The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has been ranked the most smoothly launched vehicle in the U.S. according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Launch Index SM (VLI) released today. The study grades automakers on their ability to hit sale targets, price and dealer-profit targets with newly launched models.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis scored 689 points out of a possible 1,000 – followed by the 2009 Ford F-150 (673) and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (663).

The 2009 Toyota Matrix did the worse scoring 439 points.

J.D. Power and Associates said that it estimates that automakers will conduct 205 new-model launches in the U.S. between 2009 and 2012 and will invest almost $50 billion in the process.

Click through for the press release and high-res images of the Hyundai Genesis.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Press Release:

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Hyundai Genesis Ranks Highest in Inaugural Vehicle Launch Index

Getting New Vehicles Right from the Start is Critical, as Automakers Will Pour $50 Billion
Into U.S. Launches During the Next Four Years

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 22 July 2009 – The 2009 Hyundai Genesis ranks highest in launch performance among vehicle models introduced during the first ten months of 2008, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Launch Index SM (VLI) released today.

The inaugural Vehicle Launch Index quantifies how well new vehicle models-including new entries to the market and all-new and redesigned models-perform during the first eight months after launch. The VLI examines various factors that are critical to the financial success of a launch, including turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value. In addition, VLI includes the key factors of vehicle quality and design, based on the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study SM (IQS) and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.SM

The Vehicle Launch Index is an independent measure designed to help automakers plan and execute successful vehicle launches in order to maximize revenue and profits, minimize incentive spending and maintain high residual values during a model’s lifecycle.

“Launching new vehicles successfully is critical to the financial success of every automaker,” said Gary Dilts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. “Given lower consumer demand, vehicle proliferation and the financial pressures on the auto industry, every manufacturer must get it “˜right’ from the start. By carefully analyzing more than 90 vehicle launches that have been executed in the United States, we have determined the key factors for launch success.”

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is the leading example of initial launch success and ranks highest among the 27 models examined in the 2009 VLI, with a score of 689 on a 1,000-point scale. Following the Hyundai Genesis in the rankings are the 2009 Ford F-150 (673) and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (663).

J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that automakers will conduct 205 new-model launches in the U.S. between 2009 and 2012 and will invest approximately $50 billion in the process. Of the 205 new models, 80 will be new entries to the market, 52 will be all-new models, and 73 will be major redesigns.

“With so much at stake, it is more critical than ever for manufacturers to launch new models that meet their financial targets, as well as product quality and consumer appeal benchmarks,” said Dilts. “While some domestic manufacturers are facing tight scrutiny from the federal government and taxpayers, every automaker across the globe is being closely monitored both by governments and shareholders. Strong showings by new models are vital to the economic security of the automakers and will be instrumental in rebuilding Americans’ confidence in the auto industry.”

The VLI has identified the following key elements that drive the success of newly-launched models:

* Optimal vehicle price and volume levels are established prior to launch;
* Manufacturers sustain the proper product mix and incentive support;
* Automakers and dealers effectively manage inventory levels and turn rates;
* The model is attractively designed and provides high levels of consumer appeal in terms of styling, performance, functionality and ease of operation;
* The model launches with high initial quality, enhancing the automaker’s image and supporting residual values.

Conversely, the following conditions lead to less-successful model launches:

* Unrealistic expectations regarding pricing and sales volumes;
* Poor balance of supply and demand, leading to excessive inventory levels;
* Inadequate vehicle appeal and poor initial quality leading to low consumer acceptance and a tarnished brand image.

The 2009 Vehicle Launch Index includes 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles first sold between January and October 2008. Vehicles must be all-new or major redesigns and must sell at least 5,000 units during the first eight months to be included. The index is based on proprietary information collected through the Power Information Network and J.D. Power and Associates’ consumer research.

The Vehicle Launch Index is part of J.D. Power and Associates’ 10-module Launch Assurance Program designed to provide automakers with immediate and actionable insights about their vehicle models from initial concept and product development through manufacturing and distribution to the initial ownership experience.

In today’s edition of Miscellaneous Thoughts we bring you auto-industry celebrity look-a-likes and drifting champion Rhys Millen making the Genesis Sedan go sideway. Also could a Fiat platform based Jeep Phoenix work?

Auto industry look-a-likes: The folks at iMotor are having some fun this Friday comparing popular auto industry executives to the world’s famous celebrities. Our favorite? Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche and the Monopoly man. – iMotor

Rhys Millen drifts the Hyundai Genesis sedan: Sure Millen can drift the Genesis Coupe all over the place, but can he make the Genesis sedan go sideways? – KickingTires

2011 Jeep Phoenix based on the Fiat Panda: Fiat will be handing over a lot of its technology and platforms over to Chrysler for a 35 percent stake in the new company that comes out of the Auburn Hills automaker bankruptcy. Hubpages is dreaming of a 2011 Jeep Phoenix based on the Fiat Panda. Could it work? You decide-  Hubpages (via AutoBlog)

- By: Omar Rana

The Hyundai Genesis sedan keeps adding to its already impressive resume. Already the 2009 North American Car of the Year and a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, Hyundai is now playing in the big league if it wasn’t already before.

Images of the Hyundai Genesis Prada edition have been released prior to the car’s debut at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show. That’s right – Prada, the Italian fashion label has joined forces with Hyundai for a special edition of the Genesis saloon (just sounds more exquisite than sedan).

Two images were released showing the upgrades which include a dark-blue matte-finish paint on the outside along with 20-inch wheels, illuminated flooring and white “Saffiano” leather seats and dash.

