Hyundai takes on the world’s finest with new V8 super saloon

Hyundai is to stir up the premium sector with the introduction of a new flagship - the all-new Genesis sports saloon. With capabilities and features comparable to the leading premium marques’ offerings, the Genesis will arrive at Hyundai dealerships in the US and Korea this summer.

Although there are currently no plans to sell the Genesis in the UK, the car is further proof that Hyundai’s engineers are capable of taking on the best in the world – and winning.

The Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new rear-wheel drive architecture, which will also underpin a new Coupe later this year. It offers three powertrains, including 3.3-litre and 3.8-litre V6 engines, plus Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-litre Tau V8. The Tau will produce an estimated 375hp – beating all its competitors with a massive 81hp per litre.

“While the Genesis will compete on prices with cars like Chrysler 300, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, and Lexus GS,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Hyundai Motor America.

The use of high tensile steel in critical areas in the body provides Genesis with 12 to 14 percent higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight than both the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – despite having a substantially larger cabin than either. In fact, the Hyundai actually has more interior volume than a BMW 7-Series! A near ideal 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution promises exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics.

The Genesis also features a chassis 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 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 smooth ride and engaging handling prowess. The capabilities of the advanced front and rear-suspension are maximised through Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD).

Innovations inside the Genesis include a heated and cooled driver’s seat, an automatic windscreen demister with humidity sensor and an ultraviolet reflective leather steering wheel, which keeps the surface cool to the touch, even in scorching sunlight. In addition, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Hyundai Genesis are the only cars in the world to offer a Lexicon-branded state-of-the-art audio system with a 12-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing more than 500 watts of sound in 7.1 surround-sound.

Tony Whitehorn, managing director of Hyundai UK said: “There is no doubt that the Genesis will be as good – or better – than any other luxury saloon in the class. The i30 and Santa Fe have already proved that Hyundai can build world-beaters in the C-segment and 4x4 sector, and now Hyundai is showing it can do the same in the luxury sector.

“The British luxury car buyer has proven resistant to entry by new marques in the past, especially when there is no diesel-engined version available, but we are sure to see technology from the Genesis reaching UK Hyundai models in the future.”