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