NAIAS 2014: The Genesis Is Quite A Device

by Jack Baruth

Published: January 13th, 2014

naias 2014 the genesis is quite a device

Did Hyundai ever truly believe that its Genesis sedan would have the kind of industry impact legendarily enjoyed by the first Lexus LS — or even the original Acura Legend? Probably not. But just as the builders of those two cheap-luxury knockouts did, the company is electing to consolidate some gains in conservative fashion with the second-generation Genesis.

For some reason, both of the carryover engines (3.8L V6 and 5.0 V8) are slightly less powerful than they were in previous years. All-wheel drive is available now, but only with the V-6. The transmission is still an eight-speed conventional automatic.

The rest of the car is claimed to be all-new. The styling language, which for reasons known to no mortal man is called “Fluidic 2.0”, endows the relatively soft-looking Genesis with a little more curbside cred and ups the aggressiveness to compete with deep-grill entries from Audi and Chrysler. It will be quieter than the old car and it will monitor the amount of CO2 in the cabin to protect passengers from carrying too many trees in the trunk…

COME ON NOW YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN STOP LAUGHING

A lane-departure system will alternately annoy and confuse Genesis drivers of the future who will have no idea what it’s trying to do. Pricing will rise slightly but continue to be low enough for fans of the brand to claim that it’s “a screaming bargain”.

Jack Baruth

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JK43123 on Jan 14, 2014

Actually I see several 1990s Hyundais around including an Excel, still running. "Fluidic 2.0" is their last design name (Fluidic Sculpture) version 2.0, correct? John

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WildcatMatt on Feb 10, 2014

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

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3-On-The-Tree Lou_BCone of many cars I sold when I got commissioned into the army. 1964 Dodge D100 with slant six and 3 on the tree, 1973 Plymouth Duster with slant six, 1974 dodge dart custom with a 318. 1990 Bronco 5.0 which was our snowboard rig for Wa state and Whistler/Blackcomb BC. Now :my trail rigs are a 1985 Toyota FJ60 Land cruiser and 86 Suzuki Samurai.
RHD They are going to crash and burn like Country Garden and Evergrande (the Chinese property behemoths) if they don't fix their problems post-haste.
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Add Lightness I have nothing against paying more to get quality (think Toyota vs Chryco) but hate all the silly, non-mandated 'stuff' that automakers load onto cars based on what non-gearhead focus groups tell them they need to have in a car. I blame focus groups for automatic everything and double drivetrains (AWD) that really never gets used 98% of the time. The other 2% of the time, one goes looking for a place to need it to rationanalize the purchase.
Ger65691276 I would never buy an electric car never in my lifetime I will gas is my way of going electric is not green email