VIDEO: 2008 Detroit Auto Show: 001 Picks the Most Disappointing Car at the Show

I think Lexus is scared. They, after all, have the most to lose. It's doubtful many 3 series or G35 customers will look at this. But the ES350 is prime competition. Look how quickly people have come to accept Hyundai as legitimate competition to Toyota. Almost as good for far less money. Don't think the Genesis can't do the same to Lexus.

— Autoegr525 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 4:45:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10   

You would drive a Hyundai instead of a Maxima or an Avalon??? You're sick! Hyundai is the last option. Who would choose that? Hyundai is what you end up with when your plans in life have failed.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:43:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -21   

Must be a lot of losers in here.

Honestly, has anyone ever dreamed of owning a Hyundai? NO! It's a car that you end up with, it's not something you choose. If you could afford a car that is not a Hyundai, you would not be driving one. Nobody in the history of car buying with enough cash to choose his car has ever chosen a Hyundai over not a Hyundai.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:05:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -17   

pushrod..youre being honest and i agree with you..there are just a bunch of haters on here that like to act like hyundai is actually competition to lexus....KEEP DREAMING HATERS !!!!!

— stash84 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 10:35:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I stand by my statement. I would be seen driving a Hyundai like i would be seen wearing a fake fur coat. It ain't gonna happen.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 1:26:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

Well I know designers get discouraged when their ideas are not used in its full glory. They do not have to deal with the production costs and assuring profitability which Upper Management does.

Besides all the developer/designer(s) did was pick and choose design queues from the prominent makes (MB, BMW, and Lexus). Nothing Earth shattering except a descent car pretending to be what it is not.

The article is uncomplete. Agent001. What in you point of view is missing? What makes it a pretender and not a contender???

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 4:56:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Cant hear anything (at work and dont have speakers) so I have no idea what you're saying...but i must say, the tailights look like a re-molded version of the 3 series...everything on this car is cut + paste.

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:05:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Seeing as its a Hyundai, and its only 30k, I dont see it as a disapointment at all...of course, I never believed it would 'compete' with the S, 7, LS, etc. because its impossible at that price point - cheap materials and derivative design!

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:09:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Or... keep it and go all "Days of Thunder" on it.

— Agent008 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:17:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Exactly.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:44:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11   

I think I saw this exact car (maroon and all) driving down the I-15 freeway South of the 91 and north of the 215/15 split....I merged onto the 91W to 15S and saw this maroon car in the fast lane as I turned to look over my left shoulder to merge. I thought, "Oh an es350"....then I saw the side profile, an then thought, "an M35/45 side profile....". I was confused. And as it passed me in the fast lane as I got over in the lanes, I said, 5 Series back.....

This observation was from about 100ft away and I could not honestly tell what it was at first. I was familiar with the model (Autospies stories), but never saw it in real life (this HAD to have been this same car)...

To tell you the truth, it's nice, but it looked like too many ideas were lifted from other cars and were pieced together. Eye catcher at first, but within 5 car lengths I got it confused with a maroon Accord in front of me (it was dusk, so details in body lines, etc. were getting muddy)....

It's a so-so car, at least on looks anyway, but it quickly blended in....

Just wanted to give a "Jeek's Eye View"...

— jeeka715 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:18:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

In a nutshell I didn't say it's a bad car, they just over promised and under delivered.

001

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:28:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8   

If you don't like it, it does mean other people don't like it either. Stop being so arrogant.

— bobus (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:54:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I tend to agree with autoegr525 and disagree with Agent 001. Why? Because my expectations were not that high in the first place. First of all, I wouldn't buy this or any other car in its first year. A lot of needed refinement goes into a auto in its 2nd yr and thereafter.
This car would be for my wife (equipted with the V6). The competition would be a used Acura RL (she has one right now). I feel the Genesis will handle head and shoulders ahead of most large FWD cars and if the reliability is up to normal Hyundai standards then this model is a go for me.

— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:32:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

Bottom line is this car is a Hyundai. Period. Maybe they meant to say that this car is trying to compete with the Lexus LS of the early 2000's.

