Expectations for '16 and beyond

[waveman]

OK, I know that we're barely halfway through 2014 and that we probably won't hear much about the 2016 Genesis for another year or so. But I'm interested in hearing what y'all think Hyundai might do with the second generation Genny as they try to maintain separation from the Equus.

Some early articles about the '15 Genesis described features that didn't make it to the North American version:

• Surround camera view
• Self parking
• Rear seat entertainment controls

Of the above three, the one I care about most is the all-around camera view, though I'd consider the others if they were available. IIRC, the KDM first generation was much more expensive than the North American Genesis and included options that never were offered here. However, my guess is that Hyundai is going to be compelled to add features sooner rather than later as non-luxury competitors like Ford, Honda, and others offer them.

 

[Mark_888]

OK, I know that we're barely halfway through 2014 and that we probably won't hear much about the 2016 Genesis for another year or so. But I'm interested in hearing what y'all think Hyundai might do with the second generation Genny as they try to maintain separation from the Equus.

Some early articles about the '15 Genesis described features that didn't make it to the North American version:

• Surround camera view
• Self parking
• Rear seat entertainment controls

Of the above three, the one I care about most is the all-around camera view, though I'd consider the others if they were available. IIRC, the KDM first generation was much more expensive than the North American Genesis and included options that never were offered here. However, my guess is that Hyundai is going to be compelled to add features sooner rather than later as non-luxury competitors like Ford, Honda, and others offer them.

The North American Genesis versions (USA and CA) have never had all the features of the KDM version. The reason is simply pricing. When it first came out for 2009 MY in USA, the most expensive USA Genesis (V8 with Tech Package) was $17K less than the top KDM version. Feature differences were not the only reason for the price difference, but did play a role. Given the competitiveness of the market in the US, keeping prices down is extremely important to sales, so that may affect whether all those options ever make it to the US.

Also, automakers tend to do a minor refresh in 2-3 years after initial introduction, so if there are any changes I suspect they are more likely to come after the 2016 MY.

 

[jjsC6]

I have surround view in my BMW and really like it. It makes parking along a curb a breeze without curbing a wheel. I also have rear entertainment controls in my Lexus - I have no idea why I need them and have never used them. Self parking I have no use for, but others might.

I'd like to see them come out with a "sport" package for the car. While more power would be nice, it does not even have to have more power. Even the new Sonata has a sport version now.

Overall I think they did a great job. The obstacle is just getting people to spend $50k on a car that they have to tell people that is a Hyundai they bought.

 

[ksoze]

I would look for an AWD V8 model and tweaks to the freshman model misses. I think they have decided the Genesis is more of a luxury sedan and it's weight gain makes turning it into a sport sedan tougher. With that it mind, I thing soft close doors and surround view are a no brainer as they exist on KDM versions. While a R-Spec version would be nice, I am afraid it would require a lot of changes to compete as a sports sedan and cosmetic options alone do not help the image.

 

[jjsC6]

I would look for an AWD V8 model and tweaks to the freshman model misses. I think they have decided the Genesis is more of a luxury sedan and it's weight gain makes turning it into a sport sedan tougher. With that it mind, I thing soft close doors and surround view are a no brainer as they exist on KDM versions. While a R-Spec version would be nice, I am afraid it would require a lot of changes to compete as a sports sedan and cosmetic options alone do not help the image.

It weighs about the same as a 5 series BMW.

 

[ksoze]

It weighs about the same as a 5 series BMW.

The Genesis V8 is actually almost 300 lbs heavier than the 550i.

 

[dreamerak]

It weighs about the same as a 5 series BMW.

The Genesis weighs 264 pounds more, 4541 vs 4277, but is a larger car.

 

[waveman]

The North American Genesis versions (USA and CA) have never had all the features of the KDM version. The reason is simply pricing. When it first came out for 2009 MY in USA, the most expensive USA Genesis (V8 with Tech Package) was $17K less than the top KDM version. Feature differences were not the only reason for the price difference, but did play a role. Given the competitiveness of the market in the US, keeping prices down is extremely important to sales, so that may affect whether all those options ever make it to the US.

Also, automakers tend to do a minor refresh in 2-3 years after initial introduction, so if there are any changes I suspect they are more likely to come after the 2016 MY.

I'm not expecting the N.A. Genesis to ever completely match the KDM version - as you say, the cost differential is too high. But I'm wondering if some KDM features, like surround view, will come this way over the next few years. It's going to be hard for Hyundai not to offer these options when they become available on other, non-luxury cars like the Accord.

 

[Mark_888]

I'm not expecting the N.A. Genesis to ever completely match the KDM version - as you say, the cost differential is too high. But I'm wondering if some KDM features, like surround view, will come this way over the next few years. It's going to be hard for Hyundai not to offer these options when they become available on other, non-luxury cars like the Accord.

