The next generation Genesis

[plubalin]

First, let me say that I love the car. My original lease was for a 2009 3.8 with premium package. When that lease was up recently, I upgraded to a 2011 4.6.

Given that this car offers the consumer far more for the money than anything else, I've always been surprised that you don't see more of them on the road. In the New York City area, you rarely see a Genesis, whereas you'll see other Hyundai models all over the place.

I suppose that part of the reason has to do with insecure types not feeling comfortable driving a Hyundai, so they'll overpay for a status symbol.

But the other reason, in my opinion, has to do with the car's styling. While the Genesis isn't a bad looking car, it's rather staid. True, they're sprucing up the 2012 a bit, but most of the changes are under the hood.

Had Hyundai been a little more forward-thinking when they designed the Genesis, and the Equus, for that matter, which is also quite conservative, I believe you'd see a lot more of them on the road.

I assume that the next generation Genesis will come out around 2014 - (does anyone know?) - and I hope they do for the Genesis what they did for the Sonata: create a smashing, knock-your-socks-off design. If they do that, I will be first in line for a third Genesis.

Cars are an emotional purchase. When you sit inside a car at a dealership, you have to WANT that car! That car has to make your heart beat faster!
The Genesis doesn't really do that - although the 4.6 comes a little closer.
The Genesis is more of a left brain logical purchase.

I think the 2012 a step in the right direction. But let's hope that's just the beginning.

I'd be curious to hear other opinions.

 

[tompass]

Well stated. The Genesis in my mind is a great car because I did the research and have researched what owners report. However the car that does make my heart beat faster is the '11 Chrysler 300c but again from what I read and what former Chrysler owners have shared, it may not be a wise choice. If I were younger and perhaps a bit more foolish, the Chrysler would be my decision without a doubt. It is sometimes about the love affair.

 

[dg_moore]

Well stated. The Genesis in my mind is a great car because I did the research and have researched what owners report. However the car that does make my heart beat faster is the '11 Chrysler 300c but again from what I read and what former Chrysler owners have shared, it may not be a wise choice. If I were younger and perhaps a bit more foolish, the Chrysler would be my decision without a doubt. It is sometimes about the love affair.

In my experience, the problem with Chrysler has always been that mechanical problems arise before the shiny wears off. I don't know of a single Chrysler owner who hasn't regretted their purchase. Even my wife, who loved the functionality of her Caravan, was unhappy with it from day two. Apparently it was ok on day 1. They do make great looking cars, though. I guess that's what brings the buyers.

 

[tompass]

Right. As I have stated in other posts, the Chrysler is the girl that you are not supposed to bring home to mama. Way too pretty...

 

[msitter]

Having a radically styled Genesis was too much of a risk for an unestablished model. If you look back to the first Lexus LS400, it was barely indistinguishable from an E series Mercedes. Looking at the Acura TL, the radical styling had to be backed down as they could not give them away. Once the model has some history they can do a more advanced restyling. I think the shape of the Sonata, continuing on with the Elantra and the new Azera is a hint of things to come. Much like BMW, Audi and Mercedes, Hyundai and Kia will develop brand specific identities that will be consistent throughout the lines and make them instantly recognized regardless of the model.

 

[Cut-Throat]

But the other reason, in my opinion, has to do with the car's styling. While the Genesis isn't a bad looking car, it's rather staid. True, they're sprucing up the 2012 a bit, but most of the changes are under the hood.

Had Hyundai been a little more forward-thinking when they designed the Genesis, and the Equus, for that matter, which is also quite conservative, I believe you'd see a lot more of them on the road.

I'd be curious to hear other opinions.

Completely Disagree! - The styling is superb in my opinion. Understated Luxury. That's why it catches people eye. Do you think a Bentley is Boring too?

I agree with your first statement. $45K car buyers don't rush down to the Hyundai Dealership to see what's available. That is why we are getting a lot of car for the Money. In Korea the Genesis costs $65K

My opinion on the Chrysler 300C - Looks like an Old persons Car from Las Vegas - Lots of Glitter - No substance - I'd be embarrassed to ride in one.

 

[tompass]

But I am old.... NJ not Vegas though.