— 007vehispy1 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:45:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

The LS400 has long been OUT OF PRODUCTION, and I feel strongly that any references to that vehicle (the original full-sized Lexus offering) were to say that they, Hyundai, intend to offer a vehicle, replete with all the luxury and performance of those costing considerably more, at a heretofore unheard of price point, much as the ORIGINAL LS(400) did upon its introduction.

Any interpretation beyond that is just incorrect, and little more than 'flame starting' bits of Autospies Sensationalism.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 5:58:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

I said from the beginning this is a car for people with 500 beacon scores.I'll drive anything just get me bought!!!

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:00:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

Um, yeah.

Wasn't it autospies that was hyping it as a "Lexus-killer"? I can't remember for sure, but just about every new car that emerges is labeled the "killer" of something by autospies. So I don't think it's fair at all for you to be complaining about the level of hype.

At its price point, there really doesn't seem to be much to bitch about. It might not be cross-shopped with an LS, but who cares.

I'm sure performance wise it will be more than capable of providing what its buyers need of it. I don't think it was intended to win LeMans or make the cover of the next Gran Turismo game.

Really curious to hear how the Lexicon system sounds first hand. Lexicon's home audio systems (digital controllers/processors) have been top choice for well over a decade.

And lastly, stating that your competitors are all wrong because they like it is a very weak argument to make.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:03:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Holy cow, I've been saying most of this for the past 6 months now and I didn't even have to see it in person to make my conclusion.

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:06:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

haha 001, i recall reading this genesis being a "lexus-killer" from your site autospies.com first. but i have to agree, although korean quality is probably not that bad, their designs are still blatant cut and paste. the front end in the video screams S class. the entire interior screams 7 series/S class. the side profile and window design was ripped straight off the infiniti M. and the rear obviously took cues from the 5 series, but is probably the most original part of the whole car. and i highly doubt the car will cost 30k.

i mean come on, we are talking about a car coming that directly attacks the competition on their website. "more horsepower than a bmw 528i. more interior space than a bmw 7 series. more reasons to wonder if that 3 inch german logo is really worth $10,000 more." pure arrogance!

— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:20:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -9   

5-Series, E-Class, GS-Series, M-Series Infiniti, Audi A6

001

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:07:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

I HAVNT SEEN THE CAR IN PERSON, BUT ILL AGREE. TRUTH IS INFINITE HASNT BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A QUALITY LS COMPETITOR ALL THESE YEARS,WHY DOES Hyundai THINK THEY CAN DO IT RIGHT AWAY.

BUT IM SURE THIS CAR WILL DO WELL, BUT.......

— DROOPYSAKK (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:31:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

INFINITI**

— DROOPYSAKK (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:32:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I don't think anyone expected it to be an LS. Hyundai has a long way to go, but this is a great start.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:39:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

I think the most hilarious aspect of the video 'preview' is that it's all just 001 expressing the fact that he, himself, set his (personal) expectations too high, and as a result, went looking for some holy grail of luxury vehicles.

Again, Hyundai needn't have rewritten the entire book on luxury vehicle manufacturing/design, but instead offer that which is competitive from an equipment/performance perspective complete with the usual Hyundai attributes of solid value and outstanding warranty coverage.

Looks Like - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED To Me!

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 6:39:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10   

This guys a GENIUS!
Reads my posts FAITHFULLY!
KUDOS!
DrFill

— DrFill2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 7:00:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10   

I am sorry, but have to disagree with agent 001, his explanations of interior being out of proportion and made without a flowing single theme is quite unexplained, he did not provide any solid evidence to support his claim. To my eyes the exterior design looks fine. Now the interior quality, well i have not been in the show, so i'll take 001s claim on that, so the interior is not yet in Lexus class, but even BMW interiors are made with hard plastics, but they are still functional, and i think the interior of the genesis is good enough for it's price point. And lastly, and the only point on which i'll agree with 001 is that Hyundai should not have compared this car with a LS or a 5 series, because, even though such loud claims will produce interests, we all know that you can not deliver the goods of a LS for 30 grand, the quality, the panache, the power, just not economically possible, and so people with idea of getting a 5 series for 30 grand will be disappointed. But for people who are just trying to get an extremely well packaged vehicle, with great amount of engine power and reliability can set their objectives straight and should look at the Genesis as a serious product of consideration.

— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 7:16:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

This article is really overhyped.....and wrong....for one Hyundai hasnt been the one Hyping this car but the blogs, and others. Hyundai as it appears has hit their mark, for 30,000 lookin at the interior alone you would be hard pressed to find a car for 30,000 that offers what this car does and has an interior that looks like that i mean honestly. The goal im sure wasnt to create an S class or 7 series fighter. but to show what Hyundai can do and charge how much less for it. Sure the desighn is derivative they were being safe, just like the LS which for years has looked liked a warmed over S class copy. It wasnt until what 2007 from 1989 that Lexus had the gall to step away from making it look like its competition, and it still takes styling cues from them. Not trashing the LS i think it is nice looking but to trash this car for doing what Lexus has done is hypocritcal. The original Ls despite looking like a S class, put the world on notice that i can do what you can do, with less trouble, charge less for it, and on my first attempt. This Genesis does the exact same thing the LS did use derivative styling to show we can do what you can do, and charge less. Overall a success in my eyes do i want one no, but that fact doesnt make it any less of a car.

— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:03:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Agent1, I have to agree with you on all aspects. When I look at a car, I just don't look at the price, I consider the reliability, the durability, the innovation, the style distinction, and safety. The hyundai may look nice on pictures but when you really own the car, it can really come to the point that you can not think that 30,000 dollars for a big engine, and all the goodies is well worth it. There is always a deep way of cutting the quality to get into that price range. Good review.

— LexusGS (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:12:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8   

Whoever thought this would be a lexus/BMW/Merc Killer is a complete ignorant of the automotive scene. It's not because some execs at Hyunday are telling they just built a large luxury RWD V8 sedan that you must think it's going to rivalise in terms of performance, technology and quality with the big players.

On the other hand, for less money, this car is probably a better choice than a Buick Lucerne or even a caddy DTS, and may also be a good alternative for cars such as the Avalon, the ES350 or any other car aiming the senior citizen market.

I think that, for a first attempt from hyunday it that market segment, it's not that bad at all. But please don't compare this to a 7 or an S class...

— MSP6 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:31:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

So in other words 001, the Hyundai Genesis is not the proper car to drive around Beverly Hills and when the opportunity arises to stick ones head out the back window and asked the car next to you to please pass Grey Poupon :-o

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:36:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

What Hyundai is trying to do, is what Lexus did back in 1989, is change the way people drive luxury cars. But in Hyundai's case, it's what people "should pay for luxury quality". For the people on a tight but reasonable budget, let alone being practical with their money...then it's great!. But for any ballers for that matter it will not fly at all. Just like how we all get caught up on fuel consumption issue on the big luxury vehicles. Points have been mentioned in this forum in the past about people who pay this kind of premium price, don't care how much gas they spend. And for Hyundai(or whatever blogger started this) to use this Lexus as the attacking product, is pointless. What Lexus did back in 1989 is they simply changed the face of what we see as "Luxury car" for the North American society, based on levels of innovation, quality, reliablity, and of coarse price point. What Hyundai is doing is replicating what Germans and Japansese brands have created till this day, but on a lesser price point. No levels of innovation at all. Just simply being cheap...and that's all they are selling it on!!! What sucks and will hurt more of the "Premium market" are cars coming from China and India in the very near future. Only time will tell...

— BigShow50 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 8:52:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Could you please explain why this car is so disappointing?

You say it as if someone asked you why the sky was blue, and you replied "Because it's blue!"

How much can you really expect from a big sedan for under $30K?

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 9:22:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

It is disappointing because it does not live up to the hype of this being a "new Lexus." Hyundai pushes that they engineered this car with Lexus and Mercedes as their target, but all that means nothing when this is just a $30,000 Toyota Avalon competitor, albeit, a very good Toyota Avalon competitor. I would definitely buy this over an Avalon, a Maxima, and even a Passat, which I think was Hyundai's underlying goal.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 9:39:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Agent001

Couldnt you have said the same thing about the LS400 at the time? That it was just a cheap S class rip off at that time?

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 9:47:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

Since the Genesis doesn't beat Lexus standards, maybe it'll beat BMW standards. Can't wait for a complete review of it. I know several people that have had Hyundai cars and no reliability issues with them for at least 5 years / 100k+ miles. And knowing people with BMW's, they've had some interesting stories.

