[Tushar]

While Hyundai (and sister concern Kia) have revamped their worldwide image, the South Korean automaker is looking to go deeper into the luxury sector. The Genesis has won Hyundai several accolades the world over and capitalizing on its premium image, Hyundai has now launched Genesis as a separate, global luxury brand.



Hyundai will launch six new Genesis models by 2020, with the roll out beginning in this December. The Genesis brand will cater to customers who are largely targeted by rival Euro brands. Genesis models will be badged with a new wing-type emblem, redesigned from the version used on the current Genesis luxury saloon. The Genesis brand will also adopt a new alphanumeric naming structure. Future models will be named by combining the letter ‘G’ for Genesis with a number (90, 80 or 70 etc.) representing the segment.

Luc Donckerwolke, who was previously responsible for the design of cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murciélago and Bentley Flying Spur will lead this new division alongside his role as head of the Hyundai Motor Design Center.

Genesis will initially target the Korean, Chinese, North American and Middle Eastern luxury car markets, before expanding its reach to Europe and other parts of Asia as the model range expands.

The Equus and Genesis have served as market testers for Hyundai, helping the brand understand premium car customers better. Suffices to say that apart from offering technologically loaded products, the brand will focus on its image which will have to fight hard to gain the prestige enjoyed by players like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar.

While the Genesis brand is still a long way from entering India, it remains to be see if/when Hyundai will launch the Genesis saloon here. The car has been showcased and spied, but an official launch confirmation is still awaited.

[SS8939]

I always used to think that Kia was meant to be the premium brand, but obviously that's not the case. It will be interesting to see how Hyundai handles pricing etc.

Also, just last week, I saw a Genesis here in Chennai. Either it belonged to some upper level Hyundai employee or the launch of the Genesis in India is not as far away as we believe it to be.

[MercFan]

Would like to share an interesting chat with Umer, a sales guy with Carmax in Fairfax, VA.

Once I visited CarMax to have a look at the wide range of cars they have on display. Surprised to see many a Genesis cars available with them. Out of my curiosity, I asked him, whats your call on this car. He said, it doesn't keep up to the promises made.

The car looks good but fails miserably on the engine and torque aspects. Both of them just don't jell together, says Umer.

[stanjohn123]

I just hope they bring this baby here, if they are launching it in India.

[thatsdileep]

This is great news and if they make the right moves this will be one of the most selling Asian luxury brand in the making. I remember the days when Equus car was launched in US, it was on par with Lexus LS460 in terms of features and specifications at much lower price. But because of the brand value Lexus never saw it to be a threat.

I think Hyundai has earned its value over the last decade and developed into to a force to reckon. This is right timing for them to introduce a dedicated luxury brand.

[GTO]

Well, Hyundai has the money to take the risk, and the talent to make superb cars. If they can offer premium quality in mass market cars (e.g. i20), I don't see why they can't offer super-premium quality higher up the food chain.

Smart move with the 'showroom within a showroom'. Independent dealerships cost a whole lot of time & money.

Hyundai has a lot to learn from Lexus' success and Acura's failure. It's not a company known to make mistakes either.

Originally Posted by SS8939

I always used to think that Kia was meant to be the premium brand

Kia is generally positioned lower than Hyundai, not above it.

Originally Posted by MercFan

Would like to share an interesting chat with Umer, a sales guy with Carmax in Fairfax, VA.

It was just one person's opinion. I wouldn't give it too much importance.

[volkman10]

Genesis confirms plans for two crossovers and a coupe. Their future product lineup will include six models by 2020.

The lineup will include a "sports type coupe," a midsize sedan, a large sedan, a midsize SUV, and a large SUV. The new models will join the G90 / EQ900 super luxury sedan which is already introduced.


http://jalopnik.com/hyundai-plans-ge...020-1747073736






.

[volkman10]

2021 Genesis G80 Debuts with Two Turbo Engines:

The only thing separating the sedan from its SUV(GV80) sibling head-on is a lower grille piece that extends the length of the front fascia, accentuated by a silver horizontal grille bar at each corner that provides more depth.

the 2021 Genesis G80 drops the previous model's 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 options, as well as the range-topping 5.0-liter V8. Instead, the G80 starts with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine good for 300 horsepower (223 kilowatts) and 311 pound-feet (421 Newton-meters) of torque. From there, it gets a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 375 hp (279 kW) and 391 lb-ft (530 Nm), and in markets outside of the U.S., a 2.2-liter inline-four diesel that produces 207 hp (154 kW).

Link

[padmrajravi]

The grill looks bad. I think the car will look great if they take out the lower triangle part of the grill. This is like Hyundai is taking inspiration from BMW grills of recent times. The steering does not look graceful as well. It looks like it is trying too much to grab attention.

To compete with the big 3, Hyundai has to beat them using features and technology. They can not do that by being on par with them when it comes to features. The features and technology have to be better than what the big 3 provides. The good thing is Hyundai has the deep pockets to pull it off.

[giri1.8]

Looks like a blend of Bently and Mercedes. I do like it

Sadly our market is not yet ready for such brands, even though they offer better VFM than the Germans.

P.S: Why does it have such a HUGE dead pedal !

[romeomidhun]

The only people calling it as an 'elegant design' may be designers and sales people of this car. Such a horrible-looking 'luxury' that won't warrant a second look. First of its kind?

[ds.raikkonen]

Bentley Flying Spur front and CLS type rear end and wheels. Even the logo looks inspired from Bentley!

Looks gorgeous though. And that 5.0 V8 option!

[Venkatesh]

2021 Genesis G80 First Drive review.

https://youtu.be/6c7iJCN3eeM

https://youtu.be/33zCEYxCTNI

Design Details

https://youtu.be/w-EPjt-QXXU

[Venkatesh]

Hyundai And Genesis Global Design Boss Luc Donckerwolke abruptly steps down.

The former head of Hyundai, Genesis, and later Kia design, Luc Donckerwolke, has left the Korean automaker after four years,the designer cites "personal reasons" for his departure.

Luc Donckerwolke took over as global design head for Hyundai in 2016, leaving his post as head of Bentley design, and eventually replaced Peter Schreyer at Kia just two years later.

He was responsible for the styling of well-received crossovers like the Kona and Palisade, as well as modern Genesis vehicles like the GV80, the latest G80, and the G90.





https://www.motor1.com/news/419162/h...ss-steps-down/

[volkman10]

First 2021 Genesis G80 Catches Fire In Korea, Hyundai Starts Investigation.

Link