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

Agent001 submitted on 01/16/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 4:07 PM
from: www.autospies.com

Tags: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, 2008 Hyundai Genesis

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2008 Detroit Auto Show

2008 Hyundai Genesis

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

During the lead up to the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, I can't think of a car that was more hyped than the vehicle we have chosen as our most disappointing car at the show.

Our blogs and articles were rampant with speculation about the possibility that this Korean company was not only ready to produce a Lexus LS400 like car for a measly 30g's, but it would also perform and challenge cars like the BMW 5-Series, E-Class, M Infiniti's, etc.

And that car would be the Hyundai Genesis Sedan.

So when I was thinking about what cars I wanted to see first at the show, it was at the top of the list because I was curious to see if they could really pull it off.

And so did a LOT of our readers.

Is it a good car with a lot of value?

We're sure it will be.

Will it drive nice?

Are they giving you a lot for $30k. Yes

Their PR team assures us our opinion will change when we drive it (Can't wait).

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.

And all our competitors have drank the kool-aid and have been raving about it which really exposes their inexperience and lack of expertise.

So is it a Lexus LS400 for 30k?

READ MY LIPS....NOT IN A MILLION BILLION YEARS!

In fact, the best comment I heard about the exterior design was and I quote- 'Shouldn't it have been displayed downstairs?' For the uninitiated, downstairs in Cobo Hall is where they put all the Chinese/Korean clones.

Hyundai made an awful mistake here in our opinion.

Call it the best value in the $30k range and we got no issue.

Imply it's one of the elite cars for $30k, then we got a problem.

We also heard a rumor at the show that one of the key people involved in the development just resigned from Hyundai because they were disappointed in the final product .

Supposedly, Korea didn’t keep the promises made to the product team.

If you have trouble viewing the video above, click here to download it

The AutoSpies.com 2008 Detroit Auto Show photo gallery is sponsored by Lexus.

2008 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

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

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Autoegr525 - 1/16/2008 4:45:56 PM

-10 Boost

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.

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Agent004 - 1/16/2008 6:01:56 PMView My AgentSpace

-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.

tattedtwice - 1/16/2008 6:42:16 PM

+3 Boost

All the hate this car receives is really amusing. It being written off just because of the name on it is frankly pretty stupid, as is writing it off because it looks similar to other flagships.

It'd be just as easy to scoff at lexus trying to build anything even remotely associated with performance, since in the time they've been in existence, they've showed they know nothing about it. But what does it take to change that? Lots of development dollars and an initial effort; which is exactly what Hyundai is doing here. We'll have to wait and see if it's a failure or a hit.

Speaking of lexus, aren't they the ones whose flagship has for years been a blatant ripoff of its direct competition? Where's the uproar and indignation over that? At least Hyundai is attempting to make a downmarket car, look like cars that are much more expensive. I say if they should be crucified for doing so, then so should lexus for copying their DIRECT competition.

Give the car a chance. It's not easy to build a true sports sedan (right toyota/nissan?), but it's certainly easy to topple lexus with a plush, quiet, smooth, not-so-thrilling luxury ride (right Veracruz?). Even if it doesn't turn out to be world-class, people like those luxury-bargain shoppers who put lexus and infiniti on the map will snap them up.

DrFill2001 - 1/16/2008 7:08:46 PM

-5 Boost

Yeah, Lexus is sweatin' bullets.
This is a shell game, and Hyundai is looking for the sucker.
Gotcha!
DrFill

stash84 - 1/17/2008 10:01:54 AM

+3 Boost

obviously..you know nothing

stash84 - 1/17/2008 10:32:10 AM

-1 Boost

"It'd be just as easy to scoff at lexus trying to build anything even remotely associated with performance, since in the time they've been in existence, they've showed they know nothing about it."

Any Lexus is just as fast as its competition, and if you speak of handling, obviously, youve been under a rock because in no way is a lexus made to drive like a teenagers car..go back to your elementary class and learn something..driving is not all about turns and having "fun"..its about transportation and comfort..but you wouldnt know that yet

NewBeginning - 1/17/2008 10:54:03 AM

+2 Boost

Wow! This is the most disappointing article at autospies.com

NewBeginning - 1/17/2008 4:11:28 PM

+1 Boost

"The AutoSpies.com 2008 Detroit Auto Show photo gallery is sponsored by Lexus."

Wow, Toyota/Lexus is trying to brainwash people again.

Autoegr525 - 1/17/2008 4:49:56 PM

+1 Boost

Why mention the G and 3 series? Price, obviously.

pushrod27 - 1/16/2008 5:43:23 PM

Show Comment -21 Boost

pushrod27 - 1/16/2008 8:05:00 PM

Show Comment -17 Boost

stash84 - 1/17/2008 10:35:25 AM

0 Boost

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 !!!!!

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pushrod27 - 1/17/2008 1:26:49 PM

-5 Boost

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.

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Porschinator - 1/16/2008 4:56:15 PM

+4 Boost

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???

