New Yorkers will recognize "Recession Special" as the name given to the delicious and enticing deal (two hot dogs and a drink for $3.50) offered at Gray's Papaya. But that come-on might work just as well for the Hyundai Genesis. We theorized in our head-to-head match-up between the Hyundai Genesis V-8 and the Mercedes-Benz E550 that your local Hyundai dealer won't be taking many Benzes in on trade any time soon, but that was last week. Since then we've lost all hope for our economy, and hell, anything could happen...
We theorized in our head-to-head match-up between the Hyundai Genesis V-8 and the Mercedes-Benz E550 that your local Hyundai dealer won't be taking many Benzes in on trade any time soon, but that was last week.
Your theory would probably surprise a lot of the dealers who've seen Mercedes ML320s (as well as Lexus RX330s) being traded in for a Veracruz.
What's with the hydraulic steering being a lesser alternative to the electro-hydraulic set-up in the V8? Honda also puts standard hydraulic steering on the 1.8 SOHC Civics, where the 2.0 DOHC gets fully electric steering that's supposedly better. Mazda has standard hydraulic on the 3i, but electro hydraulic on the 3s.
I thought that:
-Hydraulic steering always uses more gas. -Electric steering is always cheaper (i don't know if this is true for electrically driven hydraulic pumps) -It's remarkably easier to produce natural feeling assistance with a hydraulic system.
So why don't you tell me about the steering, anything at all.
And I still think you are really talking about steering effort, and not feel? Perhaps you are as im sure there are different components between you and the rack.
Tell me something about the car! how does it drive! I can read option sheets online.
Tell me something about the car! how does it drive! I can read option sheets online.
We did that last week with the V8 Genesis/E550 comparo. This quickie is more of a supplement to that, explaining the differences between V6 and V8. It's slightly slower but feels lighter, and the steering lacks feel. We thought those things were worth mentioning so we ran this second, brief review. But otherwise, it is the same car.
I have to go down to the hyundai dealer and check this car out. I like that the V6 model doesn't have that AWFUL wood on the steering wheel. That could it itself could seal the deal for the V6 versus the V8.
Tom Current: 94 SLC; 08 XF LTD-6 spd Previous:06 GTI, 99.5 Jetta, 85 jetta coupe (x2), 93 Fox
I might as well chime in as the resident Genesis owner and fanboy.....
Regarding the steering, it IS a bit numb, but it's still feels better to me than my old GS430, and it's worlds better than many other midsize/large sedans I've driven in this price range (300, Lucerne, Avalon, ES350, etc.). This car doesn't beg you to drive it harder the way a BMW does, but if there is one word I could use to sum up the driving experience it would be "effortless". Even on rough roads or at 80mph the cabin is so serene and relaxing it's as if all your cares melt away. (Okay, that was a bit cheesy, even for me, but you get my point). For a luxurious daily driver, I couldn't ask for more.
Those looking for a budget Sport Package 5-Series look no further than the Pontiac G8.
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The correlation between current/former Volkswagen ownership and being an impolite douche-canoe is in the mild-positive range.
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Hi, welcome to The Car Lounge. We all hate each other and argue about stuff. It's awesome.
We did that last week with the V8 Genesis/E550 comparo. This quickie is more of a supplement to that, explaining the differences between V6 and V8. It's slightly slower but feels lighter, and the steering lacks feel. We thought those things were worth mentioning so we ran this second, brief review. But otherwise, it is the same car.
Hey Stu, did you guys ever think of doing a comparo against the Genesis' more direct competition (G8, 300, etc.)? And how did you guys find the exhaust/engine note of the V6 compared to the V8? A few reviewers have stated that the V8 is too quiet and that they actually preferred the sound of the V6. What's your take on that?
So why don't you tell me about the steering, anything at all.
And I still think you are really talking about steering effort, and not feel? Perhaps you are as im sure there are different components between you and the rack.
