Rogers Auto Group

Hyundai unveiled its first luxury sedan, the Genesis, at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.  It was new in the eyes of the world, but for Hyundai, it was the result of four years of careful development, hundreds of millions of dollars of investment, and over 800,000 miles of testing.  Hyundai was not taking its entry into the luxury segment lightly, and this dedication to quality rings true from the very first concept car to the new Genesis models on the road today.

The Hyundai Concept Genesis received solid acclaim at its 2007 Auto Show debut.  Critics marveled at its rear-wheel drive architecture, all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and luxury styling inside and out, all at a projected price tag of under $30,000.  The launch of the Genesis was notable because it was Hyundai's first rear-drive vehicle, opening up a whole new avenue of performance possibilities for a brand typically associated with economy and value.  The new Genesis was designed to compete with the similar performance output and upscale comfort of brands like Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes. 

And compete it did. After its debut at the Auto Show, the Genesis went into production in 2008 and was released for the 2009 model year with immediate explosive success.  It earned the 2009 Car of the Year award, a near-perfect rating on Edmunds.com, a Top Safety Award from the IIHS, and a slew of other accolades from notable sources in the auto industry.  The Genesis also made a splash at its debut with a dominant media presence in Super Bowl commercials, movie spots, and a viral YouTube video.

In its short lifespan, the Genesis has undergone a few minor changes each model year, including the introduction of the powerful 5.0 R-Spec trim, increased horsepower and fuel economy, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and additional interior luxuries. One fact remains since day one, though: The Genesis is a luxury car without the luxury price tag.