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Agent001 - 1/16/2008 4:58:22 PMView My AgentSpace

-12 Boost

Watch the video

001

Porschinator - 1/16/2008 5:00:07 PM

-1 Boost

downloading it :) Thnx Bro...

M35MT - 1/16/2008 5:04:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

How did you get this job?

Not fair.

M35MT - 1/16/2008 5:05:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

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.

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M35MT - 1/16/2008 5:09:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

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!

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Agent008 - 1/16/2008 5:17:17 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

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

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pushrod27 - 1/16/2008 5:44:34 PM

-11 Boost

Exactly.

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jeeka715 - 1/16/2008 5:18:13 PM

0 Boost

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"...

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Agent001 - 1/16/2008 5:28:18 PMView My AgentSpace

-8 Boost

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

001

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bobus - 1/16/2008 6:54:25 PM

+7 Boost

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

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BMW995 - 1/16/2008 5:32:05 PM

+5 Boost

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.

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Agent001 - 1/16/2008 5:52:32 PMView My AgentSpace

-7 Boost

When they show a press launch video at the show of the 5-Series, E-Class, and GS Lexus all being challenged, they brought this on themselves.

Nice car, just not a real contender from a looks/quality of materials standpoint.

When we drive it, if the Hyundai PR people are right who tell me I will change my mind, I'll be the first guy to report it's the real deal.

They told me that it was preferred over a 7-Series on a 1500 trip they did.

But I think Heidi Klum will be knocking on my door naked before this thing drives better than a 7.

For now, I'll just have to settle for Tika and Afrodita knocking on my door... ;) (inside joke)

001

M35MT - 1/17/2008 10:22:04 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

001, based on the way you look in that video, I did think anyone will be showing up to your door naked.

Hyundai - 1/17/2008 11:51:34 AM

-1 Boost

Agent001, you are so cool!!!

Hyundai - 1/17/2008 11:53:35 AM

+3 Boost

M35MT,

Maybe E.T.'s twin sister..

007vehispy1 - 1/16/2008 5:45:14 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

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.

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DaHarder - 1/16/2008 5:58:19 PM

+6 Boost

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.

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autopro - 1/16/2008 6:13:36 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

DUDE DUDE your wrong the first LS400 had fantistic quality of materials and slayed the germans.The LS was more than a great product,the created the finest dealer network in the industry,a revolutionized the auto industry in terms of service and customer treatment.Don't even mention this POS company in the same breath as toy\lexus.

DaHarder - 1/16/2008 6:17:29 PM

+6 Boost

Dude...

If you go back and READ what I posted, and not simply REACT, you'll discover that we're pretty much on the same page.

The LS400 changed the luxury vehicle rules...

Hyundai wants to do a similar thing with this offering for the entry luxury market.

Summary: Great Car at a Great Value.

DaHarder - 1/16/2008 6:24:28 PM

+9 Boost

In Addition:

Much of the same rhetoric being blogged about the Genesis was also said about the Lexus LS400 before its introduction, so...

Why not do the intelligent thing, and wait for the vehicle to actually hit the showroom, see it, touch it, drive it, and then make An Informed Decision as to whether it's a solid effort or not.

autopro - 1/16/2008 6:00:15 PMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

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

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autopro - 1/17/2008 12:07:00 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Slow witted killer I never said my age,but if you must know I was 26 when I started selling Porsche and Audi in 1985.

answer - 1/16/2008 6:03:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

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.

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lexusis350 - 1/16/2008 6:06:44 PM

-6 Boost

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.

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gsh23 - 1/16/2008 6:20:10 PM

-9 Boost

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!

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Agent001 - 1/16/2008 10:07:34 PMView My AgentSpace

-4 Boost

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

001

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DROOPYSAKK - 1/16/2008 6:31:46 PM

-5 Boost

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.......

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DROOPYSAKK - 1/16/2008 6:32:29 PM

-3 Boost

INFINITI**

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adamsaf723 - 1/16/2008 6:39:36 PM

+5 Boost

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

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DaHarder - 1/16/2008 6:39:58 PM

+10 Boost

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!

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Hyundai - 1/17/2008 11:57:48 AM

+4 Boost

Excellent summary.

DrFill2001 - 1/16/2008 7:00:44 PM

-10 Boost

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

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VISO - 1/17/2008 4:44:02 PM

+1 Boost

Go back to Edmunds.com

farabira1 - 1/16/2008 7:16:32 PM

+4 Boost

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.

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bmwdrvr - 1/16/2008 8:03:50 PM

+6 Boost

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.

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bmwdrvr - 1/16/2008 8:06:47 PM

+1 Boost

and not mention what type of cars you get for 30,000 even lets make a list....1. pontiac g6, 2. camry(not fully loaded. 3. accord. 4. impala ss, 5. almost base nissan maxima. 6. altima, 7. malibul....the list goes on. compared to the cars that it is priced against it is very clear that Hyundai has something special on its hands, there isnt a car in that class that looks as upscale, or has an interior like that not one in that list. and they are all 30,000 cars

stash84 - 1/17/2008 10:54:44 AM

-1 Boost

u forgot to mention the 325i

LexusGS - 1/16/2008 8:12:22 PM

-8 Boost

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.