— Agent250 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 9:48:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

Agent 001 sees this Hyundai exactly the same way car enthusiasts see any Lexus car. The commentary fits like a glove if we replace Hyundai with Lexus and we compare it with a BMW or Mercedes.
Just imagine how a a dialog with a car enthusiast will go: Is Lexus a good car? Yes, it is. Is it comparable with the almighty BMW and Mercedes. LOL...NOT EVEN CLOSE.

Hyundai and Lexus belong to the same family of cars...supposed value buys. People who don't have any idea what a car is think they get more by paying less and end up with one of these poorly engineered Asian cars like Lexus and Hyundai. I don't have any doubt that in short time Hyundai is going to enjoy the same recognition between clueless auto buyers as Lexus. But who cares? As long as we, the car enthusiasts still have the option to buy the REAL THING(made in Germany), is all good.

— Star (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 9:53:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -10   

I'm not sure I understand the point of agent 001's relentless negative diatribe against the Genesis. What quality aspect of Genesis is lacking? You point out the derivative design, that it doesn't add up to a Lexus LS460 series or BMW 7 series..but if you read the press release from Hyundai they said that they used the BMW, Mercedes E Class and Lexus GS as 'benchmarks' there was nothing in their press release that stated that they were competing against these luxury cars.

Here is a quote from the PR release "While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS,” said John Krafcik, vice president"

Please if you're going to bash a car because you simply don't like the brand be honest and say so just don't come across as if you're giving a fair, honest review when you comes across as bias and subjective.

Reporting the facts rather than making it up may add more credibility to your future reviews.

— acronis (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:16:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11   

The fact of the matter is that a Hyundai is a Hyundai. To my knowledge, this is there first full size luxury sedan. I mean its not Lexus competition, and is certainly NOT even close to Mercedes and BMW territory, but its their first try in the field. I actually like the overall exterior design of the Genesis.The only thing that i did not like about the car was the interior, and performance. Also, you have to keep in mind this is a $30,000 car. To compare it to BMW's and Mercedes that run in the 70 to 80k territories, this competes pretty well to design. But overall, I think any German car would smoke the hell out of this thing. :)

— M1k3 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:18:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

If all i had was 30K to spend on a car, first thing i would do is go buy a CPO by BMW 5 series! hahahaha

— razzy23 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:36:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -13   

The problem with Hyundai is the should let the car speak for itself.
You are Hyundai. Humility is your best strategy. Don't speak out of turn.
Get a pat on the back.
Don't do it yourself
DrFill

— DrFill2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:39:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

I don' thnk the V8 will be only $30,000. Which is not a good thing.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 10:54:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Nowadays Lexus developed some originality so it's not too hard to see that a clone Hyundai might be a glimpse of their past .

I am not praising the Hyundai but I won't sneer at automotive competition and apparently Hyundai has stepped up a bit .

Apparently Hyundai is also aiming at some of the top speed of its competitors too. Article below--
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/66898

— yrralis1 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/16/2008 11:30:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

What is the point of this post?

The LS460 outsold the BMW 730d? Did you just conveniently "forget" that the 730i, 740i, 750i and 760i also exist in Europe?

And the S500? The same is true there--you can't forget the S320 CDI, S350, S420 CDI, S450, S600...

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:35:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Once again Agent001 redeems Autospies. Of course this car is not in the least bit competitive with Lexus, or Caddy, Benz, Jag or any of the others. And if you listen to Hyundai, they seem to be saying that they are agreeing with that....
"They also tell me that even though all the hype has insinuated that it is a Lexus killer, they tried to assure me, it didn't come from them but was created by the blogosphere."

HOWEVER, as 001 points out, their own press materials Hyundai has compared the Genesis to the luxury makes. Hyundai should have let the bloggers (like many of you) keep doing all their press for them. At least they could sit by and play innocent. Once they got into the delusions themselves, Hyundai shot themselves in the foot.

The LS400 changed everything in the luxury automotive world-price, quality, technology, performance, dealership experience. You people who still hate on Lexus's luxury credentials do not remember history at all. BMW's were overpriced yuppie-mobiles, Jags fell apart, Caddies and Lincolns were slow barges, Audis weren't mentioned in the same breath as any luxury make. Only MBZ had any real cache by the end of the '80s, and even their flagship had been around since the beginning of the decade. Lexus swooped in and revolutionized the automotive world.

