Hyundai Genesis moving upscale

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By Art Gould SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The new 2009 Genesis moves Hyundai into the premium sports sedan market with its all-new performance driven rear-wheel drive architecture, a first for a U.S. Hyundai model.

This car company introduces their flagship offering that rivals some of the leading premium sports sedans in the industry. In fact, Hyundai engineers benchmarked the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Infiniti M and Lexus GS models in developing this new entry.

The new Hyundai Genesis claims more cabin space than the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Genesis has more interior volume than the E-Class and the BMW 7-Series. "The new Genesis will actually compete for customers with cars like the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, the Lexus ES and the Cadillac CTS", according to John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai has become known for offering value and conveniences well above their vehicle price points. The 2009 Genesis is no exception with capabilities and features comparable to the world´s leading sports sedans.

Pricing for the 3.8-liter V6 model starts at $33,000. including freight charges. The 4.6-liter V8 has a starting price of $38,000. inclusive. The Genesis offers two powertrains, the 3.8-liter V6 engine and Hyundai´s all-new 4.6-liter V-8 engine. The V-8 will produce 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded gasoline. The engine is designed to operate on either grade of fuel.

The V-6 engine delivers 290 horsepower and 264 pound feet of torque. Even with their impressive output, both Genesis engines are also environmentally friendly, achieving Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification levels.

Each engine version has its own specifically designed six speed automatic transmission to further enhance performance while maintaining optimum fuel economy. Both transmissions include the SHIFTRONIC manual control feature with an overdrive lock-up torque converter responsible for the impressive fuel economy for this 3,748-pound car with the V-6 and 4012-pound vehicle weight for the V-8 equipped model. Fuel economy is 18 city and 27 miles per gallon highway for the 3.8-liter V-6. The 4.6-liter V-8 attains 17 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway.

The new Genesis has built-in impressive technology features as well. Electronic active front head restraints are proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash. The Genesis is the first popular brand to offer these restraints, previously only found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models.

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the industry´s most important new safety technology, further enhances the vehicle´s driving confidence. Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of ESC, with more than 70 percent of 2008 Hyundai sales featuring ESC as standard equipment.

Genesis´ total of eight airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants. Heated front seats as well as a cooled driver´s seat add to the comfort factor in this well appointed luxurious sport sedan.

Xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with an adaptive auto-leveling function keeps the headlights level regardless of how the vehicle is loaded with passengers or cargo. Genesis also offers an Automatic Front Lighting System that allows the headlamps to automatically swivel for better visibility when cornering.

The most impressive side of the new Genesis is getting behind the wheel and experiencing the drive.

The standard luxurious feel of the soft touch instrument panel with wood grain accents enhances the seating position in the wrap around cock pit configuration. The Lexicon advanced audio system delivers everything as advertised. Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone interface, and USB/iPod auxiliary inputs are useful additions.

Available is a navigation system with an eight-inch display as well as a large display to show the driver a clear view immediately behind the car with backing up. A power rear sunshade, a standard proximity key with push-button starter reminds you that this economically priced sports sedan is actually in the class with the big boys.

The drive is smooth and quite while having the ability to handle all sorts of twisting roads and uneven pavement with ease, always giving the driver a confident feeling of being in complete control.

The attractive styling on the outside is only part of the story. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a car to be experienced from the inside were the large array of surprise and delight features reside.