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DaHarder - 1/18/2008 11:24:34 AM

+6 Boost

"There is always a deep way of cutting the quality to get into that price range. Good review."

Seriously FAULTY LOGIC!

By your assessment, Toyota's Lexus division must have seriously 'cut quality' when the LS400 was introduced back in 1989... NOT!

Just the opposite - They (very effectively) redefined what a quality luxury vehicle could/should be, all while undercutting the competition by offering substantially more equipment all at a much lower price point.

I advise all of the naysayers so bent on lambasting Hyundai's effort here to wait until the vehicle is available, take a drive and then (hopefully) make an 'informed decision' on what it is or is not.

In Addition: Calling this 'Judgmental Rambling' a 'Review' is truly stretching the word's definition...

MSP6 - 1/16/2008 8:31:19 PM

-4 Boost

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...

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EL34 - 1/16/2008 8:36:28 PM

+3 Boost

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

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BigShow50 - 1/16/2008 8:52:25 PM

+4 Boost

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...

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2008 9:22:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

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?

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EL34 - 1/16/2008 11:18:09 PM

-11 Boost

Dude, this car will drive like a couch.

Dude!!!

Anthony - 1/16/2008 9:39:13 PM

+3 Boost

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.

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bmwdrvr - 1/16/2008 9:46:01 PM

+1 Boost

no this car is really not in that segment, that is what the Azera is for, this is a step above that class......if Hyundai said it was going to topple a lexus Ls than yeah it doesnt, but from the looks of it does appear to be a better choice than the lexus es and it certainly is everything the Lexus Ls400 was in 1989 so i fail to see your point. If the Veracruz can beat the RX in a test, i seriously fail to see how this car couldnt also be better than an es, or even the V8 against a Lexus GS but hey the complainers here have driven the car, and know that it isnt good enough.....the only thing overhyped about this car is the people posting about it

Anthony - 1/16/2008 10:15:19 PM

-3 Boost

The Veracruz won the comparison against the RX because of its value, in the same since in saying that the LS460 is better than the S550 because of value. Sure, Car and Driver will compare this car to an ES350, and it will win, because of its value and V8 performance if they decide to use the V8 version.

This car is a mid-size family sedan priced at $30K, which puts it in Avalon territory. The V8 version is with the Chrysler 300C crowd. They are very similar crowds to begin with.

stash84 - 1/17/2008 10:57:29 AM

0 Boost

"I would definitely buy this over an Avalon, a Maxima, and even a Passat, which I think was Hyundai's underlying goal."

lmfao

pushrod27 - 1/17/2008 6:21:51 PM

-4 Boost

Driving a Hyundai is like wearing Payless shoes. Why would you do it if you had a choice?

M53R - 1/16/2008 9:47:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

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?

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Agent250 - 1/16/2008 9:48:18 PM

+7 Boost

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.

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Star - 1/16/2008 9:53:18 PM

-10 Boost

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.

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Anthony - 1/16/2008 10:17:08 PM

+4 Boost

That was a poor linkage. Those are the opinions of the many elitist snobs in the automotive community. Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW among the normal world are viewed as equals.

Star - 1/16/2008 10:56:42 PM

-12 Boost

Anthony, we are not talking about the soccer moms in America driving the RX Lexus, we are talking about people that know where the engine is placed in their car. Lexus doesn't exist in the eyes of the car enthusiasts...you have to learn to accept that.

Anthony - 1/16/2008 11:13:03 PM

+5 Boost

Likewise, I was not talking about the very selective, often prejudice (against all non-European brands) subculture that we call the "enthusiast community." Real people writing checks for Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi cars see them in the same light. Just because you believe that the LS and the S-Class are not "in the same league" does not make it so to the people actually shelling out $70-100K for either. I think you should just learn to accept that.

I have been buying BMWs, Audis, Benzes AND Lexus for years. The IS-F is definitely on my radar.

acronis - 1/16/2008 10:16:07 PM

+11 Boost

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.

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Teknik - 1/16/2008 11:52:05 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

acronis,

Spot on excellent post!

Agent001 jumped to conclusions and as a result has put his foot in his mouth. Hyundai benchmarked the M, E, and GS, but they know it will compete with the 300, G8, and Avalon. How hard is that to understand? Agent001 bashed the Genesis for absolutely no reason because he has no idea how this car was developed and how it is going to be marketed. It amazes me how ignorant people on this website can be.

M1k3 - 1/16/2008 10:18:46 PM

-7 Boost

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. :)

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razzy23 - 1/16/2008 10:36:54 PM

-13 Boost

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

	Agent001 Dis is your ninety eight vatchamacalit?
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