Hyundai previews 2015 Genesis sedan

Hyundai has one mission with the next Genesis sedan: Shed the generic design and get luxury buyers to actually consider buying one.

Hyundai's South Korean headquarters has released renderings of the 2015 model, set to go on sale in the U.S. sometime next spring. The new car, if the renderings are at all close to production, takes cues from the HCD-14 Genesis Concept that debuted in January at the North American International Auto Show.

A wide-mouth upright grille, sleeker profile and tapered tail are among the changes. Since the 2014 Mazda6 and Ford Fusion already possess these attractive design attributes, we're not sure the Genesis will make a name for itself this time around, especially not for the $40,000 price tag it commands.


Still, the Genesis sedan, introduced for the 2009 model year, has been an impressive car for the money. The R Spec variant with the 5.0-liter 429-horsepower V8 engine and 8-speed automatic is thrilling to drive, and all versions come pretty much loaded without the fussy option packages that the German automakers like to force on customers. The 2015 model will offer the option of all-wheel drive, an adaptive suspension and variable-ratio steering, while retaining its balanced rear-wheel-drive proportions in standard trim.

We don't know what new engines will be offered, but we'll bet a turbo V6 wouldn't be out of the question — and maybe the high-output turbo four cylinder used in the Sonata Turbo, given that the BMW 528i comes with a similar engine in base trim. Hyundai promises a stiffer body structure with more high-strength steel and better crash-test ratings, including an active safety function that tightens the seat belt to warn the driver of an impending collision.


Hyundai's brand has proven to be a difficult sell in this segment, with the company moving a few thousand sedans each year (the Genesis Coupe, which bears no relation to the sedan, is lumped into the monthly sales reports). We'll give Hyundai another shot if it can peg our emotions much higher than the competent — but ultimately faceless — Genesis we have now.

[Source: Hyundai]


Source: MSN