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2007 Hyundai Genesis Concept

Though it is best known for its high-value, high-quality vehicles, Hyundaihas a reputation for producing one of Korea's most expensive sedans. For years, Hyundai has offered a large, rear-wheel drive four-door in its home market of Korea called the Equus. It was the largest car in the Hyundai range, a proper, executive sedan with an opulent cabin, conservative styling and power provided by a series of engines, including an available Mitsubishi-sourced 4.5-liter direct injection V8. It was a car designed to please and coddle the wealthiest Korean businessmen and politician. Hyundai didn't offer the Equus in North America or Europe, but the brand's sharp growth in popularity and excellent new product lineup, not to mention the Equus HCD-7 concept that debuted at the Detroit auto show in 2002, has had industry analysts predicting a large, rear-wheel drive executive sedan in the not too distant future.

It doesn't take long to find proof of Hyundai's interpretation of unpretentious luxury; a look around a dealership and you will find the Azera, Veracruz, Santa Fe, Entourage

Looks like the Genesis will be headed for production soon. (Photo: Hyundai)

and Sonata – well built, quiet, luxurious and representative of high value. Truly, the brand's cars, crossovers and vans have been rewarded accolades justly. At this year's New York International Auto Show, Hyundai brought out the Genesis Concept, a preview of the large, rear-wheel drive, V8-powered car that will lift the brand into the big leagues, competing against Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and others.

Hyundai knows that if it's going to succeed with the Genesis, a half-bakedeffort simply won't work. Having observed Cadillac's first attempt (and failure) at global validity with its front-wheel drive, V8-powered previous-generation STS sedan, it was obvious that rear-wheel or all-wheel drive was a necessary factor for Hyundai. The brand also benchmarked one of the finest all-rounders on the market

Well over 300 horsepower is in store for Hyundai customers. (Photo: Hyundai)

during the development of the rear-wheel drive platform, the BMW 5-Series; one of the benchmark cars used by Lexus to develop the current GS. Despite being larger than the 5-Series and its competitor, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the body-in-white (body shell without the engine, interior, drivetrain, etc.) of the Genesis is between 12- and 14-percent more rigid, not to mention that it weighs less. This is particularly impressive considering the 5-Series' front structure is made out of aluminum whereas the Genesis' frame is made completely from steel. Connecting the body to its wheels is a five-link front and rear suspension system that features adaptive damping. Add that to a weight distribution of 53/47 and Hyundai may have just come up with a large luxury sedan that can not only provide a comfortable and cosseting ride, but entertain drivers as well.

In the photos and on the show floor, the Genesis looks sleeker, younger andmore modern

Sleek design isn't exactly inspiring, but it's elegant. (Photo: Hyundai)

than the Azera, which would increase its appeal to a wider range of customers. The nose is aerodynamic, and shows hints of Toyota's latest Camry with the narrow bulge that runs down the hood, though the grille is wider and chromed, which should give the car good presence on the show's stands. The tail end of the Genesis keeps a close family resemblance to the new Elantra, with similarly shaped lenses, and bodywork that flows into the bumpers and the trapezoidal recess for the license plate. The thin strip of chrome that runs across the rear end, splitting the tail lamps and housing the LED turn signal indicators, is an elegant touch, one most likely inspired by the facelifted 7-Series, but, dare I say, more elegant in execution. Slim exhaust pipes, recessed in the lower rear valance, mimic the shape of the fog lamps in the front air dam. Hopefully Hyundai will keep things consistent with the concept when they produce it.

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