Top Speed Run

[kaberle]

Decided to do a top speed run today. I took my Genesis to 140 MPH on a straight level road (no wind) before I chickened out. Now this is surprising for two reasons. First I had read that top speed for the V6 was 130 MPH and second because I think it would have went faster had I not chickened out.

It felt good up to about 125 MPH, beyond that it got a little loose. Not to the point I felt totally unsafe but it was a little loose.

Has anyone else taken their Genesis to top speed?

 

[scottdk]

Decided to do a top speed run today. I took my Genesis to 140 MPH on a straight level road (no wind) before I chickened out. Now this is surprising for two reasons. First I had read that top speed for the V6 was 130 MPH and second because I think it would have went faster had I not chickened out.

It felt good up to about 125 MPH, beyond that it got a little loose. Not to the point I felt totally unsafe but it was a little loose.

Has anyone else taken their Genesis to top speed?

I've been trying to set this up for myself Problem is doing this during daylight and on a road that no traffic is on AND no cops are patroling.

It's been TOO long of a process. People have told me, "Go to Brainard raceway." Problem with that is it's only a quarter mile. I need much more than that. Soon enough.

FYI, I took video of me attempting to do this and when I got to 133mph, I saw another car coming and decided this was not a good idea and slowed to the speed limit (55mph).

Soon, I hope I will have video of the actual top speed for a 4.6.

 

[ImInPA]

I understand the temptation, but, there is enough written documentation about the Genesis top speed. There are also YouTube videos. Please, just be careful. I would sure hate to lose a couple of contributing members to this board. Trust me, your Genesis, V6 or V8, is plenty fast.

 

[ctrcbob]

Go to West Texas where on I-20 and I-10, the speed limit is 80mph. I understand that in Montana, the speed limit is also 80mph.

The good is that with the higher speed limit, it must be that there is less traffic on those roads. (There is less traffic, as I was on I-20/I-10 a few weeks ago).

The bad is that even though there is less traffic, it does not mean that there is no traffic, so even though the limit is 80mph, you still have enough traffic that you can't open it up.

BTW, Even though there are no speed limits on (parts of) the autobahn in Germany, there are very few places where you can open it up. Germany is very populated and does not have as much free space as does France. Try to open it up in a non speed limit area of the autobahn, and you come up on slower traffic and you must slow down.

In France, there is plenty of wide open road as they are not allowed to build houses out in the country, only within town limits. The open space is farm land as France is the breadbasket of Western Europe. The speed limits in France (Autoroute) and Italy (Autostrada) is 130kph (81mph), as is the speed limits in the other countries of Europe, other than Germany. (81mph is fast enough for me <grin>). A few years ago, I leased a Renault Laguna Diesel, and wondered if it could make it up to 160kph (100mph) so I tried, it did, backed off, and that was the last time I went that fast "on the ground".

 

[brihvac]

It felt good up to about 125 MPH, beyond that it got a little loose. Not to the point I felt totally unsafe but it was a little loose.

Everyone always asked me what the difference was between my 04 E320 4matic Mercedes and my Genesis. This is it. That Benz would run 140 and it was like you were doing 80. I kinda miss it. Im sorry but the is no comparison.

 

[ImInPA]

Everyone always asked me what the difference was between my 04 E320 4matic Mercedes and my Genesis. This is it. That Benz would run 140 and it was like you were doing 80. I kinda miss it. Im sorry but the is no comparison.

I agree with you up to a point. It is true that European vehicles feel more stable at autobahn type speeds. They are engineered to be that way. My Passat TDI had a really buttoned down feel at triple digit speeds. Actually seemed to get tighter the faster it was pushed. My Volvo S80 is the same. Actually becomes a different car at speeds above 80 mph. But in all reality/practicality stability at such speeds in the USA are pretty much irrelevant. Buttoned down up to 125 sounds pretty good to me. I wonder if the V8 with its thicker rear sway bar would feel better at higher speeds? Still, it is all academic to me. The $20K-plus additional cost of the E320 seems a bit high to feel better at 15 mph higher than the 3.8 Genesis. I would imagine you could invest a couple thousand into the Genesis suspension and feel buttoned down at higher speeds for a fraction of the price difference if that is what floats your boat. The Genesis is pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

 

[kaberle]

Everyone always asked me what the difference was between my 04 E320 4matic Mercedes and my Genesis. This is it. That Benz would run 140 and it was like you were doing 80. I kinda miss it. Im sorry but the is no comparison.

