Its Official: 2010 Genesis sedan has revised suspension

[Mark_888]

Attached to the 2010 Genesis’ rigid structure is revised suspension and steering tuning to keep the Genesis even flatter through turns and more compliant over bumps. Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:

• Improved ride comfort with more body / wheel control
• Increased driving comfort without compromised handling
• Optimized road surface contact
• Technology used in Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models

http://hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/2010_Models/Genesis/Press_Release.asp

 

[knight]

Mark,
Thanks for the post, this has been long-awaited by many! Can't wait until they start selling the 2010's!! Well, I guess I can wait, I have so far .

-knight

 

[LLT]

I'm very curious to see what has actually changed. If it's just the bushings, struts/shocks and springs - I'll be doing a conversion. If it's new knuckles ($600 each), strut mounts and the aforementioned - it would quite likely be cheaper just to take the loss and trade it.

Given the verbiage, it seems unlikely they'll provide any "fixes" for '09s. Given it wasn't that long ago that they were an economy car maker that's now trying to penetrate the luxury segment, I would think it would be in their best interest to not sweep our concerns under the rug. Like most, I love nearly every other aspect of the vehicle -- they're so close, yet with the present suspension, so far away.

 

[Mark_888]

An HMA employee posted the details of the suspension changes previously on an HMA forum as:

• changes to spring/shock rates
• revised bushings

Given the above, it is likely that the changes could be retrofitted to the 2009. Whether HMA will do it for free, reduced price, or standard non-warranty pricing has yet to be determined. I think we need just a little patience here, before we jump to any conclusions (but I have no information yet on what the HMA decision will be).

 

[jwaters943]

Aside from the first sentence, this is exactly the same as the 2009 Press Release. It's a shame they're being so vague about what specifically they changed.

Genesis features a suspension design that is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, at any price. The front five-link suspension features upper and lower arms linking the front wheels to the chassis. This artfully articulated arrangement creates a virtual king pin axis that dramatically reduces unwanted kickback through the steering wheel as well as improving responsiveness. The five-link independent rear suspension is equally sophisticated, enabling precise suspension geometry for a premium ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximized through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) allowing tuning flexibility at smaller damper displacements. The ASD suspension provides:
· Improved ride comfort with more body / wheel control
· Increased driving comfort without compromised handling
· Optimized road surface contact
· Used in Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models

http://www.hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/2009_Models/Genesis/Press_Release.asp

FWIW, here are some more highlights, most of which has been covered before. Included in the text below is more about the revised suspension (and steering!) as well as information on the touch screen NAV (the 6.5" screen size is a dead giveaway that this comes from the Sonata).

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010

* Smart Cruise Control available on Technology Package
* Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold available on Technology Package
* Touch-screen navigation standard on Genesis 3.8 models with Premium Navigation Package and Genesis 4.6 base
* Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces standard on Genesis 3.8 models equipped with Premium, Premium Navigation and Technology Packages
* Revised suspension and steering

Smart Cruise Control automatically manages the Genesis’ speed through the braking and throttle systems to maintain a following distance set by the driver. The electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold allows the parking brake to initiate automatically when the vehicle stops and deactivate as soon as the gas pedal is pressed. The automatic vehicle hold feature eliminates the need to keep the brake pedal depressed in situations such as stop-and-go traffic. Automatic vehicle hold also prevents the Genesis from rolling backwards when parked or stopped at a traffic light on a hill. The automatic parking brake also eliminates the need for a hand or foot lever.

The entry-priced Genesis models have been upgraded with an optional, next-generation in-dash navigation unit. This system, which also features a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, can be easily controlled by a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The system also works through voice activation via a headliner-mounted microphone.

The system comes matched with the Lexicon 14-speaker surround sound audio which plays compact discs and accesses digital music files through Bluetooth streaming audio. It also allows driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from their phone to the Navigation system. Also, with a Bluetooth enabled phone, one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos and real-time NavTraffic. The system is also updateable via the USB port. The touch-screen navigation-equipped Genesis will begin arriving in dealerships in the fall of 2009.

 

[LLT]

I've seen that post on the think tank site, Mark - it wasn't overly informative. If they step up, great. I wouldn't hold my breath - I've dealt with the district service manager, field service engineer and numerous service managers now - none appear terribly interested in making it right.

I'd settle for just the parts. Actually, I'd strongly prefer to do the work myself. I've not had confidence inspiring service from any of the Hyundai dealerships I've been to and prefer to be the only one who touches my cars.

 

[Mark_888]

Aside from the first sentence, this is exactly the same as the 2009 Press Release. It's a shame they're being so vague about what specifically they changed.

But the first sentence is very important since it says "revised suspension and steering tuning." The fact that the rest of the verbiage about the 5-way multi-link suspension is the same as 2009 is exactly the point--it has been tuned and not redesigned.

Regarding what exactly has been changed, it is the following:

• revised spring/shock rates
• new bushings (presumably for steering issue that many complain about).

