#21 All-New Hyundai Genesis – A new approach in fluidic design

In the case of the Hyundai brand, necessity has been the mother of reinvention. Ten years ago, Hyundai was little more than the punch line to jokes about low-quality cars with laughable reliability. If the brand was to survive in the increasingly competitive automotive marketplace, it needed a major-league makeover. Hyundai has accomplished exactly that in recent years, turning out cars that have been hailed as the shining example of value-priced quality. This reinvention scales new heights with the Hyundai Genesis, the manufacturer's first stab at the luxury car market.

All-New Hyundai Genesis 

Quiet as a murmur and drenched in luxury, the Hyundai Genesis offers genuine opulence at an unbelievably low price, and credibly that competes with other premium saloons from established brands. For the second generation of the Genesis, Hyundai has added a generous suite of standard safety, convenience features and has evolved the overall design of the car.

Panoramic sunroof 

The All-New Genesis is the first Hyundai to embody Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the second-generation of this convention-shattering design theme. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 encapsulates a trio of main design elements: fluid aesthetics, the modern Hyundai look, and a premium ambience. Fluidic forms are still present but with a more refined and precise presentation.

Striking front grill 

Design

The design features the modern Hyundai look, with a striking hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, a dynamic crease accent running along the flanks of the car, and a dynamic rear design. Proportions demonstrate a long dash-to-axle length, longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs than its predecessor.

Sleek profile 

These proportions clearly convey the performance rear-drive configuration beneath the sheet metal. The single-frame 3D-hexagonal grille ensures the front end of the all-new Genesis is not only striking, depicted in semi-gloss chrome, but also encompasses available HID headlamps, LED indicators and fog lamps. In profile, the Genesis daylight opening is more expressive, with fluid lines and blended surfaces, a sleek C-pillar helping to emphasize the sporty styling. The rear of the all-new Hyundai Genesis benefits from a sculptural aesthetic with jeweled, full-LED tail lamps.

Spacious boot 

Performance

Behind the striking hexagonal front grille is a selection of two power units: A 3.8-litre and a 5.0-litre. The Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine utilizes direct-injection and produces 231 kW (311 hp) and 396 Nm. The powerful 5.0-litre Tau V8 engine churns out 313 kW (420 hp) and 518 Nm.

V6 Power unit 

The Tau V8 engine family has been named to Ward's prestigious Ten Best Engines list three times. All 3.8-liter engines are coupled to the same eight-speed automatic transmission design as the Hyundai Genesis 5.0. This Hyundai-developed transmission offers enhanced shift logic and speed, better acceleration, sport-mode, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency. All eight-speed transmissions include SHIFTRONIC manual shift capability with ergonomically-placed paddle shifters for spirited driving with manual shifting.

More powerful V8 

Interior

The interior layout of All-New Hyundai Genesis has been designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, comfortable ambience. The simplification of the switchgear and instrument panel ensures an intuitive layout and open feel. A new design pattern has been introduced to decrease relative interior reflections and brighten dashboard surfaces, while high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte-finish wood are available. Cohesion between the center fascia and audio controls has been ensured through a streamlined design, making the two separate sections appear as one.

Cockpit 

Driver and passenger posture are optimized using enhanced seat pad density, improved seat support technologies, such as adjustable driver's seat power bolsters and seat cushion extension. The All-New Hyundai Genesis seats offer 12-way power front seats, including 4-way power lumbar, heated front seats with available ventilation, as well as available heated rear seats.

Rear seats 

Seat materials and stitching quality have been enhanced with the introduction of double, rather than single stitching. New interior-focused features for The All-New Hyundai Genesis include available manual rear side sunshades for enhanced occupant comfort. All occupants are sure to appreciate the enhanced perspective of their surroundings via the new available panoramic sunroof.

Rear design 

Verdict

The Hyundai Genesis ever growing popularity is set to get to greater heights with the launch of the much improved second generation. Hyundai is super confident with their latest luxury saloon that it has decided to launch it for the very first time in right hand drive. However, what stands out about this particular Genesis is the striking 2.0 fluidic design. Hyundai has hinted that the new design language will be applied to all its models in the upcoming months.