There is no doubt in my mind that the top "driving" cars feel better at extreme speed than lower cars. There are even cars that feel better than the MB E320 at top speed... There is no doubt there are many cars out there that when it comes to high end performance (not just top speed but all aspects) are better than the Genesis. Of course you double and triple pay for that performance in many instances but the fact remains there are better " performance" cars out there. In the practical range of driving however, and I'm talking about normal aggressive driving I think you would be hard pressed to see a big difference in this class of vehicle. It's not every day I drive my Genesis at 140 MPH, actually probably never again. At a miniscule 125 MPH it felt solid to me.

I think many who talk about the pros and cons of the Genesis are too black and white about it. Those who really like it want to believe it is a Giant Killer and those who don't like it so much want you to believe that if it isn't a Mercedes or a BMW it is no good. The truth is in between.

By the way my family and others have often commented on how the Genesis feels like it is going slower than it really is going. It's all relative.

 

[kaberle]

I agree with you up to a point. It is true that European vehicles feel more stable at autobahn type speeds. They are engineered to be that way. My Passat TDI had a really buttoned down feel at triple digit speeds. Actually seemed to get tighter the faster it was pushed. My Volvo S80 is the same. Actually becomes a different car at speeds above 80 mph. But in all reality/practicality stability at such speeds in the USA are pretty much irrelevant. Buttoned down up to 125 sounds pretty good to me. I wonder if the V8 with its thicker rear sway bar would feel better at higher speeds? Still, it is all academic to me. The $20K-plus additional cost of the E320 seems a bit high to feel better at 15 mph higher than the 3.8 Genesis. I would imagine you could invest a couple thousand into the Genesis suspension and feel buttoned down at higher speeds for a fraction of the price difference if that is what floats your boat. The Genesis is pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

Two Thumbs Up !

 

[Soldier76]

I don't think I even hit 100mph in the Genesis yet, but I got close to 120mph in my 05 Honda Odyssey though. I'm pretty sure that the Genesis is more competent at that speed than a minivan.

 

[brihvac]

Its not just high speeds. Its the overall feel of the car. Mercedes feels heavy, solid, and stable. I have owned 3 Elantras and 2 Sonatas, so I love the Hyundai's. I have also owned 2 Mercedes. The E320 was the one I owned right before the Genesis. I bought it used with 70,000 miles for $14K in Jan.(04 E320 4 matic)
I was not just talking about high speeds. I was talking over all. I think the Genesis is a great car, but I read about it being compared to a BMW and Mercedes. I cant speak for the BMW, but there are many differences. Anyone whom has owned a newer E or S class (03-up) knows what Im talking about. I got a great deal on my Genesis and they gave me top dollar for my Benz. Thats why I bought the Genesis, and I like it a lot, but there are many differences. So when people ask, I tell them. Hey, when Hyundai states that many of their Genesis owners have come over from BMW,Lexus,and Mercedes, Im one of them. Im a statistic.
If I didnt get such a good deal I would have waited for the new body style Sonata to come out. Thats what I was gonna do, but while killing time window shopping at the local dealer, they offered me a deal I could'nt refuse.

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[wallymn]

I regularly drive my 4.6 Gen at 120 MPH, and I can say it feels like 70.

I have on my commute a flat, newly paved 15 mile road with no intersections.
(nice part of living in the middle of no where) average traffic speed on the road is 80. (posted is 55). I occasionally get past at 120.

 

[scottdk]

I regularly drive my 4.6 Gen at 120 MPH, and I can say it feels like 70.

I have on my commute a flat, newly paved 15 mile road with no intersections.
(nice part of living in the middle of no where) average traffic speed on the road is 80. (posted is 55). I occasionally get past at 120.

I would agree with you Wally. When I'm doing 100mph-130mph, it feels very stable, and almost seems better the faster I go. Smooth, predictabe, and very "in control" type of feeling in the 4.6.

