I'm convinced. I'm in, but waiting for the V8 Genesis.

[Simonwpb]

According to news reports, the V8 will start arriving in 3 weeks...

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/hyundai-introduces-new-luxury-car-to-wall-street/

August 11, 2008, 2:56 pm
Hyundai Introduces New Luxury Car to Wall Street
By PHIL PATTON
TAGS: GENESIS, HYUNDAI
Hyundai is proud of its V-8 engine, though it may be the last company to create such an engine, if you believe those who say fuel prices and turbocharging have doomed the classic octet.

Hyundai’s V-8 will arrive in dealerships in three weeks under the hood of its Genesis luxury car (the engine is an option from the base V-6). Last Friday, Hyundai’s promotional tour for the Genesis came to the Wall Street area, beside a street festival of zeppolas, crepes, hot dogs and falafels.

 

[Jerrad]

As far as the leather is concerned, I have a feeling there's not as big a difference as we may think.. You can likely get a wood-grain steering wheel later if you want to.. The lower bodyside chrome is nice - and you can buy that aftermarket fairly inexpensively as well. I think you'll be fine with the V6 Genesis.

Actually there is a big difference in the feel of the leather between the V6 & V8 model. Only way to compare it would be like this.

Might be a bad example but lets pretend they were both sand paper the V6 would be like 200 grit and the V8 would be like 600 grit. The V6 seems to be typical good vehicle leather where as the V8 leather feels like my living room sofa leather (which cost $3k for the sofa).

If blind folded you would know the difference between the V6 and the V8.

 

[unknown_owner]

Regarding the leather, I have been to 2 drive experiences and I touched the leather on both more than twice to make sure I'm feeling what I feel. The leather feel is just that "the feel of the leather when you touch it". I didn't notice any difference in softness when I sat in both cars.

Several of us who have been to the drive experience have said there is a difference to the "feel" of the leathers.

 

[Samifumi]

According to news reports, the V8 will start arriving in 3 weeks...

Excellent news. I woke up this morning to read this and have changed my mind again back to the V8. I will be attending the Hyundai drive event in Houston this upcoming weekend, and I have made it a priority to notice the differences between the leather qualities. Thanks for the input.