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Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E550)

jwaters943

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Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E550)

And the positive reviews just keep coming..... :D

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0810_2009_hyundai_genesis_first_test/index.html

112_0810_07z+2009_hyundai_genesis+front_three_quarters_view.jpg


Not only does the 4.6-liter Tau feature advanced technology and materials-aluminum block and heads, stainless-steel exhaust manifold, iridium double-tipped spark plugs, two-step variable induction system, and dual continuously variable valve timing-but it also boasts a green ULEV-II emission rating and more horsepower per liter (82) than all of the aforementioned competitors. Unfortunately for the Genesis's rivals, the outlook doesn't appear any rosier. "We already have a 5.0-liter direct-injected version on the horizon that'll produce well over 400 horses," says Krafcik, "and we're considering forced-induction as well."


"The Genesis costs barely more than the original 1990 LS 400." If Lexus isn't nervous, it should be. Sure, the Genesis lacks some of the exquisiteness and attention to detail of the LS, whose interior stitching and real wood trim, for instance, are a step above, but the Lexus costs nearly twice as much. That's a huge discrepancy in price for a minor disparity in excellence-ideal for Hyundai, not so much for Lexus. Still, prospective Lexus buyers aren't apt to suddenly cross-shop the Genesis, although they should, given its near-identical driving experience and projected three-year residual value, which, according to Automotive Lease Guide, ranks above that of the BMW 550i, Infiniti M45, Lexus GS 460, and Mercedes E550.


In fact, with 0-to-60 and quarter-mile runs of 5.5 seconds and 14.0 at 103.7 mph, respectively, the Genesis is quicker than most of the vehicles within its competitive and image sets, including the Infiniti M45, the Lexus GS 460, and the Hemi-fied 300C. The only quicker automatic-equipped sedans that we've tested and Hyundai targeted are the 6.0-liter Pontiac G8 GT (5.3, 13.8 at 102.3) and the 5.5-liter Mercedes-Benz E550 (4.8, 13.4 at 105.3). Not bad for a Hyundai? Not bad for any V-8-powered four-door.


Yes, the Hyundai is devoid of the BMW's ultra-sharp steering, flat cornering, and immense grip -- if the two participated in "Dancing with the Stars," the BMW would be the seasoned instructor, the Hyundai the awkward student. On the flip side, the Genesis is more serene and relaxed for everyday duties, able to eschew the Bimmer's busy, stiff ride and sometimes nervous road manners. This is not to say the Hyundai doesn't relish a twisty road. With a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution, the Genesis delivers excellent balance and impressive grip (certainly considering it doesn't wear summer tires), circling the figure eight in 27.4 seconds at 0.64 g and the skidpad at 0.87 g.


Perhaps the most striking similarity between the Genesis and the E550 is the sense of solidity. Shut the doors, and the body emits nary a quiver. Aggressively accelerate through a sharp curve, and the structure avoids flex like a Kevlar baseball bat.


While the V-8-motivated 4.6 is the considerably quicker of the two, the 3.8 is no slouch, with 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet serving up 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.1 mph. For context, our long-term 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6L DI, Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year, provides similar stats -- 304 horsepower, 273 pound-feet, 0 to 60 in 6.3, the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.6-but carries a base price of over $3000 more. Plus, the Genesis 3.8 sips less fuel than the direct-injected Caddy -- 18/27 versus 17/26.


112_0810_03z+2009_hyundai_genesis_lexus_GS_460+rear_three_quarters_view.jpg

In price, the Genesis 4.6 is closest to the V-6-powered Lexus ES 350.
In performance? Most akin to the GS 460 pictured here.
And in size and feel, it most closely mimics the flagship LS 460.
 
Re: WOW!!! GOOD NEWS!!

Halleluah Hyundai!!

"We already have a 5.0-liter direct-injected version on the horizon that'll produce well over 400 horses," says Krafcik, "and we're considering forced-induction as well."

2010 maybe? With the cruise, cooled pass seat and rear entertainment package? Maybe???

"we're considering forced-induction as well." Bless you man, Bless you.

Can I get an amen from the choir?
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Amen!

(But I'd still take a lighter 310-320hp Direct-Injection V6 Genesis with 19/28 fuel economy over the V8) ;)
 
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Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Awesome!!

You can tow me to the next gas station. ;)
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

I think that's the most impressive review I've read so far. Amazing.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Awesome!!

You can tow me to the next gas station. ;)


That's if I can even catch up to you in your V8. ;)
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Amazing... They got 0-60 in 5.5 seconds... Unreal.. People are going to get even better than that on their own.. Especially with Summer tires.. It's only a matter of time... And 400+ horsepower is coming? Wow......
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Amazing... They got 0-60 in 5.5 seconds

Yes, and 6.3 seconds 0-60 for the V6, which is identical to the 304hp RWD CTS, and still quite respectable IMO.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Yes, and 6.3 seconds 0-60 for the V6, which is identical to the 304hp RWD CTS, and still quite respectable IMO.
I remember seeing a 5.9 for the directed injected CTS somewhere... Otherwise, unless I'm mistaken, people have done 6.1 in the V6 Genesis...
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

No manual is offered on the Direct Injection V6 (and the non-DI engine isn't capable of those number). I'm guessing that 5.9 number is from Car & Driver. They always get the best times. I'm not sure what methods they use, but I bet they will manage 5.3-5.4 sec 0-60 w/ the Genesis V8 once they do a full test on U.S. soil.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

The Genesis is really surprising me. I didn't think it would be as quick as it is with the torque it has. The Chrysler 300C looks faster on paper - even though it has a little less horsepower..
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

The Genesis is really surprising me. I didn't think it would be as quick as it is with the torque it has. The Chrysler 300C looks faster on paper - even though it has a little less horsepower..

