Dec 01, 2010 08:05 PM
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The sedan model is the first of a potential series of Genesis vehicles from Hyundai. The company has already confirmed and released coupe, and there are rumors of other variants, too.
Powertrains
For the latest model year, the Genesis sedan will be available with just two engine choices, down from three. The move - which removed the smaller 3, 3-liter V6 - was likely aimed at improving the image of the vehicle and increasing its luxury appeal.
The V6 model, known as the Genesis 3.8, which denotes the displacement of the V6 engine, delivers an estimated 290 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Technologies include Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System.
The second engine comes on the Genesis 4.6 model, and you guessed it, is a 4.6-liter V8. Hyundai refers to this engine as a Tau V8, and it boasts up to 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque on 91 octane fuel, or 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque with standard unleaded.
The Genesis 3.8 V6 uses an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The V8 model has a ZF gearbox to handle the extra power, and also features six gears. The ZF transmission also offers manual shifting via a Shiftronic mode.
Chassis
The car boasts a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution, which comes fairly close to the coveted 50/50 ratio made popular by BMW. Hyundai says the car's body structure is 12 to 14 percent stiffer than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class. Despite this, the unibody is lighter than that of either the 5er or E.
Luxury features
High-tech equipment includes: electronic stability control, XM NavTraffic, adaptive headlights, radar-based active cruise control, a 500-watt 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, and electronic active head restraints.
A leather-wrapped dash, door panels, and console lid surround the driver, while heated and cooled seats provide added comfort. The steering wheel is wrapped in engineered ultraviolet reflective leather to remain cool to the touch in extreme sunlight.
Genesis has a total of 8 ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers.to help park in tight spaces. The car also offers a power rear sunshade, automatic electronic parking brake, proximity key and push button starter.
The car's eight airbags include dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags.
