driving partner and I were able to experience driving and riding in the 2015 Hyundai Genesis with both the 3.8-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8. The 3.8 V6 version was an AWD model equipped with the Signature, Tech and Ultimate Packages. The base sticker read $38,000., while options, the HTrac AWD system and Freight and Handling charges moved the final total to $52,450. It was finished outside in Pamplona Red and sported a Beige interior. The 5.0-liter V8 model tested? wore an Ibiza Blue exterior complemented by an interior executed in Ivory. The base price was set at $51,500. with the addition of the Ultimate Package boosting the final tally to $55,700.
SUMMARY:? If there is a perceived problem with this latest iteration of the Hyundai Genesis it would have to be with the almost unbelievable content for the price, given that the base price of Hyundai?s luxury flagship Equus (which was also in Ultimate trim) that I drive most recently had a base price of $61,000. Yes, the? Equus is perhaps a little more elegant and somewhat larger, but the new Genesis is an incredible offering that surpasses most competitors in both content and price, even with the 5.0-liter V8.
Safety features abound, as does connectivity and infotainment technology, with all the latest bells and whistles. In fact, I don’t believe that there?s a vehicle in the Genesis?s market segment that delivers as much ? certainly not more in its price range.
The V6 delivers much more than simply ample acceleration, although the V8 example is obviously superior. The V8 would benefit from more of a traditional V8 rumble from my perspective, but for most consumers who will purchase it, this will likely not be an issue. ? The sumptuousness and luxury exuded by the interior delivers stellar levels of comfort and convenience features, and the ride quality is smooth and planted without and harshness, but also without being mushy.
Attention to little details such as puddle lamps that project the Genesis logo on the road surface, activated by the key fob.
Bottom line, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis is an amazingly satisfying luxury sedan, that provides stunning good looks along with spirited performance capability at an unheard of price, especially when one considers all that it has to offer.
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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Hyundai Genesis [/wptabtitle]
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| Base Price: | $38,000. 3.8 V6 RWD / $40,500 3.8 V6 AWD / $51,500. 5.0 V8 |
| Price as Tested: | Add $950 Freight charge. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 3.8-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with CVVT AND GDI. / 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT AND GDI. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 3.8L – 311 @ 6.000 rpm / 5.0L – 420 @ 6.000 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 3.8L – 293 @ 5,000 rpm / 5.0L – 383 @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC. |
| Drive Train: | Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-wheel or Hyundai’s HTrac All-Wheel Drive. |
| Suspension: | Front – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar Rear – Independent 5-link design with high performance gas shock absorbers, coil springs and solid stabilizer bar |
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS and EBD.
Tires: Hankook Ventus S1P245/45 R18 A/S-V6 / Hankook Ventus S1 P245/40R19 A/S (front); P275/35R19 A/S (rear) V8
Wheelbase:?118.5 inches
Length Overall:?196.5 inches
Width:?74.4 inches
Height:?58.3 inches
Curb Weight:?4,138 lbs.-V6 RWD/4,295 lbs. V6 AWD / 4,541 lbs V8
Fuel Capacity:?20.3 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:?18 mpg (RWD) / 16 mpg (AWD)- city-V6 / 29 mpg (RWD) / 25 mpg (AWD)-Hwy V8 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:?0.26
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.
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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
