This past weekend, while attending an air show, I got the chance to ride in the new Hyundai Genesis V8. A local dealer had set up a test autocross track on part of the runway and were giving rides in the Genesis handled by professional drivers. My first look at the car didn't really invite any excitement. It's styling is somewhat derivative of several other sedans built off shore. In fact, if you took off the Hyundai badges, you'd probably think it was a Nissan or Toyota.
There were several V6 and V8 versions set up for rides. Of course, I wanted a hot lap in the V8. I had the dealer open the hood. I wanted to see the engine. Couldn't see much, but it did look somewhat "Northstarish". But then, four cam V8's probably all look that way by design. Anyway, once aboard, I buckled in and the demo driver took off. For the next 30 or so seconds, I got slammed back in the seat from the burst of acceleration, bent sideways in several tight turns and jammed forward when the brakes got hit! Throw in some drifting around the turns, the delicious sound of that V8 revving to the stratosphere and the smell of burning rubber… and I actually saw myself buying one of these things… It was great! Then the $41,000 sticker hit me and I came back to reality. That's a lot of dosh for a… Hyundai…
And therein lies the problem. I'm sure it's an excellent car, but, it's quite untested long-term. Let's face it… for that kind of coin, I can get my hands on a new Dodge Challenger. Still, this car address's a different customer base. Let's say, I hope they do well…
Greg
There were several V6 and V8 versions set up for rides. Of course, I wanted a hot lap in the V8. I had the dealer open the hood. I wanted to see the engine. Couldn't see much, but it did look somewhat "Northstarish". But then, four cam V8's probably all look that way by design. Anyway, once aboard, I buckled in and the demo driver took off. For the next 30 or so seconds, I got slammed back in the seat from the burst of acceleration, bent sideways in several tight turns and jammed forward when the brakes got hit! Throw in some drifting around the turns, the delicious sound of that V8 revving to the stratosphere and the smell of burning rubber… and I actually saw myself buying one of these things… It was great! Then the $41,000 sticker hit me and I came back to reality. That's a lot of dosh for a… Hyundai…
And therein lies the problem. I'm sure it's an excellent car, but, it's quite untested long-term. Let's face it… for that kind of coin, I can get my hands on a new Dodge Challenger. Still, this car address's a different customer base. Let's say, I hope they do well…
Greg