Hyundai has officially introduced the all-new Genesis. The original version is was a luxury offering from the brand in the same vein as a Honda Accord and VW Passat. Two variants were available, the larger saloon and a more sporty Coupe version – which incidentally won the US Car of the Year competition.
Unveiled this week Seoul, Korea, the Genesis saloon continues the firm’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. The vehicle is 4 990 mm long, 1 890 mm wide and 1 480 mm tall, with a generous 3 010 mm wheelbase.
The second generation model boasts shorter overhangs and a single-frame hexagonal front grille with a semi-gloss chrome finish. In these pictures the cabin seems lush with light leathers and premium-looking materials.
Depending on the market, it will be sold with a choice of four engines starting with a V6 3,0-litre developing 189 kW (0-100 km/h in 8,6 sec top speed 230 km/h) and 303 N.m of torque. Hyundai is also offering a V6 3,3-litre (7,2 sec) with 207 kW and 347 N.m, together with a V6 3,8-litre rated at 232 kW and 397 N.m (6,5 sec). A top-spec 5,0-litre V8 dishes up 312 kW 519 N.m (5,4 sec/240 km/h). All these engines are mated exclusively with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Other upgrades compared to the outgoing version include reduced NVH, more use of high-strength steel, a multi-link rear suspension and the addition of a driver-knee airbag. The new Hyundai Genesis also comes with a wide variety of safety systems such as Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Advanced Smart Parking Assist System (ASPAS).
The previous model was not available in SA due to it being built purely in left-hand drive guise. This newer version will make its local debut in the third quarter of 2014.
