2010 almost certainly will have suspension changes

[Mark_888]

I heard it from the horse's mouth today: the 2010 Genesis will almost certainly have at least some minor suspension changes. The horse personally tested some of the proposed changes himself. I am assuming this is relatively minor tuning, but with noticeable improvement. No word on whether the changes can be retrofitted to 2009 model.

 

[thomaspf]

Thanks, and ignore my question about retrofitting in the other suspension thread.

Cheers

Thomas

 

[Mark_888]

Just to clarify, the suspension change (or tuning) was tested at a Hyundai location in California, so it had to have been on a 2009 model, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it could theoretically be retrofitted.

 

[ultra63]

H set the specs for '09 so any retrofit for an improved ride will not be free.

 

[Mark_888]

H set the specs for '09 so any retrofit for an improved ride will not be free.

Although it would be nice if it were free, I was not counting on that. A lot of people think that the problem is the rear only, so that might reduce the cost (but just guessing).

But I wonder if they might modify the specs mid-2009 (slipstream). For their sake, I would hope they would do that and not wait until 2010 if possible.

 

[ultra63]

But that would imply that the factory spec suspension now was not perfect.

 

[Mark_888]

But that would imply that the factory spec suspension now was not perfect.

What would? If they changed it mid-2009? If they waited until 2010 it would mean the same thing for all practical purposes, but I agree that Hyundai would be under more pressure to make changes to cars already sold if they changed it mid-2009. But they would also avoid more potential unhappy customers the sooner they improved it.

The suspension specs and tuning came from California, not the factory. The suspension is one of the major differences between the Korean and US models.

The only thing that I know is that the proposed changes have already been tested and approved by HMA, and they are satisfied with the results.

 

[Duaine]

What would? If they changed it mid-2009? If they waited until 2010 it would mean the same thing for all practical purposes, but I agree that Hyundai would be under more pressure to make changes to cars already sold if they changed it mid-2009. But they would also avoid more potential unhappy customers the sooner they improved it.

The suspension specs and tuning came from California, not the factory. The suspension is one of the major differences between the Korean and US models.

The only thing that I know is that the proposed changes have already been tested and approved by HMA, and they are satisfied with the results.

May I please ask for your exact source of information on this subject? I sure hope it's accurate.Thanks!

 

[Mark_888]

May I please ask for your exact source of information on this subject? I sure hope it's accurate.Thanks!

This is a very touchy subject and I don't want to betray anything said in confidence, and the source was not totally forthcoming for obvious reasons, so I don't want to say too much. But in response to questions about the Genesis suspension, a high level person at HMA said he personally tested the suspension tuning changes and is "happy with the ride solution, will be updates for 2010, and Hyundai is always seeking to improve." [paraphrased to best of my recollection].

All questions regarding whether any such changes would be available to 2009 owners (even if owners paid for them) went unanswered. You can draw you own conclusions about exactly what all this means. I was a little hesitant about discussing this in the forum, but I think it is very important to some members and it is in Hyundai's best interest to make the changes.

 

[BigElm]

^ And that is appreciated. I know the vulnerability of being the mole and ending up losing your reputation over any source leak. I'm in that same situation with Subaru's.

Anyway, as long as you're giving us 'some' facts, it's all good and of value to us

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[Gimli]

But that would imply that the factory spec suspension now was not perfect.

Suspension is just like design. Some like it bold, some like it tame, most like it somewhere between the two extremes. There's no configuration that will ever be able to please absolutely everyone so there's no way it could ever just be considered "perfect".

 

[Mark_888]

Suspension is just like design. Some like it bold, some like it tame, most like it somewhere between the two extremes. There's no configuration that will ever be able to please absolutely everyone so there's no way it could ever just be considered "perfect".

You are correct, there is no way any suspension can be considered perfect. But there are suspensions that are actually more firm than the Genesis (Infiniti M, BMW 5), but don't exhibit a jittery/unsettled ride. Hyundai can do better, and they will.

 

[Mark_888]

More info about possible suspension changes:

Thanks to those of you who participated in the Genesis Ride and Drive Activity. We [Hyundai] wanted to pass along a message from Mark, one of the Product Managers on the Genesis team.

We will use the ride and handling feedback for improving on the next generation of Hyundai Genesis - which is in development right now. In some cases, we may even use your feedback to make changes to an existing vehicle. By knowing the details of what our customers like and dislike, we can set very specific targets for how our cars ride and drive. We then communicate these targets to our U.S.-based Chassis Engineering team who develops the suspension, steering and braking systems on roads all across the US and at our proving grounds in California. So thank you for your feedback! Now we know how you want your Hyundai Genesis to ride and drive - we are listening.

 

[Mark_888]

Here is more information from another Hyundai person:

The information provided by the members in the Think Tank regarding the Genesis suspension has been helpful to the Genesis Product Manager and the chassis engineers. We are using this information to make improvements to future model years. We are very grateful for the thoughtful and insightful information provided.

Michael

 

[Duaine]

This is a very touchy subject and I don't want to betray anything said in confidence, and the source was not totally forthcoming for obvious reasons, so I don't want to say too much. But in response to questions about the Genesis suspension, a high level person at HMA said he personally tested the suspension tuning changes and is "happy with the ride solution, will be updates for 2010, and Hyundai is always seeking to improve." [paraphrased to best of my recollection].

All questions regarding whether any such changes would be available to 2009 owners (even if owners paid for them) went unanswered. You can draw you own conclusions about exactly what all this means. I was a little hesitant about discussing this in the forum, but I think it is very important to some members and it is in Hyundai's best interest to make the changes.

Mark_888
I understand...... just keep the inside information coming on suspension updates. I appreciate it very much! I hope that Hyundai does at least offer to update the current Genesis or if not at least give you the chance to purchase the update. If they are changing the suspension on the 2010 model that tells us that the 2009 Genesis suspension setup wasn't exactly what they had in mind. I'm sure some magazine articles and owner feedback helped. Thanks again!

 

[ultra63]

I wonder if the change in 2010 will devalue the '09's. There is always a risk in being a beta tester.

 

[DanTheMan]

More info about possible suspension changes:

Mark--

Are you and the "Mark" named in the quote one and the same?

Curious....

Dan :>)

 

[Mark_888]

Mark--

Are you and the "Mark" named in the quote one and the same?

Curious....

Dan :>)

Nope. That Mark is one of the Product Managers on the Genesis team. I am just a regular Genesis owner (and I didn't lease, so I care about the long term value of the car).

 

[doug725]

Well the car already doesn't hold value unfortunately - one week and 700 miles and the value goes from $32,240 to $26,000. This certainly won't help. The problem - everyone loves the look of the car (the folks at Infiniti were swooning over it), riding in it is another matter.

 

[hokienutzz]

lets hope they retrofit the fix to the 2009's. my tiburon had a better ride than my genesis. I think sportier seats would improve the ride too; nothing holds me in the seat when I make turns.