10 Things You Should Know About the 2011 Hyundai Genesis

Unlike its competitors - the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series, to name but two - the 2011 Hyundai Genesis doesn't offer aspirational pricing. Its MSRP is designed to impress not those who name drop at parties but rather buyers interested in squeezing as much value out of their full-size premium car purchase as possible. With a starting MSRP of $33,000 for the entry-level V-6 model and $43,000 for the next-step-up V-8, the Genesis significantly undercuts its Teutonic rivals without skimping on standard equipment, power or refinement. It also comes in at less than what one would pay for a comparable Lexus, which remains Hyundai's target in this market
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The 2011 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 features a 3.8-liter, 290 horsepower V-6 that is also capable of generating 264 lb-ft of torque. The six-cylinder offers smooth power delivery while maintaining the acceleration and passing capabilities drivers expect out of a premium car. A six-speed automatic transmission offering manual shift control adds to the experience offered behind the wheel of the Genesis 3.8, and fuel economy checks in at 18-mpg city and 27-mpg highway thanks in part to the use of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).

The top of the line 2011 Hyundai Genesis has seen its 4.6-liter V-8 engine tuned to provide an additional 10 horsepower compared to the previous year's model, bringing total output to 385 horses and 333 lb-ft of torque. Despite this increase, fuel mileage remains the same: 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway. Matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, the four-door sedan accelerates to 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds, which gives it thrust on par with the much pricier BMW 535i. This emphasizes how Hyundai's value-oriented philosophy is on tap even in the upper ranges of its lineup.

Despite its luxury trappings, the Hyundai Genesis is still very much a Hyundai, which means that it comes with the same warranty coverage offered on every single other model in the company's lineup. Few other premium brands come close to matching the 10 year / 100,000 mile powertrain warranty found on the Hyundai Genesis, and its 5 year / 50,000 mile new vehicle warranty is also the best in the luxury business. On top of these two guarantees, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is also offered with five years of 24-hour roadside assistance, with no limit on mileage.

All editions of the Hyundai Genesis sedan are loaded with equipment such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with power adjustments, leather upholstery, satellite radio and an iPod / USB interface built into a seven-speaker stereo system. A sunroof is also available on the Hyundai Genesis. It is possible to upgrade either the Genesis 3.8 (V-6) or the Genesis 4.6 (V-8) to include the Premium Package, which comes with upgrades such as a finer grain of leather seating, a 14-speaker Lexicon surround sound entertainment system, leather trim for the vehicle's interior panels and 18-inch wheels. A touchscreen navigation system and a rearview camera are also available on both trims through the Premium Navigation package.

Hyundai's ascent to the top of the charts in terms of sales and its refurbished image are the direct result of a concerted effort by the automaker to produce defect-free cars and crossovers. The Hyundai Genesis offers the same level of high tech wizardry found in other top drawer luxury cars, but Hyundai's reputation for quality manufacturing - in addition to its extensive warranty coverage - suggests that the electronic gremlins and expensive replacement part issues that plague other premium brands should not be as big of a concern for long-term Genesis owners.

In addition to its V-8 power, those ordering the 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 will enjoy a number of driver's aids and amenities that were previously classified as options for 2010. The standard Technology Package (also available on the Hyundai Genesis 3.8) adds features such as adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. Also included is a ventilated driver's seat, an electronic parking brake, Bluetooth integration and a more advanced interface for the vehicle's 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound system. Audiophiles will be pleased to discover that this "Discrete" system from Lexicon supports DVD-audio.

Hyundai has made an effort to sonically lock down the passenger compartment of the Hyundai Genesis, filtering out the hustle and bustle of traffic, the engine and the pavement beneath the wheels through the use of ample sound dampening throughout the vehicle. Aerodynamic adjustments reduce wind whistling under, over and around the Hyundai Genesis, while a soft exhaust note (achieved through the use of "whisper valves" in the muffler) and engine components designed with noise reduction in mind also do their part to keep occupants undisturbed by the world around them. Laminated glass also offers a sound barrier not found on other Hyundai automobiles.

Although certainly not a sports car, for its size the Hyundai Genesis is a capable handler. Hyundai has given the sedan a turning radius of just 33.1 feet, which not only improves its parking capabilities but also makes it easier to navigate along tight urban streets. The vehicle's rear-wheel drive layout was deliberately selected by Hyundai to improve the ability of the Hyundai Genesis to slice through the corners, and a plethora of electronic features - such as traction control, electronic brake-force distribution with brake assists and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - are also on hand to help keep the sedan pointed in the right direction.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is the largest sedan manufactured by the Korean car company, and its interior dimensions match its exterior promise. Headroom for front passengers maxes out at 40.4 inches, while those in the rear enjoy 37.7 inches of space. Rear legroom is listed at 38.6 inches, and shoulder room for those riding out back comes in at 58.3 inches. In total, 109.4 cubic feet of passenger room are on tap within the confines of the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and its trunk can handle 15.9 cubic feet of luggage.