Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009?

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.2L V8 - Click above for high-res image gallery
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When the Hyundai Genesis Sedan hit the scene, it was hard to know exactly what to think of the handsome-if-anonymous looking luxury intender. After all, Hyundai hadn't ever had a presence in our luxury car market, and attributes like rear-wheel drive and V8 engines weren't exactly a Hyundai staple. Over the past year, however, the Genesis' well-judged appointments and recession-friendly pricing Genesis Sedan won us over, and our contemporaries in the motoring press seem to feel the same way.

Hyundai says that the Genesis Sedan's considerable trophy case makes it the most awarded car of 2009 - and since we have no methodology by which to cross-checking such a high-falutin' claim (scientific or otherwise) we're going to give the Korean automaker the benefit of the doubt. The Hyundai Genesis Sedan began 2009 as the North American Car Of The Year and the well-heeled sedan has continued to build momentum with an impressive 21 awards. Among the Genesis Sedan's many honors are nods from Motor Trend (America's Top 40 New Cars), Cars.com, J.D. Power, NADAGuides, and AutoPacific.

Heck, the Genesis' 375 horsepower Tau 4.6-liter V8 also made Wards Automotive's 10 Best Engines list, and after putting down nearly 2,000 miles in just such a beast earlier this month, AB executive editor Paukert concurs, praising the eight's smooth power delivery and impressive mileage. Despite a packed cabin and trunk and plenty of mountain driving and high-speed cruising, our man averaged 26.1 MPG on a circuitous route from Michigan to North Carolina - fully 1.1 MPG better than the EPA says to expect on the freeway. He also praised the car's acheless seats and pleasing Lexicon audio system as excellent long-distance travel partners.

Hit the jump to read the press release listing the Genny's awards cache. The release is a proud parent brag-fest, but when you get it right like Hyundai appears to have done with its Genesis Sedan, perhaps a little self-promoting is merited. Maybe now they'll see fit to finally take credit for it by putting a "Hyundai" badge somewhere on the car, eh?


Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8



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Hyundai Genesis Sedan - The most awarded car of 2009? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[TJPark01]

I'm so numb to people asking me about the car now, I feel like I should go to a dealership grab 20 brochures and keep them in the trunk to hand out to people who stop me to ask about the car.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I'm so numb to people asking me about the car now, I feel like I should go to a dealership grab 20 brochures and keep them in the trunk to hand out to people who stop me to ask about the car.

Heh! That's a good idea, actually.. If everything goes as planned and I buy an Equus, I may ask for brochures.

 

[TJPark01]

You really should brother. At first people asking me about the car was a pleasant novelty. Now, it's so frequent the giddy school girl charm has worn off a bit. In WPB you'll get just as much inquiry into a new Equus, if not more, especially if they put that hood ornament on it.

 

[erf genesis 09]

I only have the Genesis 4.6 for two weeks, and each time I take it out I've received at least 3 inquires about the car along with alot of head turning. My order is in for the Equus I already contacted Miles Johnson at Hyundai who is involed with marketing it.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

You really should brother. At first people asking me about the car was a pleasant novelty. Now, it's so frequent the giddy school girl charm has worn off a bit. In WPB you'll get just as much inquiry into a new Equus, if not more, especially if they put that hood ornament on it.

I bet! And I will....

I only have the Genesis 4.6 for two weeks, and each time I take it out I've received at least 3 inquires about the car along with alot of head turning. My order is in for the Equus I already contacted Miles Johnson at Hyundai who is involed with marketing it.

Very cool! Do you have any ideas about pricing yet?

 

[erf genesis 09]

It looks to start around 60K & top out close to 80K. I did see loaded Equus at one of the local dealers here on Long Island in earlier July 09. It was amazing! My wife also saw it and fell in love with it. If it was available we were leaning with it. Speed TV came in and offered the dealer 100K to sell it to them, but with no title they couldn't.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

It looks to start around 60K & top out close to 80K. I did see loaded Equus at one of the local dealers here on Long Island in earlier July 09. It was amazing! My wife also saw it and fell in love with it. If it was available we were leaning with it. Speed TV came in and offered the dealer 100K to sell it to them, but with no title they couldn't.

If it starts at around $60k, I'll buy a Lexus LS460.. If at some point down the road, Hyundai impresses me as much as Lexus does - and their vehicles cost the same, I'll consider them. Right now, I'm willing to bite the bullet and give the underdog a shot. But not if they're as arrogant as Lexus is.

 

[dataguy]

I think $50K base, $60-65K-ish for Tech, is the sweet spot. If it hits $70K, I guarantee every review will invoke the ill-fated Phaeton launch in the U.S.

 

[TJPark01]

Yeah they have to be careful with pricing. I think a maxed price of 60k will make it a compelling choice over the LS460 especially if it's delivering more content. They should be focusing on establishing market share gains, and not so much with making tons of dough.

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[Sal Collaziano]

Recently at a Hyundai dealership, somebody mentioned they thought the pricing would go as high as $100k. Absolutely not. Not going to happen. Not the first year, not the year after - not even the decade after - unless they have a V12 or hybrid version.

I've said it several times.. The Equus needs to top out at around $60k.. Maybe $62k.. Maybe even $65k. Anything higher than that and believe me - too many people would rather buy a base "proven" Lexus LS460 than a fully loaded, more expensive Hyundai.. I understand that Hyundai isn't planning on selling many of these cars - but they certainly don't want to have a Volkswagen Phaeton on their hands. If they price it too high - that's exactly what they'll have - no matter HOW good the Equus is..

 

[TJPark01]

Recently at a Hyundai dealership, somebody mentioned they thought the pricing would go as high as $100k. Absolutely not. Not going to happen. Not the first year, not the year after - not even the decade after - unless they have a V12 or hybrid version.

The market right now for the nicest car an average guy can afford, is a good market to tap. Lexus was there in the early 90's but like you said they got arrogant with their pricing. Hyundai has to keep grounded. Words like, smart,value and affordable should still be used to describe the brand and the cars. No one looking to buy a Merc, Bentley or Porsche, is going to go for a Hyundai. But Acura, Infiniti and Lexus, better watch their butts.

 

[sandy]

Recently at a Hyundai dealership, somebody mentioned they thought the pricing would go as high as $100k. Absolutely not. Not going to happen. Not the first year, not the year after - not even the decade after - unless they have a V12 or hybrid version.

I've said it several times.. The Equus needs to top out at around $60k.. Maybe $62k.. Maybe even $65k. Anything higher than that and believe me - too many people would rather buy a base "proven" Lexus LS460 than a fully loaded, more expensive Hyundai.. I understand that Hyundai isn't planning on selling many of these cars - but they certainly don't want to have a Volkswagen Phaeton on their hands. If they price it too high - that's exactly what they'll have - no matter HOW good the Equus is..

I agree. But, I also believe the number of cars available for sale during years one and two will be so limited that dealers will be adding huge "dealer adjustments" to the msrp