In what possible way does this Hyundai replicate ANY of this??? They have simply put out a decent upper mid-sized car, like an Avalon, Lucerne or 300C. And that's it. Nothing more. Deal with it, and stop pretending that there is anything more to your belief that this car is competitive with Lexus than your hatred of Lexus.

— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 12:48:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I'm the one slow witted puppy killer tried to insult,and believe me it takes much more grey matter than this guy will ever have.Anyway thanks for taking up for me,but I can handle people like this.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 6:33:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

There's nothing disappointing about a car that HAS most if not all of the features that another brand sells for $20 - $30k more.

Lexus killer, no, but it gives people who want the features, and refinement, for less money. If Lexus had horrid customer service they wouldn't be so popular; Hyundai has not built that portion up yet - but the Genesis sounds like it's something worth the money.

Sure, the interior may not match Toyota/Lexus quality, but again, IT's $20 - $30K CHEAPER.. I would certainly sacrifice a bit of plush and rubber materials for that much money.

Once again, Hyundai is not saying "Hey Lexus, we've built this car and you better run home with your tail between your legs". They're saying people want to be diligent with their money, is there any reason someone looking for a $30k car shouldn't be able to get the features of a car double it's price? Just beca

— fuzion (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 1:28:21 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

There's nothing disappointing about a car that HAS most if not all of the features that another brand sells for $20 - $30k more.

Lexus killer, no, but it gives people who want the features, and refinement, for less money. If Lexus had horrid customer service they wouldn't be so popular; Hyundai has not built that portion up yet - but the Genesis sounds like it's something worth the money.

Sure, the interior may not match Toyota/Lexus quality, but again, IT's $20 - $30K CHEAPER.. I would certainly sacrifice a bit of plush and rubber materials for that much money.

Once again, Hyundai is not saying "Hey Lexus, we've built this car and you better run home with your tail between your legs". They're saying people want to be diligent with their money, is there any reason someone looking for a $30k car shouldn't be able to get the features of a car double it's price? Just because it doesn't have the fan fair associated with the German and Japanese counterparts does not make it a dissapointing car.

001 - if you get Sandra to show up at your door please post pics.

As for your comment on the outside, it looks fine to me. 5 series looks nice, M45 looks nice, MB looks nice, Lexus looks nice, so they took cues from them all and meshed them into a product that's not so hard on the eyes. oh darn.

I'm the best autospies reporter ever. :(

— fuzion (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 1:30:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Pompous Ass...LOL

I LOVE when people take the bait ;)

001

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 1:01:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

Are you, or are you not a real automotive journalist?

— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 6:21:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I absolutely agree with every one of your points.

Well, not quite:

"every BMW car that I have seen in recent years, had an interior constructed predominately of hard plastic, which is just the cheapest material that there is."

BMW interiors are hugely underrated. If you haven't sat in a 3 Series, ('08) 5 Series, 6 Series or X5 lately, do yourself a favor. The only one that really does not live up to the class standard for interior design is the 7 Series; every one of the others--including the X3--are designed for function and durability rather than style. They will age well.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:45:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

fastonekiller

"$30,000 Hyundai, I still can't stop laughing.

Fill the trunk with gold, still not going to buy it."

Wow. What a smart comment.

btw i think Hyundai did a good job. It was just Autospies and some of the posters here which over hyped the Genesis.

Design though i don't like it, is subjective but u can't deny the 380 BHP 4.6 V8, RWD, Good amount of features and luxury all for $30K.

i think that last paragraph (which is a fact) alone should be able to bring thousands of customers and no doubt many potential Lexus or BMW customers.

Good job Hyundai, great effort now just work on a new design Language and new badge (it's important) and i don't see why u can't do well.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 7:31:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

Hyundai sounds like what lexus was saying 15 years ago? Think about it?

— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 9:06:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

well i guess this is good news! lol

those who are saying that hyundai is the next lexus so watch out, are completely wrong. if theres one thing to note in the automotive world, its timing.

when lexus came out in 1990, bmw and mercedes were scorned for their reliability issues. nobody wanted to buy them. thats where lexus comes in. people saw that they could get a bmw or mercedes from a lexus without those issues, or the price.

in the world today, lexus is hardly faltering, bmw and mercedes are gaining ground in jd surveys, lifes great for those presitigous brands.

with the dollar is so weak, i doubt hyundai will be making a huge profit off these cars, and i guess their main objective was to get their "best" into the world...i guess they failed

— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 11:27:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Genesis is just beginning.

Next Lexus-Killer is coming soon

Project name: VI (Equus)
Full size sedan
Engines: V8 4.6, V8 5.0 Hybrid, and V8 5.5 direct injection Tau estimated over 500HP
Transmission: 7 speed RWD and AWD
Features: Auto Parking System, Auto Privacy Glass, Smart Cruise Control, Lexicon Sound system.....etc

— NewBeginning (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 11:48:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

"Smell my finger! Look, I will smell it first, see it's not so bad (I think I'm gonna pass out)!"

I prefer this picture:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_SHjLbFdBhYI/RgrvP1mDaGI/AAAAAAAAAEo/lAS1fo5S1OE/s1600-h/HeidiKlum1.jpg

— Hyundai (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 12:37:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This one gets my vote.

http://www.wallpaperbase.com/wallpapers/celebs/heidiklum/heidi_klum_12.jpg

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:48:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Agent 001> Your comments are valid but you can say that about any car really. Hyundai is putting forth for about 32k a car with a nice package, with a V8 power plant and about 25k to 50k cheaper???
It reminds me of stats, a town can brag that they have little crime compared to a big city of course you do ten times the population means ten times the crime, but on a per capita the small town may have more of a chance of you being victimized.
A BMW 5 series also brings scrunity to it , the design is suspect especially the rear end and quarter panels, the interior dash is confusing at best, same goes with a Lexus LS which is very hard to tell what it is when it drives down the street, for 80k i want people to know at least what the car is.
Hyundai has every right to advertise that their car is as good as a 50 to 80k car and the public has very right to reject it , but i think you went into the fray and came out with no way this car can compete with a Lexus or the like and i say no way a 80k car is really worth 80k either?

— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 12:16:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Consumer electronic: Samsung Korean
Asian food: sushi and kimchi are originally Korean
Culture: Entire Japanese culture was copied from China and Korea.
Cars: Just wait and see.

Japanese
Comfort women, Unit 731, Cannibalism...etc

Do some research.

— NewBeginning (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 12:20:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

The number of badge whore idiots on here--from both "sides"--actually blows me away. That's saying something, for this site.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 2:01:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

I think 001 is really off base, I'm sorry but I think he's missing the whole purpose of this vehicle.

If Hyundai corrected all of 001s complaints with the car, then the price would be in the upper 40s to mid 50s.

I think 001 should check himself.

— importshark (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 10:04:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

There are so many "snobs" out there. This car is a real value, especially during these hard economic times. The Genesis will sell because there are a lot of people who will be happy to have a car with a lot of "package" offering a good ride with what is now considered a quality product. I drive an Azera and it is far more satisfying than my previous Acura TL's. 001 is so obviously "prejudiced" towards Lexus, BMW and Mercedes which in recent years has gotten some big black circles for reliability from Consumer's. He likens the Genesis to a conservative mold. So what's wrong with that? Not everybody has to drive a car that goes 0 to 60 in under 6.0 sec's. My Azera has almost all the bells and whistles, is comfortable to drive, was an excellent value(who says if you don't spend $40 to $60,000 you haven't "arrived"). I am very happy with my "flying" H, and the money that I "saved" can go towards my grandchildrens education.

— drdonrs (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 10:40:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Sorry, 001, but I had barely heard of this vehicle before I read this article. I certainly wasn't aware of it being touted as a Lexus LS for half the price.

I see what you mean about the derivative exterior styling - the front, for instance, reminds me of a Mercedes S-class without the three-pointed star. And the interior is rather bland. But honestly, what do you expect from an LS-sized car that sells for $30,000?

