Want A Big, V8-Powered RWD Sedan? Do You Prefer Dodge Or Hyundai?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

What do Dodge and Hyundai have in common, besides a Mexican Accent? They’ve both just unveiled large, V8-powered, rear-drive sedans at the Chicago Auto Show. I realize the whole “who would have thought Hyundai would be here by now” storyline may be getting a bit played out by now, but seriously, who imagined that Hyundai would be slinging a 429 HP rear-driver boasting a V8 with specific output of 85.8 HP/liter? Not this blogger. Of course, because the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 offers an extra 1.4 liters of displacement more than Hyundai’s new “Tau” 5.0, it makes a hefty 465 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque to the Hyundai’s 429 HP and 376 lb-ft… but then the big Hyundai beats even the 370 HP Charger R/T on fuel economy, getting 17/26 MPG. Oh, and the two cars couldn’t look more different either. The question: which will America prefer?




Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Buzzdsm Buzzdsm on Feb 10, 2011

    As far as "I wouldn't spend that much money on a Hyundai". 20 years ago people were saying "No way am I paying $35K for a Toyota (lexus)". Today that same car is $70-100K, the quietest vehicle made, the best made vehicle year in and out, and it took the brand about 4 years to completely knock BMW, MB, and Cadillac right on it's ass. In the last 10 years Lexus has went down hill in new innovation but they set a standard that other luxury auto makers are still trying to duplicate. Hyundai Genesis is a little different. Like the original Lexus LS400 they have copied the design of other but Lexus brought something completely new to the table. The beat the Germans in every single category and still charged a lot less. The Genesis Sedan is in a weird category. A mild optioned BMW 328 costs as much as the V8 Genesis. Do you compare it to a GS, LS, 5 series, TL, G37, M37, etc.??? With every single option and a V8 it will cost you about $42K which is cheaper than everything listed except the TL and G37. It's RWD. Most of the ones listed above(not the LS) are sportier and some have nicer interior but for a total bang for the buck the Genesis is killing them. I've had a ton of cars over the years. This has included normal sedans, sports cars, muscle cars, etc. I'm at the point in my life right now (40) where I want a luxury vehicle. I want a smooth nice ride, nice interior with all the bells/whistles, good power, rear seat room, etc for under 40K. LS460-I've always wanted one of these but to get under $40k we're probably talking 50K miles. GS used-Just don't do it for me. The interior is surprisingly small and my head nearly hits the roof. TL-Could probably get a new one or close to a new one. Not in love with the styling. Everything else seems fine. G37-Probably a little to sporty for me. I've owned a 350Z so I know the motor is decent. Probably also a little cramped in the back seat. 5 series-Never have owned a BMW. Like the 535 but have heard so many horror stories about this motor and I'd have to buy used. I'm also sick of BMW in general. I feel like I'm paying an extra $10K just for a name. 3 series-Too small otherwise I'd love to buy a used 335D. Can't see paying $50K new for a 3 series. I like the interior and exterior styling. 335xi=same engine issues as the 535. Once again, paying for that name. Genesis-Like the styling, reliable, smooth ride, average interior for this segment. AWD is not an option, which is bad. Resale may be questionable. Lots of choices.

  • Jimmy7 Jimmy7 on Feb 11, 2011

    The Hyundai, when it comes off lease in 2014. Cheap, fast, reliable, invisible. Slap on an aftermarket grille, pull the emblems and no one will know what it is.

  • Lorenzo The unspoken killer is that batteries can't be repaired after a fender-bender and the cars are totaled by insurance companies. Very quickly, insurance premiums will be bigger than the the monthly payment, killing all sales. People will be snapping up all the clunkers Tim Healey can find.
  • Lorenzo Massachusetts - with the start/finish line at the tip of Cape Cod.
  • RHD Welcome to TTAH/K, also known as TTAUC (The truth about used cars). There is a hell of a lot of interesting auto news that does not make it to this website.
  • Jkross22 EV makers are hosed. How much bigger is the EV market right now than it already is? Tesla is holding all the cards... existing customer base, no dealers to contend with, largest EV fleet and the only one with a reliable (although more crowded) charging network when you're on the road. They're also the most agile with pricing. I have no idea what BMW, Audi, H/K and Merc are thinking and their sales reflect that. Tesla isn't for me, but I see the appeal. They are the EV for people who really just want a Tesla, which is most EV customers. Rivian and Polestar and Lucid are all in trouble. They'll likely have to be acquired to survive. They probably know it too.
  • Lorenzo The Renaissance Center was spearheaded by Henry Ford II to revitalize the Detroit waterfront. The round towers were a huge mistake, with inefficient floorplans. The space is largely unusable, and rental agents were having trouble renting it out.GM didn't know that, or do research, when they bought it. They just wanted to steal thunder from Ford by making it their new headquarters. Since they now own it, GM will need to tear down the "silver silos" as un-rentable, and take a financial bath.Somewhere, the ghost of Alfred P. Sloan is weeping.
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