Drivetrains
The Tau V8 is Hyundai's first domestic V8 engine. For the 2008–09 model years, the 4.6 L engine produced 375 hp at 6,500 rpm and 333 lbft at 3,500 rpm.[23] Introduced as a midyear change for the 2010 model, the 4.6 L V8 now produces 385 hp at 6,500 rpm, with no change in the torque output: 333 lbft at 3,500 rpm.[24] These figures are achieved using premium fuel. The V8 can also run on regular unleaded, in which case the 2010–11 model produces 378 hp and 324 lb-ft. For the V8 model, Hyundai has reported 0–60 mph times of less than 6 seconds.[14][25] Car and Driver reports a 0–60 mph time of 5.3 seconds[26] while Motor Trend reports a 0–60 mph time of 5.5 seconds in their October 2008 issue.
The Lambda 3.8 L V6 is available in Korean and North American models. In Korean spec, the engine produces 306 hp. In US spec this engine produces 290 hp at 6,200 rpm (up to 333 hp in GDi spec) and 264 lbft at 4,500 rpm.[23] Motor Trend reports a 0–60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.[27]
The Lambda 3.3 L V6 is available in some markets, producing 264 hp.
In North America, the 2009-2011 V8-powered Genesis features a standard ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen (same as the unit found in the 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series), with the V6 models receiving an Aisin B600 6-speed automatic. The recommended gasoline for the V8 is premium for maximum fuel economy and horsepower, but also runs on regular. The V6 engine is designed for regular grade gasoline.
South Korean models include choice of Lambda 3.3 GDi, Lambda 3.8 GDi engines.
US models include choice of 3.8 Lambda GDi, Tau 4.6 MPi (390PS), 5.0 Tau GDi engines.
Canadian models include choice of 3.8 Lambda GDi, 5.0 Tau GDi (R-Spec only) engines.
Safety
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side-curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, EBD, traction control, and electronic stability control.[28]
- U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2009 Genesis:[29]
- Frontal Driver:
- Frontal Passenger:
- Side Driver:
- Side Rear Passenger:
- Rollover:
- "2009–2010 Top Safety Pick" Award by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety[30][31]
Marketing
As part of the US product launch, Hyundai Motor America and Carbonfund.org unveiled the Genesis Forest Project at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, to offset the entire first year of emissions for all 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedans sold in the United States. The Genesis Forest Project was retroactively applied to all 2009 Genesis sedan sales, which began in June, and continue through the end of the year.[33]
Sold as Hyundai Rohens in China, the unveiling was at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, 2008.[34] Sales began in August 2008.[2]
2010 model year updates
The Premium Navigation Package replaces the previous Premium Plus Package which most notably upgraded to 18-inch alloy wheels, still a part of this new package.
For 2010 the 4.6-liter Genesis was available in only one trim, with all packages made standard, including the Technology package. The car also received a slightly uprated engine as a midyear change, with the 4.6-litre V8 producing 385 hp at 6500 rpm and an identical 333 lbft of torque at 3500 rpm.[24]
5.0 R-Spec (2011–2014)
This model includes the new Tau 5.0 GDi engine, choice of three exterior colors and black interior. Genesis 5.0 R-Spec includes Genesis 4.6 equipment, plus 19-inch Premium Machined Finish alloy wheels with P235/45R19 tires, Unique headlamps w/dark chrome inserts, Sport-tuned suspension calibration, Unique R-Spec embroidered floor mats, R-Spec rear deck lid badging, deleted woodgrain from leather steering wheel.[35][36] The vehicle was unveiled in Seoul.[37]
5.0 R-Spec (2011–2014)
This model includes the new Tau 5.0 GDi engine, choice of three exterior colors and black interior. Genesis 5.0 R-Spec includes Genesis 4.6 equipment, plus 19-inch Premium Machined Finish alloy wheels with P235/45R19 tires, Unique headlamps w/dark chrome inserts, Sport-tuned suspension calibration, Unique R-Spec embroidered floor mats, R-Spec rear deck lid badging, deleted woodgrain from leather steering wheel.[35][36] The vehicle was unveiled in Seoul.[37]
All models include 8-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual mode.
2011 model year update
For model year 2011, the Tau V8 engine offered 385 horsepower. The 4.6 now featured as standard equipment, features from the previous Tech Package, including the Lexicon 7.1 surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers, the navigation system with 8-inch screen, smart cruise control, electronic parking brake, cooled driver seat, adaptive front lighting system with HID headlights, and parking assistance system featuring front and rear sensors and rearview camera.
2012 model year update
For model year 2012, engine choices included the 3.8 Lambda GDi, 4.6 Tau MPi (390PS), 5.0 Tau GDi for R-Spec. The transmission was changed to 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC.[38] Changes to US models included revised shock and spring rates and rear stabilizer; 5.0-liter direct-injected Tau V8 engine now exclusive to 5.0 R-Spec model; standard 5.0-liter model no longer available; 4.6-liter V8 available; 3.8-liter V6 available in three equipment configurations; revised optional eight-inch touchscreen display with navigation and an enhanced multi-media controller and Driver Information System (DIS); Hyundai Blue Link telematics available with Ultimate Navigation package.
2014 model year update
The last changes to US models before the new generation was introduced included greater connectivity options via the Hyundai Blue Link interface, some revised controls, a new exterior body colour (Santiago Silver instead of Platinum Metallic), 18-inch wheels as standard on the base model, and Hyundai's Assurance Connected Care telematics services are standard for three years on all 2014 Genesis sedans equipped with Blue Link.[39]