I am sure some features will come in time, especially safety related items. Just not sure about 2016 MY.

 

[italiabrain]

I am sure some features will come in time, especially safety related items. Just not sure about 2016 MY.

I agree. I think Carplay-type software stuff will be about all you'll see before the mid-model refresh.

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[jjsC6]

The Genesis weighs 264 pounds more, 4541 vs 4277, but is a larger car.

I have seen weights on the 550 listed as about 4400.

I just found two instrumented tests....one in Car and Driver, one in Autoweek. One was a hair under 4400, the other a hair over 4400.

 

[jjsC6]

I'm not expecting the N.A. Genesis to ever completely match the KDM version - as you say, the cost differential is too high. But I'm wondering if some KDM features, like surround view, will come this way over the next few years. It's going to be hard for Hyundai not to offer these options when they become available on other, non-luxury cars like the Accord.

The Accord "surround view" is nothing like what my BMW has. The Accord is just a right side view designed for lane change to the right while driving at speed. The BMW is for parking and shows the ground all around the car, plus it can show looking both directions from the front bumper for pulling out of a blind driveway.

 

[ksoze]

I have seen weights on the 550 listed as about 4400.

I just found two instrumented tests....one in Car and Driver, one in Autoweek. One was a hair under 4400, the other a hair over 4400.

I think you may looking at the 550iX weight which according to BMW is 4,431. The 550i is 4,277 which is heavier than the Genesis which as you know does not have a AWD counterpart to compare. I am using the manufacturers stated weights for both BMW and Hyundai as the only fair way to compare.

Edit: C&D has the Genesis RWD V8 at 4601, so it only gets worse.

 

[jjsC6]

I think you may looking at the 550iX weight which according to BMW is 4,431. The 550i is 4,277 which is heavier than the Genesis which as you know does not have a AWD counterpart to compare. I am using the manufacturers stated weights for both BMW and Hyundai as the only fair way to compare.

Edit: C&D has the Genesis RWD V8 at 4601, so it only gets worse.

I am going by road tests that are both rear drive where they actually put the cars on scales.

 

[ksoze]

I am going by road tests that are both rear drive where they actually put the cars on scales.

Good for you. What are the numbers for the 2015 V8 Genesis on those scales?

 

[Rey]

I think we can expect to see an AWD V8 version in 2016.
Another thing I expect to see is stop/start (sic) technology and cylinder deactivation like on a Corvette (other cars also). Hyundai needs to keep working on gas mileage improvements. You may also see hybred technology.
I also see the Genesis evolving into a separate brand like Lexus.
Hyundai's marketing of the first generation Genesis was almost non-existent. The first generation Genesis (had four of them) were virtually unknown to the general public.
Check out the TV advertising of the '15. It is strong on safety, but very weak on identifying the brand of the car.

 

[dreamerak]

Not sure why people are surprised that a larger car weighs more. I'd like to see the suede headliner that the Canadians get, also the soft close doors for 2016.

 

[keithl]

Plenty of cars get bigger and do not gain 400+ lbs in weight. The probakm here is Hyundai decided to not leverage alternate weight reducing technologies. Some of said due to the parent companies steel business. While I can believe that one would think that even though they would realize they do not sell these cars Ina a vacuum and need to compete. Weight costs fuel, and someone looking at Genesis is already looking at value and the MPG numbers of these cars are trailing virtually all the competitors. That may impact some buyers. It also has a negative impact on handling.

 

[waveman]

I think we can expect to see an AWD V8 version in 2016.
Another thing I expect to see is stop/start (sic) technology and cylinder deactivation like on a Corvette (other cars also). Hyundai needs to keep working on gas mileage improvements. You may also see hybred technology.
I also see the Genesis evolving into a separate brand like Lexus.
Hyundai's marketing of the first generation Genesis was almost non-existent. The first generation Genesis (had four of them) were virtually unknown to the general public.
Check out the TV advertising of the '15. It is strong on safety, but very weak on identifying the brand of the car.

I, too, would like to see Hyundai work on improving fuel economy, and I agree that their marketing of the first generation was extremely limited. But I'll be surprised if they split the Genesis and Equus off into a separate brand anytime in the next few years. That would be a hugely expensive undertaking, and would force Hyundai to further increase the price of the cars.

 

[Mark_888]

I, too, would like to see Hyundai work on improving fuel economy, and I agree that their marketing of the first generation was extremely limited.

I wouldn't say it was extremely limited, especially since they popped for several SuperBowl commercials featuring the first generation Genesis. A SuperBowl commercial costs about $3 million for a 30 second commercial (not including production costs). They also did a lot of TV ads shown during sporting events. I am not referring to any 2015 Genesis ads.