I wasn't complaining about the Genesis' lack of steering effort, though I do consider effort one aspect of the overall "feel," so they are related. I'm perfectly fine with low effort steering--the Porsche Boxster's is pretty low effort and its among my favorites. What I'm saying is that the steering in the Genesis doesn't communicate anything that's going on at tire-level, which is especially disappointing since this is a rear-drive car and the front tires don't have to work double duty. So yes, while the Genesis steering is low effort, I'm taking about feel in general. And I think trying to describe lack of feel in great detail as you've asked is like asking someone to describe the taste of water.
I might as well chime in as the resident Genesis owner and fanboy.....
Regarding the steering, it IS a bit numb, but it's still feels better to me than my old GS430, and it's worlds better than many other midsize/large sedans I've driven in this price range (300, Lucerne, Avalon, ES350, etc.). This car doesn't beg you to drive it harder the way a BMW does, but if there is one word I could use to sum up the driving experience it would be "effortless". Even on rough roads or at 80mph the cabin is so serene and relaxing it's as if all your cares melt away. (Okay, that was a bit cheesy, even for me, but you get my point). For a luxurious daily driver, I couldn't ask for more.
Those looking for a budget Sport Package 5-Series look no further than the Pontiac G8.
Effortless is a great one-word way to sum up the Genesis. And while I might disagree about the Genesis steering being better than the 300 (though I haven't driven a non-Hemi in quite some time) you're right about the Buick and Toyotas. But to borrow my analogy from above, that's like saying Aquafina is better than Dasani.
If you're looking for a car that'll be comfortable and shelter you from the outside world, the Genesis is fantastic. But Motive is an enthusiast publication and we're going to look at everything through the eye of someone who loves driving and cars with personality. And from that aspect, the Genesis could be better.
Hey Stu, did you guys ever think of doing a comparo against the Genesis' more direct competition (G8, 300, etc.)? And how did you guys find the exhaust/engine note of the V6 compared to the V8? A few reviewers have stated that the V8 is too quiet and that they actually preferred the sound of the V6. What's your take on that?
Modified by jwaters943 at 6:13 AM 7-9-2008
We did consider our options before doing the comparo, and sure, the G8 thing would have been cool as well. But we were really excited about the Genesis and wanted to see how it would do against some tougher competition. The fact that Hyundai's been touting the car as an E-class fighter for the past year played a large role in our decision, and we decided to see how true the claim was. Plus, we figured Motor Trend and Car and Driver would both be all over the G8 thing and we wanted to do something different.
I don't know what my engine preference would be based on noise alone. . . while yes, the V6 is a big louder and that probably makes the drive more involving, I'm a sucker for a bass note. I think the muted rumble of the Tau goes well with the image Hyundai's trying to create for the car. The sound of the six is too much like a Sonata or a Santa Fe. That said, if I were buying a car like the Genesis I wouldn't see enough reason to step up to the V8.
Hell, the V6 sounds like the better car to me regardless of price. A 27mpg 290hp engine in a body that weighs nearly 300lbs less... I must admit, I think this would be my preference over the V8 model. About the only thing that I would want that isn't standard would be the 18" wheels, and I must admit, that would be purely for aesthetic reasons. Rain sensing wipers? Enhanced wood trim? 14 speaker stereo? Don't need, nor would I want to pay extra, for any of that.
'08 Civic Si | Flickr | Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uhh, your opinion man.
Effortless is a great one-word way to sum up the Genesis. And while I might disagree about the Genesis steering being better than the 300 (though I haven't driven a non-Hemi in quite some time) you're right about the Buick and Toyotas. But to borrow my analogy from above, that's like saying Aquafina is better than Dasani.
Really? I've driven two 300C rentals w/ the Hemi , and both wandered disconcertingly at highway speeds and required constant small corrections, especially on broken pavement. The steering alone made my trip more tiring than it should have been. One of the rentals was brand new too, but I guess something could have been wrong with both of them. This was back when they first came out 3+ years ago, so maybe they've since addressed this issue?? Either way, the steering was the main reason I crossed the 300C off my shopping list (not to mention the interior).
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