2014 Hyundai Genesis |
A project 4 years and 11 million kilometers in the making, I just can't believe that a Korean car company called Hyundai tries to pull the wraps and the competition is making a run for their money as they unveiled the second-generation of Hyundai's flagship saloon, the Genesis. Since I'm not the one who will talk about this new generation Genesis, some lucky survivor managed to scavenge the files straight from Project Genesis and I'm reading it for the first time. So, how does the Project Genesis happened? Oh yeah, I really do read the files from Project Genesis in case some civil uprising broke out because of Genesis.
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-1
"Since its January 2008 launch, the Genesis is heralded as the brand's first premium rear-wheel drive sedan that surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness. We invested over 500 billion KRW or an estimated 471 million US Dollars when we began Project Genesis and our aim is to develop a world-class premium rear-wheel drive sedan and we took four years to develop this model. The Genesis provides premium and distinctive design, best-in-class chassis system, the same level that luxury European rivals had, cutting-edge safety, and convenience features. From every angle, out car conveyed Hyundai's "Modern Premium" brand identity and it secured best-in-class basic product competitiveness through numerous tests carried out globally, including the legendary Nurburgring in Germany."
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-2
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-3
2014 Hyundai Genesis interior |
2014 Hyundai Genesis interior |
"As a premium sedan, we wanted to create a more premium interior that others can expect from its European rivals. That is one of the key goals from Project Genesis and we accomplished it by delivering a well-tailored interior design specifications for all materials and mater craftsmanship-level finish to further improve its premium image. The switches are now categorized to facilitate user-friendly control, the symbols are now standardized for intuitive recognition, and the feel of the grip and control has been greatly improved, giving the driver a more emotional feel when he/she takes on the corners.
Our new Genesis comes with a new TFT LCD Cluster which is now visually enhanced for the driver to see. We also added an analog clock to give the dashboard a more classy look it deserves. In some models, the new Genesis is also offered with the controls of the rear-seat entertainment system and two LCD rear-seat multimedia display screens. With these features, rear seat passengers can adjust the angle, position and temperature of the heated and cooled rear seats. They can also experience power lumbar adjustment or change the heating, air conditioning, and air flow.
Our new Genesis comes with a new TFT LCD Cluster which is now visually enhanced for the driver to see. We also added an analog clock to give the dashboard a more classy look it deserves. In some models, the new Genesis is also offered with the controls of the rear-seat entertainment system and two LCD rear-seat multimedia display screens. With these features, rear seat passengers can adjust the angle, position and temperature of the heated and cooled rear seats. They can also experience power lumbar adjustment or change the heating, air conditioning, and air flow.
For audio, the new Genesis features Lexicon Surround Sound System with 17-speakers. This surround sound system provides higher highs, lower lows and rich mid-range for audiophile-level quality. It also comes with iPod/USB connectivity so users connect their gadgets for added convenience for the tech-savvy drivers.
New to the Genesis is the new Smart Trunk System and for this feature, if whoever with the Smart Key stays at the back of the car for three seconds, the rear trunk opens automatically, making it very convenient for the owners who don't need to open the trunk by themselves."
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-4
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
"Comfort, Stability, and Dynamics, three key goals which are part of the Project Genesis when it comes to create a high-performance sports saloon and after extensive testing through the Nurburgring, we managed to follow these three key goals while maintaining its sporty character drivers have been longing for. The new Genesis now offers best-in-class driving and ride & handling performances courtesy of the improved suspension and the application of various advanced technologies. We've improved the stiffness of the front and rear suspensions and managed a well-balanced weight distribution in order to make a well balanced chassis for the new Genesis as well as implementing new driving technologies such as Advanced Traction Cornering Control, Rack-mounted Motor Driven Electric Power Steering, and for the first time, the new Genesis is also offered with an all-wheel drive system we called it HTRAC.
The HTRAC all-wheel drive system electronically controls torque split between the axles depending on which driving conditions the driver is on, providing a well-stabled ride on slippery conditions and allows the driver to select different driving modes, NORMAL or SPORT, for a well-tailored driving experience.
For our new model, we offer two V6 petrol engines available such as the V6 3.3 Lambda and the V6 3.8 Lambda engine. The 3.3L V6 engine produces 282PS of power, 35.4kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.4km/L while the 3.8L V6 engine produces 315PS of power, 40.5kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.0km/L. Both of these engines are fitted with our specially-designed 8-speed automatic transmission with precise gear ratios and lightweight components to make driving more responsive."
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-5
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
"Safety is also part of the Project Genesis portfolio and we managed to accomplished it for our new model due to improved body structure and rigidity so its crash tests will be significantly improved. We increased its torsional and bending stiffness by applying ultra-high-strength steel hot-stamping and double-section structure on the front, partitioned engine room design as well as improved rear and center floor structures. We even managed to improve passenger safety with the addition of advanced seatbelt functions such as Emergency Fastening Device system (EFD), which tightly fastens passengers in crashes, and Pre-Safe seatbelt, which warns of danger in advance by tightening the seat belt.
We also applied Advanced Smart Cruise Control which allows the new Genesis to detect cars within a driver-specified distance, and automatically maintains a consistent following distance, Advanced Smart Parking Assist System for increased parking safety, and "Ghost Door Closing", a feature that even when it's not closed properly, it automatically closes it properly. Put all these together and the new Genesis provides best-in-class safety, setting a benchmark for the safest premium car in its class."
Project Genesis File No. DH112613-6
2014 Hyundai Genesis |
"We plan to sell 62,000 units of our new Genesis annually, from domestic and overseas, including major markets like North America, China, and Middle East. Prices start from 46.6-52.6 million won for the 3.3L model up to 55.1-69.6 million won for the 3.8L model. Available colors for the new Genesis are Onyx Black, Marble White, Platinum Silver, Polished Metal, Urban Grey, Sand Opal, Burgundy Red, Ghost Blue, Haze Blue, Tan Brown, and Black Pearl."
Case closed.
So there we are, after reading through the secret files from Project Genesis, it seems that Hyundai managed to create the next-generation Genesis by honing their performance at the Nurburgring, giving this Korean premium sedan the same level that its European rivals had. This new model has the 5-Series, E-Class, and A6 on sights and not only that, it can also pick a fight against its Japanese rivals like the GS and the Fuga, respectively. What made me bizarre is that the files from Project Genesis didn't mention its availability from Europe as well as right-hand drive markets but like the first generation, it's a big NO. Although I'm not sure if this car will hit the European market soon, it's still available exclusively at selected left-hand drive markets, meaning that if you live in a right-hand drive market, sorry to say that this new Genesis is not welcomed until further notice.
So...is this the master plan Project Genesis worth developing for?
Photo: Hyundai Motor Company