 

[kaberle]

Its not just high speeds. Its the overall feel of the car. Mercedes feels heavy, solid, and stable. I have owned 3 Elantras and 2 Sonatas, so I love the Hyundai's. I have also owned 2 Mercedes. The E320 was the one I owned right before the Genesis. I bought it used with 70,000 miles for $14K in Jan.(04 E320 4 matic)
I was not just talking about high speeds. I was talking over all. I think the Genesis is a great car, but I read about it being compared to a BMW and Mercedes. I cant speak for the BMW, but there are many differences. Anyone whom has owned a newer E or S class (03-up) knows what Im talking about. I got a great deal on my Genesis and they gave me top dollar for my Benz. Thats why I bought the Genesis, and I like it a lot, but there are many differences. So when people ask, I tell them. Hey, when Hyundai states that many of their Genesis owners have come over from BMW,Lexus,and Mercedes, Im one of them. Im a statistic.
If I didnt get such a good deal I would have waited for the new body style Sonata to come out. Thats what I was gonna do, but while killing time window shopping at the local dealer, they offered me a deal I could'nt refuse.

I will repeat what I said before. At 125 the car felt solid. As I started to increase speed to 140 it felt "a little loose", not all over the place.... not unsafe..... just a little loose.....by loose I mean it seemed to be wandering just a bit....... don't take that to mean that Mercedes is in another league from the Genesis..... Yes the Mercedes may be more stable at extreme speed, but not to the point that it is head over heals better...... lets be realistic. According to Hyundai I was not suppose to be able to go 140 MPH in the V6 ... whats up with that?

 

[tjc78]

My V6 has "H" rated tires.. I was under the assumption that H rated tires are good to 130 MPH, therefore the car is electronically limited to 130. Maybe there is enough speedometer error at that speed? It only works out to be reading 7% high, I could believe that.

 

[brihvac]

I will repeat what I said before. At 125 the car felt solid. As I started to increase speed to 140 it felt "a little loose", not all over the place.... not unsafe..... just a little loose.....by loose I mean it seemed to be wandering just a bit....... don't take that to mean that Mercedes is in another league from the Genesis..... Yes the Mercedes may be more stable at extreme speed, but not to the point that it is head over heals better...... lets be realistic. According to Hyundai I was not suppose to be able to go 140 MPH in the V6 ... whats up with that?

I was not just talking about high speeds. I said overall. I can tell you never had a Mercedes or you would understand. Please dont post that you have had one because, if you had owned one you would have posted it by now. This is getting like the Harley Davidson forums where people wanna argue that Harley's are the best bike ever built. I just give my honest opinion. Thats all. Everyone has their opinion and this is mine

 

[ImInPA]

I was not just talking about high speeds. I said overall. I can tell you never had a Mercedes or you would understand. Please dont post that you have had one because, if you had owned one you would have posted it by now. This is getting like the Harley Davidson forums where people wanna argue that Harley's are the best bike ever built. I just give my honest opinion. Thats all. Everyone has their opinion and this is mine

While I have never owned an MB, when I worked overseas, we had many MBs in our fleet, and I do know what you are talking about. Obviously the additional $20K+ (comparably equipped) for the MB E series buys something. I loved your reference to the Harley Forums. Been there too. I ride a Yamaha Royal Star these days. No snob value, but, it always starts when I am ready to ride, and gets me home too. You know what they say about Harleys? 90% of all Harleys ever built are still on the road. The other 10% made it home.

 

[brihvac]

While I have never owned an MB, when I worked overseas, we had many MBs in our fleet, and I do know what you are talking about. Obviously the additional $20K+ (comparably equipped) for the MB E series buys something. I loved your reference to the Harley Forums. Been there too. I ride a Yamaha Royal Star these days. No snob value, but, it always starts when I am ready to ride, and gets me home too. You know what they say about Harleys? 90% of all Harleys ever built are still on the road. The other 10% made it home.

Ahhhh We agree on something.
I have a Harley 2009 StreetGlide. I also have a 2005 Goldwing. If I had to choose between the two I would take the Goldwing.
I like getting a new bike every few years. I had a custom Roadstar chopper and a very customized Honda VTX1300C. Problem was that when I went to sell them I lost my a$$. At least with a Harley they hold their value somewhat. But man, if you go on them forums and say you prefer a foreign bike over a Harley....they want to hunt you down. I told them, HEY I have both, Im just giving my honest opinion.
I have seen numerous Goldwings with over 100K miles on them. I have never seen a Harley with anywhere near that kind of mileage.
But, since I own a HD, I get to wear the shirts and put all the decals on my truck

 

[ImInPA]

