Hyundai reveals new Genesis sedan

Hyundai has staged the world debut of its second-generation Genesis in Korea, ahead of its release in major markets around the world next year.

The Korean car-maker has confirmed the new Genesis coupe for Australia, and continues to establish a local business case for the redesigned version of Hyundai’s first premium rear-wheel drive sedan.

First seen in official renderings last month, the all-new Genesis four-door was unveiled at a gala ceremony at Seoul’s Grand Hyatt Hotel today, attended by more than 1000 members of the media and VIPs, including Korean Prime Minister Chung Hongwon.

Wearing a new Bentley-style winged badge on its nose, it features a sleeker “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” exterior design, a range of new technologies and, according to Korea’s largest car-maker, class-leading interior space.

In fact, Hyundai says the new Genesis sedan sets new standards for premium sedans, presumably including similarly sized large European luxury saloons like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Developed at a cost of $500 million over four years, the new Genesis measures 4990mm long, 1890mm wide, 1480mm high and rides on a 3010mm wheelbase – 75mm longer than before.

Hyundai says it includes several world- and Hyundai-firsts for a car in its sector, “demonstrating Hyundai’s technological expertise and positioning the brand as a credible producer of premium vehicles”, including a new CO2 cabin sensor control.

Safety is a key focus, with technologies including Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Head-Up Display, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning System, radar-controlled Smart Cruise Control and a driver’s knee airbag.

Other driver aids include Emergency Steer Support, a haptic steering warning system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Smart Parking Assist System, Lane Change Assist, High Beam Assist, an around-view monitor, bi-functional HID headlights and LED tail-lights, foglights and indicators.

Key changes from the previous Genesis sedan include a new multi-link rear suspension and the optional new two-mode HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, which provides for an electronic variable torque split via a multi-plate centre clutch system, between the front and rear axles.

It features driver-selectable ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’ modes, the latter sending more torque to the rear wheels. Hyundai says HTRAC was extensively benchmarked against its key rivals and tested in sub-zero and hot-weather conditions on the road and racetrack, including Germany’s Nurburgring.

Power comes from the choice of four upgraded direct-injection DOHC ‘Lambda’ V6 and ‘Tau’ V8 petrol engines offering improved performance and better low/mid-range torque, all matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

They include 192kW 3.0-litre, 210kW 3.3-litre and 235kW 3.8-litre V6s, and a 317kW 5.0-litre V8.

All but the base V6 model (230km/h) offers a claimed top speed of 240km/h, with 0-100km/h acceleration listed at 8.6 seconds (3.0), 7.2 seconds (3.3), 6.5 seconds (3.8) and 5.4 seconds (5.0).

Hyundai claims a 37.7 per cent increase in the use of ultra high-strength steel (for a total of 51.5 per cent), leading to reduced noise, vibration and harshness and a body-in-white that is 16 and 40 per cent stiffer in torsional and bending strength respectively.

Four driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow) are part of the new i-Driving Mode Integrated Control, while a new higher-definition 9.2-inch touch-screen system operates the audio, ventilation and navigation systems.

Naturally, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity is fitted, along with available satellite and HD radio, app-supporting software and even Google POI via voice command.

Storage space in the cabin has been increased by 3.7 litres to a European model-beating 26.9 litres, while the 493-litre (VDA) boot can be opened hands-free Ford Kuga-style via a Smart Trunk system using a kick sensor located under the rear bumper.

Stronger 19-inch alloy wheels are fitted, along with 17- and 18-inch hoops and a rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering (R-MDPS) with just 2.55 turns lock to lock.

Double-stitched leather trim abounds, while the redesigned front seats incorporate new functionality including a new air-pressure pump and controller valve for the first time in a Hyundai, providing seatback bolster adjustment via air cells located in each seat.

With an operating time of 7.5 seconds, Hyundai says the new Genesis benefits from a faster activation process and greater range of adjustment than its premium European rivals.

Key NVH-reducing features include improved firewall bulkhead insulation and sealing, a low-noise fuel pump, extra differential insulation, moving the engine support brackets further apart, a reshaped sunroof, thicker doors, improved body sealing and 100 per cent stiffer transmission and sub-frame mounts. The total weight of the new Genesis’ sound package increases to 38kg.

Exterior paint colours include Onyx Black, Marble White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Urban Gray, Haze Blue, Vintage Wine, Tan Brown and Sand Opal.

Hyundai says it received a record 3500 orders for the new Genesis sedan on the first day pre-orders in Korea began last week. It plans to sell 62,000 units globally next year, including 32,000 units in Korea and 30,000 units overseas.

Launched in 2008, the original Genesis found around 250,000 homes globally in six years.

Although like its coupe stablemate it is confirmed for right-hand drive production for the first time, the new sedan will be aimed primarily at the Korean, North American, Middle East and Chinese markets – as well as Europe, Russia and, perhaps, Australia for the first time.

“The all-new Genesis is a concentration of Hyundai Motor’s most advanced technologies, reborn through relentless performance tests and thorough quality management,” said Mong-Koo Chung, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

“The all-new Genesis will compete head-on with top-tier premium models in the global market including Europe, home to many such premium brands, to enhance Hyundai’s brand values and gain leadership in the industry.

“Hyundai Motor has made great strides over the past half-century through constant innovation. We will continue to satisfy customers with even better quality vehicles.”

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