The above details come straight from an HMA employee on an HMA forum. I was the first to post information on the 2010 suspension changes about 5 months ago (based on information I received from a very high level HMA executive). I have been proved to be correct (despite many doubts and much criticisms thrown at me on this forum). I think you should consider the details of the changes I posted above to be reasonably accurate (if not 100% accurate). More details are likely to be available in the not too distant future.

 

[Mark_888]

I've seen that post on the think tank site, Mark - it wasn't overly informative. If they step up, great. I wouldn't hold my breath - I've dealt with the district service manager, field service engineer and numerous service managers now - none appear terribly interested in making it right.

I'd settle for just the parts. Actually, I'd strongly prefer to do the work myself. I've not had confidence inspiring service from any of the Hyundai dealerships I've been to and prefer to be the only one who touches my cars.

Wait a minute. I have said nothing about whether HMA will retrofit the changes to the 2009 under warranty. That is a separate subject.

You cannot expect a district service manager to agree make any changes as of yet. There are several reason for that:

1. The 2009 suspension is functioning as designed (even if the suspension tuning design was crappy) and is therefor not necessarily a defect.
2. Whatever decision is made about 2009 retrofits will have to made at very high levels at HMA and above (KDM) since it would cost them millions to do for free. Whatever decision is made, it will be made by high-level executives, not district service managers.
3. It is still too early for HMA to announce their intentions (or lack of intentions) regarding retrofitting of the 2010 suspension changes on to 2009 vehicles.

 

[GripperDon]

"I was the first to post information on the 2010 suspension changes about 5 months ago (based on information I received from a very high level HMA executive). I have been proved to be correct (despite many doubts and much criticisms thrown at me on this forum). I think you should consider the details of the changes I posted above to be reasonably accurate (if not 100% accurate).


Geeze Mark 888 , Relax a bit, pleeze. P.S. What name do you post under on the think tank forum?

 

[Mark_888]

Geeze Mark 888 , Relax a bit, pleeze. P.S. What name do you post under on the think tank forum?

It is easy for you to say "relax," but you weren't even a member of this forum back when some of us first complained about the suspension and when I first mentioned the revised 2010 suspension, so you don't know what took place.

I don't recall posting anything about the suspension on the Think Tank forum so I don't understand why you are asking. I probably only posted there a couple of times in total. I have mentioned what an HMA employee has posted there (HMA_Heather) concerning the revised spring/shock rates and revised bushings.

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[jwaters943]

Mark,

Will you be buying the revised parts for your suspension if Hyundai doesn't cover the cost?

 

[rb cline]

Guys.
On the one hand I get so sick of you people baiting and carping on each other, venting brused/fragile egos and proclaiming I told you sos.

On the other hand you guys I.D.ed a significant problem early on ,alerted the more cautious sorts ,such as myself, to delay pruchase and most importantly got Hyundai ,there's no question about it, to get off the dime! When this subject first came up you couldn't get a lot of early owners to even acknowledge a problem. They never drove a 1980s Jag sedan ,or whatever, that could both ride well and boogie over uneven pavement so they just didn't understand the possibilities. And that goes for a large part of the automotive press as well.

And by the way Hyundai: you owe these early owners big time. Guys like me were not going to buy buy a Genesis till this issue was sorted out so you owe your early owners who ask, a suspension upgrade/retrofit. Those who don,t ask maybe you don't owe them but you should inform them.

Hats off to you early Genesis owner/pioneer technical types .I think you have you have done us a service. Now lets see if the proof is in the driving when those 2010s come out.

Keep on keeping on, RBC

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Like it says in my signature...

"Discontent is the first necessity of progress." - Thomas A. Edison

...or we could do like GM has been doing for decades and ignore problems like this. This was one of the first topics to get moved into the "Hyundai Genesis Issues Requiring Dealer Attention" forum. I think SOME of us honestly could not tell there was a problem. And SOME of us would simply rather ignore it and make believe it didn't exist...

 

[Mark_888]

Mark,

Will you be buying the revised parts for your suspension if Hyundai doesn't cover the cost?

Maybe, but I am not going to install the revised parts myself and would only have it done by a Hyundai dealer. Obviously, I would have to see how much it will cost.

 

[Mark_888]

I think SOME of us honestly could not tell there was a problem. And SOME of us would simply rather ignore it and make believe it didn't exist...

I think that there is one more category, and that is of people who are associated with Hyundai (mostly dealerships) trying to do damage control.

But I will admit one thing, the problem is not quite as bad now as it was when my Genesis was new. I don't know if that is because the tension in the springs and shocks has subsided just a little, or whether it is the warmer weather. I have also lowered the tire pressure to 31 PSI (from recommended 33)

Any time I know that I will be having friends ride in my car, I always fill the gas tank (to weight down the rear end) and avoid bad roads for fear of embarrassment about the ride.

 

[GripperDon]

It is easy for you to say "relax," but you weren't even a member of this forum back when some of us first complained about the suspension and when I first mentioned the revised 2010 suspension, so you don't know what took place.