 

[CanukV6]

While I think it's true the Genesis styling is somewhat bland, it is still a very well proportioned vehicle and there is a lot to be said for a design that doesn't age quickly. While I agree that the new Sonata is a very inovative design, I'll bet it grows old within a few years. There is a reason that BMW, Mercedes and Audi don't go radical in their luxury car styling (well BMW did go through the 'Chris Bungle' experiment and it was universally panned) and while some might see that as boring, others - including me - see it as considered design.

 

[Ruissimo]

In my opinion, both the current and '12 Genesis are among the best-looking sedans out there on the market. The styling is what brought me in for a closer look.

The toys and sheer value HOOKED me.

 

[Informatics]

Love is blind. I think the Genesis looks awsome.

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[mikec]

If the future styling gets more "trendy" then I'll pass it by. Classic good looks last for years; trendy only lasts until the "next new thing" is introduced. The smaller cars marketed to younger/first-time buyers often live and then quickly die by trendy styling. No thanks. Clean, classic lines that a) age well, and b) are dignified, are my preference. Horizontal styling elements & accents, rather than vertical things, no big and obnoxious (when did "obnoxious" become a synonym for "aggressive" in car styling anyway?) elements like grills, etc. Sleek & low - not "in your face big" - is my idea of aggressive. The Genesis sedan nose and grill look lower than many sedans today - and are less upright too without being overtly aerodynamic-looking - which is far more aggressive appearing, to my eyes, than many other so-called aggressive vehicles available today.

I really like the styling/looks of my Genesis sedan; I wouldn't have bought it otherwise. I've received a lot of positive comments on my 2009 sedan styling. First time I drove it to a friend's house and parked it on the curb it generated quite a bit of interest - lots of folks standing around eyeballing the car, making comments on how "gorgeous" it was, and wondering what it was, etc. Those drawings/sketches in the other "what the next Genesis might look like" threads won't get that kind of response. The current gas-engine Sonata is a nice looking car; the nose on the Hybrid Sonata kills it in my opinion - another "obnoxious maw" to my tastes. Some folks like it - it's selling on Audis, VWs, etc... but I'll never buy one. There are folks that think the Genesis sedan, especially the grill, is ugly, or dated at least. Their opinion, not mine. What I hate they may like, what I like they may hate. That's why we (hopefully) have so many car makes & models to choose from.

Others have commented on how Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, etc. styling tends to change more slowly, evolving rather than revolutionary change every few years. They're not chasing "trends." BMW tried it, with the Bangle Bungles, "flame surfacing" styling, etc. Look how poorly that was received. Ugly is ugly, no matter what themes the master designer was trying to capture/convey.

mike c.

 

[homeofstone]

If the future styling gets more "trendy" then I'll pass it by. Classic good looks last for years; trendy only lasts until the "next new thing" is introduced. The smaller cars marketed to younger/first-time buyers often live and then quickly die by trendy styling. No thanks. Clean, classic lines that a) age well, and b) are dignified, are my preference. Horizontal styling elements & accents, rather than vertical things, no big and obnoxious (when did "obnoxious" become a synonym for "aggressive" in car styling anyway?) elements like grills, etc.

I've received a lot of positive comments on my 2009 sedan styling. First time I drove it to a friend's house and parked it on the curb it generated quite a bit of interest - lots of folks standing around eyeballing the car, making comments on how "gorgeous" it was, and wondering what it was, etc. Those drawings/sketches in the other "what the next Genesis might look like" threads won't get that kind of response. The current gas-engine Sonata is a nice looking car; the nose on the Hybrid Sonata kills it in my opinion - another "obnoxious maw" to my tastes. Some folks like it - it's selling on Audis, VWs, etc... but I'll never buy one. There are folks that think the Genesis sedan, especially the grill, is ugly, or dated at least. Their opinion, not mine. What I hate they may like, what I like they may hate. That's why we (hopefully) have so many car makes & models to choose from.

Others have commented on how Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, etc. styling tends to change more slowly, evolving rather than revolutionary change every few years. They're not chasing "trends." BMW tried it, with the Bangle Bungles, "flame surfacing" styling, etc. Look how poorly that was received. Ugly is ugly, no matter what themes the master designer was trying to capture/convey.

mike c.

I agree completely. In 1993 we purchased a 1993 Mazda 929. Classic conservative car. I think the style still looks good.