The 300C certainly isn't slow by any means. But either the Hemi doesn't really make 340 horsepower and 375 pound feet of torque or Chrysler uses inefficient transmissions.

The Dodge Ram pickup with the Hemi is consistently outrun by the Nissan Titan pickup, and the Titan is rated 315 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque. Both weigh about the same and have five speeds in the transmission.

In a few tests, the 300C Hemi has been outrun by the Chevy Impala SS V8, which has 303 horsepower and 323 pound feet of torque, one fewer gears in the transmission, but a 350 pound weight advantage. On paper the 300C has a superior horsepower per pound rating and the traction advantage of rear wheel drive.

Edmunds.com test for the 361 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque Pontiac G8 has it just a few tenths of a second slower than the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (6.1 liter V8 with 425 horsepower and 420 pound feet of torque). The G8 was much faster than the 300C or Charger RT they tested, and the weight difference is less than 100 pounds.

I don't mean to insult Dodge and Chrysler fans and I certainly am not saying the Hemi is weak or slow. I just don't think the current version, at least, matches the expectations you get based on its official output ratings. I wouldn't be surprised that the Genesis is faster.

[EDIT] For model year 2009 the redesigned Ram gets a new more sophisticated version of the 5.7 liter Hemi with 380 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque that supposedly makes it the fastest pickup in its price range. If real world tests hold up Dodge's claim and if that engine goes into the 300C, I expect it will outrun the Genesis easily.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

In regards to the 300C, I notice most of it's power up higher in the RPM band.. The torque is never-ending there.. Off the line, the car is slow.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

"We already have a 5.0-liter direct-injected version on the horizon that'll produce well over 400 horses," says Krafcik, "and we're considering forced-induction as well."


That's good news to performance nuts such as myself; but officially saying it this early may not be the best marketing strategy for Hyundai.

The 04 Pontiac GTO was introduced with the LS1 engine rated at 350 hp. Initial sales were slowed by dealers adding a market value premium to the MSRP price. Then, GM announced that the 05 models would have the 400 hp LS2 engine, hood scoops, and larger brakes. At that point, sales dropped off even more as people decided to wait for the improved 05. The 04s languished on dealer's lots until the 05s were only 60-90 days from delivery. In order to move the remaining 04s, GM introduced some drastic incentives and many people ended up getting the $33,000 car for $23-24K.

IMO, it just isn't a good idea to publicly announce an improved version "on the horizon" while still in the early introductory period of this year's model.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

IMO, it just isn't a good idea to publicly announce an improved version "on the horizon" while still in the early introductory period of this year's model.

Yeah, but it sure does help if you are trying to make up your mind to buy or wait.

Pontiac did this by announcing G8 GXP before the G8 hit the streets.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

Yeah, but it sure does help if you are trying to make up your mind to buy or wait.

Pontiac did this by announcing G8 GXP before the G8 hit the streets.

It's good for the potential buyer; but I'm not sure it's the best thing for the car company. When a new model hits the market, it needs to make as big a splash as possible within the first few months after introduction. IMO, if that doesn't happen the excitement and momentum accompanying the introduction soon fades.

There were a number of people on the GTO forums planning to buy the G8 GT who decided to postpone their purchase when GM announced the forthcoming GXP would have a more powerful engine and a manual transmission option.

The new generation Camaro isn't even available yet; but there are already people on the various forums saying they wont buy the Camaro SS. They are reacting to strong rumors that a Camaro Z28 will be introduced within a year after the new Camaro hits the streets.

I, most likely, would not buy a Genesis with "only" 375 hp if I were certain that I could wait a year or so and get the additional power of a supercharged version. I think the low torque rating of the Tau V8 is a shortcoming for such a heavy car...a supercharger would go a long way toward overcoming that shortcoming.
 
Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

It's good for the potential buyer; but I'm not sure it's the best thing for the car company. When a new model hits the market, it needs to make as big a splash as possible within the first few months after introduction. IMO, if that doesn't happen the excitement and momentum accompanying the introduction soon fades.

There were a number of people on the GTO forums planning to buy the G8 GT who decided to postpone their purchase when GM announced the forthcoming GXP would have a more powerful engine and a manual transmission option.

The new generation Camaro isn't even available yet; but there are already people on the various forums saying they wont buy the Camaro SS. They are reacting to strong rumors that a Camaro Z28 will be introduced within a year after the new Camaro hits the streets.

I, most likely, would not buy a Genesis with "only" 375 hp if I were certain that I could wait a year or so and get the additional power of a supercharged version. I think the low torque rating of the Tau V8 is a shortcoming for such a heavy car...a supercharger would go a long way toward overcoming that shortcoming.


Generally speaking, you're right. but i don't think what you've said happen to the Genesis because the upgraded Tau engine John Kryfcik mentioned is not for another version of the Genesis. it is for the VI project car which will replace Equus with. (Equus is large-sized FWD limo manufactured only for Korean domestic market.)
 
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Re: Motor Trend 4.6 Genesis First Test (includes comparisons to the 300C, GS460 & E55

This review helped me feel a lot better about my Genesis 4.6 purchase. It has all, and a LOT more, than my former 2000 BMW 740i, and 2006 Cadillac DTS. Seeing it right up there, cheek to cheek with the Mercedes S550 in this review, I was happy I chose my 4.6, and saved a good 40%+ over the cost of the Benz, for substantially the same specs.
 
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