Lexus made its initial splash by copying Mercedes and BMW, and then enhancing the appeal of their wares by offering a lower price and better reliability. Hyundai and the other Korean companies are now trying to sell low-priced Lexus clones. (The reliability of Hyundai is not up to Toyota/Lexus/Honda levels yet, however.) I suspect that the Chinese and Indians will follow a strategy similar to the Koreans. However, all of these Johny-come-lately copycats run the risk of coming up with a low-priced, medium-quality, dull product - which the Genesis appears to be.

Still, I'd like to see what this car can do on the highway and the race track. It's performance might be its redeeming feature. Might not. We'll see.

— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 1/17/2008 11:02:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I'd still buy this over a buick land-boat. It's probably more reliable than much of the GM/Chry/ford stuff and still cheaper. It's much nicer than my Nissan Stanza.
This project will probably have a lot of spinoffs- except in the styling department. They should put that V-8 and 6spd in their minivan lineup. It could be the new "volvo turbo" of family haulers.
Slower traffic keep right.

— dodgedart (View Profile)

Posted on 1/18/2008 6:45:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Agent001, how can we expect you to be objective in your comparative analysis of the Hyundai Genesis and Lexus when you have Lexus as your MAJOR SPONSOR. This is total BS.

— richard112360 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/18/2008 4:10:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

The interior of this car is 99% copy of the failed Infiniti Q45, the front and rear ends copy of the old Infiniti I30/35. If Hyundai ripped anyone off it would be Infiniti.

— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 2:35:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

What a bunch of jackoffs! Agent001 is giving his opinion on the car and not dictating his opinion to all of you. Just like any Mag you read regarding reviews. So I guess you never heard of Jeremy from Top Gear rip on a car or blatantly call it rubbish?!?

This is agent001's site and like any of you with a valid point can give an opinion. I will give it a look see but doubt I will ever buy it. So far most car people out there consider the Hyundai as a wanna be. The Genesis using designs from other makes does not help the matter at all BUT it some levels is going in the right direction.

Does it remind you of another make? Lexus? They started out copying designs too...

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 4:43:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

you are spot on agentOO1

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 9:18:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I respect 001's opinion of this car. After all, he has seen and likely sat in many of the vehicles at the show and gave his thoughts based on that.

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:21:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

"Agent004 - 1/16/2008 6:01:56 PM-10 Boost
My problem with this car, is that the design is an obvious rip off on Lexus, BMW and Mercedes, which means their designers took no ingenuity in designing this car and they should quite frankly be punished for it and embarrassed by it too. But, the designers, design, they are not the ones who approve something, so, higher on up, management had to agree that this is the way to go, with a total disregard for the expertise it took in designing the 5 Series, designing the LS, designing the S Class. They just said, great, thanks, *yoink* (that's the sound of some one stealing something quickly).

I could not care less if this car drove like a BMW, had the fit and finish of a Lexus interior and was priced like a SmartCar, the design is a blatant copycat and I would not give it a second look based on that alone.

Will this car sell? Yes it will, because the people who know this is a flagrant copycat wouldn't buy it anyway, and those who like the fact it looks like a much classier car will buy it because they can't afford the real thing."

This is total deja vu. I remember practically the exact thing being said when Lexus came out. Creepy...

Personally, if Hyundai was going to go upscale, I really wished they created a new brand. Imho, Toyota made a good, low-risk move creating Lexus. I mean, if you look at the elitist attitude just on this site alone, does it surprise you that a $70-80k Toyota LS460 would have been a hard sell?

A good example would be the Phaeton. I thought it was a great car, had good craftsmanship and materials (didn't get to drive it, though it looks ok on paper), but a $100k VW just didn't fly.

This is a risky move on Hyundai's part, imho. Looks like a good car, but we'll see where this goes...

— A4ORCE (View Profile)

Posted on 1/19/2008 3:34:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Agent 001,

I think many of the other people that submitted comments mentioning Lexus' start several years ago are spot on. I appreciate your opinion, but it lacked any objectivity...almost vindictive. To be fair to you though, any chance you would post your reviews of the the first Lexus vehicles so we can all compare and constrast?

— Bored (View Profile)

Posted on 1/20/2008 5:41:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This car is suppose to be a good ride. When you drive.
think on the bright side they put too much money on the engine so they didn't have enough on the design.
over350 horses for 30k is a lot to me...
is that only for me though?

— ydl08 (View Profile)

Posted on 1/21/2008 2:03:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1