Ahhhh We agree on something.
I have a Harley 2009 StreetGlide. I also have a 2005 Goldwing. If I had to choose between the two I would take the Goldwing.
I like getting a new bike every few years. I had a custom Roadstar chopper and a very customized Honda VTX1300C. Problem was that when I went to sell them I lost my a$$. At least with a Harley they hold their value somewhat. But man, if you go on them forums and say you prefer a foreign bike over a Harley....they want to hunt you down. I told them, HEY I have both, Im just giving my honest opinion.
I have seen numerous Goldwings with over 100K miles on them. I have never seen a Harley with anywhere near that kind of mileage.
But, since I own a HD, I get to wear the shirts and put all the decals on my truck

Had a 2004 Road King. Not a bad bike, but, talk about a needy piece of machinery. Harley service was great in all honesty. I just didn't realize how much service it was going to need. I really like the newer ones. Maybe someday I will get another Road King. My Royal,V4, is a damn sweet engine. Always have loved the Goldwings though.

 

[kaberle]

I was not just talking about high speeds. I said overall. I can tell you never had a Mercedes or you would understand. Please dont post that you have had one because, if you had owned one you would have posted it by now. This is getting like the Harley Davidson forums where people wanna argue that Harley's are the best bike ever built. I just give my honest opinion. Thats all. Everyone has their opinion and this is mine

I am also giving an honest opinion. Have you even driven the Genesis at 140MPH?..... and don't say you have because you would have already said it if you had.... I have in fact driven many vehicles that perform well on the road. I know exactly what you are talking about when you say a car feels solid. Don't accuse me of not understanding when you don't know anything about me. I am not saying that the Genesis is a BMW as far as how it handles. Then again a Mercedes isn't a BMW either. When it comes to luxury a BMW is not a Mercedes. When it comes to keeping money in my pocket a Mercedes or a BMW is not a Genesis. I don't measure my life by the car I drive. I spend plenty of money on houses and vacations and boats and cottages and everything else. That bit of extra performance you get out of the BMW and Mercedes at extreme G's or under extreme accelleration or braking or top speed or however you measure it is just not something I wish to pay for. The fact that you now drive a Genesis and not a Mercedes speaks volumes.

To be clear again. I agree with you that there are more expensive Luxury and Performance vehicles out there that are more luxurious or better performing than the Genesis. But at the price point of the Genesis there is no competition.


BTW thumbs up to the Goldwing

 

[brihvac]

I am also giving an honest opinion. Have you even driven the Genesis at 140MPH?..... and don't say you have because you would have already said it if you had.... I have in fact driven many vehicles that perform well on the road. I know exactly what you are talking about when you say a car feels solid. Don't accuse me of not understanding when you don't know anything about me. I am not saying that the Genesis is a BMW as far as how it handles. Then again a Mercedes isn't a BMW either. When it comes to luxury a BMW is not a Mercedes. When it comes to keeping money in my pocket a Mercedes or a BMW is not a Genesis. I don't measure my life by the car I drive. I spend plenty of money on houses and vacations and boats and cottages and everything else. That bit of extra performance you get out of the BMW and Mercedes at extreme G's or under extreme accelleration or braking or top speed or however you measure it is just not something I wish to pay for. The fact that you now drive a Genesis and not a Mercedes speaks volumes.

To be clear again. I agree with you that there are more expensive Luxury and Performance vehicles out there that are more luxurious or better performing than the Genesis. But at the price point of the Genesis there is no competition.


BTW thumbs up to the Goldwing

I have no reason to go 140mph. I have been up to a 100 passing someone, but I have a tire out of balance that the dealer can't seem to correct the last 3 times I had it in. It pisses me off.
I also dont measure my life by the car I drive. I have too many cars, bikes, etc. as well. I would never buy a new Mercedes. Anyone who would pay those prices are crazy. I paid $14K for mine. To be honest with you, I wouldnt pay the kind of money some have paid for their Genesis. As I said, I got a hell of a deal on mine. The dealer lowered the price from $36,130 to $31,500 THEN gave me $18,000 for my Benz. That was $4K more than what I paid for it almost 4 months prior. So I looked at it like I got another four grand off the $31,500. Lets face it, Hyundais dont hold their value for sh*t and the Genesis is too new to prove otherwise.
Sorry if I came off as judging you. That was not my intention