I don't recall posting anything about the suspension on the Think Tank forum so I don't understand why you are asking. I probably only posted there a couple of times in total. I have mentioned what an HMA employee has posted there (HMA_Heather) concerning the revised spring/shock rates and revised bushings.

1. I was not a member before I posted because I had not bought a Genesis, simple as that.
2. I don't have the time to read forums that I do not have a reason to review.
3. After having joined I read all the past posts on the subject so I do feel that I "Know what took place"
4. I asked if you posted on the Think Tank forum because I wanted to know if you were a member of the Think Tank, simple as that.

I am glad that you feel you were instrumental in getting the changes made to the suspension, Thanks you for your attention to the problem.

I am glad you were the first to read the press release and determine that it means changes have been made to the suspension.

I hope you will use your "Connections at high places " to get the problem fixed for us that have it and need it fixed.

I Hope that this post serves to provide appropriate recognition for your efforts,

I feel that it may be as a result of past experiences that some of us are reticent to accept things until we see clear proof.

Lastly, the prettiest girl at the party is usually recognized without her doing anything.

Here is hoping that someday soon all this will be behind us and we will all be posting about how Hyundai stepped up to a problem on their flagship product, fixed it made the great early adopters whole. This will have great word of mouth advertising and have us recommending the car and the company without hesitation. Currently I find it difficult when having to respond to the multitude of inquiries about the car. Hyundai I hope realizes that in early times there are more folks seeing the cars owned by us types than go to showrooms to see them. Lots of folks don't even know what kind of car it is, and the reference from a owner is worth a 1000 times what any dealer could ever say.
Finally I continue to hope that Hyundai will contact us wanting a fix directly.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Any time I know that I will be having friends ride in my car, I always fill the gas tank (to weight down the rear end) and avoid bad roads for fear of embarrassment about the ride.

Heh.. That IS a problem...

1. I was not a member befor I posted beacuse I had not bought a Genesis, simple as that.
2. I don't have the time to read forums that I do not have a reason to review.
3. After having joined I read all the past posts on the subject so I do feel that I "Know what took place"
4. I asked if you posted on the Think Tank forum beacuse I wanted to know if you were a member of the Think Tank, simple as that.

Don.. Some people got really uptight about the whole suspension issue that Mark was discussing early on. I even received PMs from people asking me to evaluate whether or not he was a troll and some asked for me to delete or at least close the topic.

I've been running forums for a long time - so I'm aware that these complaints were, at least to some extent, WARRANTED.. But in the end, it turns out that he was 100% right - and I appreciate the early-on heads up that he gave us...

We've got a lot of traffic from people watching this particular issue. I'm quite confident that if it weren't for this discussion, Hyundai may not have ever addressed the "problem".

We all love Hyundai here and we want to see them excel more than anything. All's well that ends well...

"Discontent is the first necessity of progress." - Thomas A. Edison

Sal C.

 

[TJPark01]

Any time I know that I will be having friends ride in my car, I always fill the gas tank (to weight down the rear end) and avoid bad roads for fear of embarrassment about the ride.

You are totally right. On my many trips to Costco, I have noticed that on the way back, the car rides so much more smoothly. In other words the back end does not dance around. Thank you 10 gallon drum of mayo and beef jerky superpack!

 

[dataguy]

Like it says in my signature...

"Discontent is the first necessity of progress." - Thomas A. Edison

...or we could do like GM has been doing for decades and ignore problems like this. This was one of the first topics to get moved into the "Hyundai Genesis Issues Requiring Dealer Attention" forum. I think SOME of us honestly could not tell there was a problem. And SOME of us would simply rather ignore it and make believe it didn't exist...

I really dislike it when people cannot look beyond their own situation or who can't think beyond binary possibilities. It's very well possible that it could be a major issue that some of us are lucky to have avoided. It could be that some are more sensitive than others to it. It could be a running production change. It could be a quality control problem. It could be trolls. It could be shills. It could be a combination of those things (likely) or none of those things.

It could also be terminology. "Problem" for example. It implies a material defect. It's also possible that the suspension tuning did not hit the expectation of the target market, which has caused a perception that there's a "problem." That perception could be as serious as a material defect, but it's not the same thing.

One thing is clear: I think it's highly, highly doubtful that regardless of the severity or cause of the issue, unless it's safety-related, that Hyundai will make 2009 owners whole.

Finally, as much as I think you're right about Mark_888 highlighting an important issue, I would hope that people would not take anything that he or anyone else says here with blind trust. Saying that one heard something from an unnamed HMA executive, or even citing Think Tank (which provided a materially inaccurate schedule of the Equus tour) isn't the same as the actual result. For all we know, the suspension changes will have no impact or make things worse.

I think the reaction has a lot to do with how many times and in how many threads he's cited the same insider information. To me, this thread seems to be more of an "I told you so" than anything else. Maybe it's vindication, but the reaction should be expected.

 

[GripperDon]

Enough said.