2016 Hyundai Genesis RWD 3.8

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai continues to add compelling premium market appeal to the Genesis sedan for the 2016 model year. HID headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights are now standard for 2016, while ultra-premium LED fog lights are now available on the 3.8 model, further enhancing the Genesis exterior lighting signature.

Exterior
The Genesis expresses a truly modern design through distinctive exterior styling with a sleek, upscale appearance. Evoking a premium feel, the design cues display the Hyundai family aesthetic: simple and harmonious design with refined fluidic elements. The design features the modern Hyundai look, with a striking hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, a dynamic crease accent running along the flanks of the car, and a dynamic rear design. Design surfaces convey a kinetic elegance, relying more on voluminous body sections than surface details to create dramatic forms.

Proportions demonstrate a long dash-to-axle length, longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs than its predecessor. These proportions clearly convey the performance rear drive configuration beneath the sheet metal.

The single frame 3D hexagonal grille ensures the front end of the Genesis is not only striking, depicted in semi-gloss chrome, but also encompasses standard HID headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights and available LED fog lights. In profile, the Genesis daylight opening is expressive, with fluid lines and blended surfaces, a sleek C-pillar helping to emphasize the sporty styling. The rear of the Genesis benefits from a sculptural aesthetic with jeweled, full LED taillights.

Interior
The cabin layout has been designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, comfortable ambience. The simplification of the switchgear and instrument panel ensures an intuitive layout and open feel. This user-centric design has sought to connect the various interior parts effectively, particularly the center stack with the console, upper-instrument panel and B-pillar with the headliner. Genesis displays ultraprecise fit and finish, with ergonomic seat design and a generous, natural feel. Particular design attention has been paid to the storage of practical items such as mobile electronics of all shapes and sizes, along with the flexibility of the cup holders.

The interior surfaces have been developed to decrease relative interior reflections and brighten dashboard surfaces, while high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte-finish wood are available. Cohesion between the center fascia and audio controls has been ensured through a streamlined design, making the two separate sections appear as one.

Driver and passenger posture are optimized using enhanced seat pad density, improved seat support technologies, such as adjustable driver’s seat power bolsters and seat cushion extension. Genesis offer 12way power front seats, including 4way power lumbar, heated front seats with available ventilation, as well as heated rear seats on HTRAC AWD models.

Media and Navigation System
Genesis offers an ultra-premium, Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with 17 speakers, Logic 7 Surround Sound processing and 12 channel digital amplifier with 900 watts of equivalent output. This system also includes SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and iPod/USB auxiliary media input jacks.

An optional premium DIS navigation system offers a 9.2-Inch-High Definition display, with 720p high definition, a 64GB Solid State Drive for multimedia, and premium Lexicon audio system. This premium system also includes Gracenote album art, junction view with lane guidance, advanced voice recognition, and music/image/video storage via USB download.

A simple popup message appears to help pair a phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screen displays speed limits, details the next three maneuvers, shows real highway signage and has junction views with lane guidance. Lane guidance outlines the lane or lanes the driver needs to stay in when a highway splits. Junction view uses street and actual road sign images to match what the driver will see when arriving at the next maneuver.

Engine and Transmission
The Genesis 3.8 liter direct-injected Lambda engine is optimized to deliver a flatter overall torque curve at low rpm for superb drivability. This engine includes a three-stage variable intake system, triangular-pattern fuel injector for improved combustion; In keeping with its 5.0 liter V8 sibling, the Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine utilizes direct-injection and produces 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 293 lb.ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm.

All 3.8 liter engines are coupled to the same eight-speed automatic transmission design as the Genesis 5.0. This Hyundai developed transmission offers enhanced shift logic and speed, better acceleration, sport-mode mapping, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency. All eight-speed transmissions include SHIFTRONIC manual shift capability with ergonomically placed paddle shifters.

Summary
Genesis represents a bold step forward for Hyundai, continuing to build upon its successful strategy of marketing its premium models under the Hyundai brand umbrella, rather than a costly, separate luxury brand sales channel. The Genesis is incredibly well equipped in every configuration, offering even more content than the first generation Genesis. This content includes a generous suite of standard safety and convenience features.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $38,750.00, the one I drove included the following packages: Signature, Technology and Ultimate, and it came at $50,600.00 including inland freight and handling. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway with the 3.8L Gasoline Direct Injection 6 Cylinder Engine.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Hyundai.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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