Hyundai and Prada worked on only three examples of the Genesis Prada. The one you see here will be in Seoul and will be later put on display at Hyundai’s headquarters. The other two units will be auctioned off at Prada Transformer with the proceeds going to charity.

Hyundai Genesis Prada:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Hyundai-Blog

The 2009 North American Car of the Year, 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan, is adding another award to its already impressive resume. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has been named the Insurance Institute for High Safety’s Top Safety Pick” for 2009. The IIHS said that the Korean car earned a score of “good” in overall testing in side impact, frontal and rear crash tests. The rating of “good” is the highest rating provided by the IIHS.

To qualify for the Top Safety Pick award a vehicle must earn the rating of “good” in side, front and rear tests and must be equipped with ESC as standard. The IIHS said that the Top Safety Pick status is applicable for all 2009 Genesis models built after November 2008.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is on sale now with prices starting at $32,250 for the 3.8L model and $37,250 for the 4.6L model.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

After a successful Super Bowl XLIII campaign, Hyundai Motor America plans to take over the Oscars tomorrow. The Korean automaker has purchased eight spots during Sunday’s Academy Awards including a new ad for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Along with its Genesis Sedan 2009 North American Car of the Year ad, Hyundai will debut a new Hyundai Assurance Plus spot. The company will run a total of seven 30-second spots and one 60-second spot during the Oscars.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe ad is expected to feature score by Yo-Yo Ma and his solo of “Gigue” from Bach”s Suite No. 3 in C Major.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Source: Inside Line

We’ve previously heard that the Hyundai Genesis sedan will get an 8-speed automatic transmission and now its confirmed. According to Lee Hyun-Soon, head of r&d for Hyundai and Kia, the 8-speed automatic will be offered in the Genesis sedan when it is refreshed in the 2011 model year.

Speaking to Automotive News at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Lee said that the Korean automaker is developing the new transaxle in-house. He said that the Kia Borrego SUV may also get the 8-speed in the future.

“This new transmission is for our rear-drive vehicles,” Lee said. “It will improve fuel economy by almost 2 percent. It gives better acceleration” and better noise, vibration and handling performance.”

Hyundai’s Genesis and Kia’s Borrego both use a 6-speed automatic transmission that was also developed in-house. Lee said that Hyundai is aiming to develop all future transmission itself. The redesign Santa Fe, which will arrive later this year, will also get the new 6-speed automatic.

Hyundai Genesis:

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis left the Dodge Challenger, Nissan GT-R and the Honda Fit in the dust when it accepted the award for the 2009 North American Car of the Year. The 2009 Ford F-150 once again reestablished its territory taking the 2009 North American Truck of the Year award.

The Genesis also beat the 2009 Ford Flex and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. In the final round of voting, the F-150 beat the Dodge Ram and the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC.

The Hyundai Genesis has been the spotlight recently after outscoring four-rivals to become Consumer Reports top-rated “Upscale Sedan.”

Last year’s winners were the Chevrolet Malibu for the Car of the Year, and the Mazda CX-9 was Truck of the Year.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis has outscored four rivals to become Consumer Reports top-rated vehicle in the “Upsacle Sedan” category beating out the Lexus ES 350. The Genesis which achieved an “Excellent” overall road test score, outranking 20 cars from competitors including the Pontiac G8, Lincoln MKS and the Acura TL

“The Hyundai Genesis rivals high-end luxury sedans but costs considerably less,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. “Its luxurious and spacious interior and quietness far transcend its relatively modest price.”

The Acura TL ad Nissan Maxima also received scores of Excellent while the G8 and the LKS received scores of Very Good. Other models in this class that will make their market debut in 2009 include the redesigned Audi A6 and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: Consumer Reports

FoMoCo and Hyundai are celebrating after the list of finalists for the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards were revealed today. The list includes two vehicles from Ford including the Ford Flex and the 2009 Ford F-150. Hyundai’s Genesis sedan also made the list – making it the first time a Korean automaker has ever made the list.

Other cars on the list include the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTec and the 2009 Dodge Ram pickup.

Last year, the Chevrolet Malibu won the car of the year award and the Mazda CX-9 took the honors for the top truck.

More than 50 vehicles were considered this year. Winners will be announced Jan. 11 at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Here are the vehicles on which the jurors voted:

    2009 North American Car of the Year nominees
    Audi A4
    BMW 1 Series
    Cadillac CTS-V
    Dodge Challenger
    Ford Flex
    Honda Fit
    Hyundai Genesis
    Jaguar XF
    Lincoln MKS
    Mazda 6
    Nissan GT-R
    Pontiac G8
    Toyota Venza
    Volkswagen Jetta TDI
2009 North American Truck of the Year nominees

    BMW X6
    Chevrolet Traverse
    Dodge Ram
    Ford F-150
    Honda Pilot
    Infiniti FX35/50
    Kia Borrego
    Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC
    Nissan Murano
    Subaru Forester
    Volkswagen Tiguan

Source: Yahoo

When you hear that a major Italian designer is going to team up with an automaker to build custom versions of their vehicles, you automatically think it’ll be posh brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari or even Mercedes-Benz. However, Prada is teaming up with someone who you, or anyone else for that matter, would least expect them to team up with. South Korean automaker Hyundai and Italian design firm Prada will built three custom Genesis sedans to display at the Seoul Motor Show.

What can you expect? No details as of yet but we’re thinking some custom leather/wood trims, a two-tone color interior and Prada logos embedded into the leather seats.

Hyundai will take one of the three custom Prada Genesis sedans and will keep it at its headquarters and will auction off the other two at the Prada Transformer exhibition. Proceeds will go to charity.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: auto.lenta.ru

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis starts at $33,000 for the 3.8L V6 model making 290-hp and $38,000 for the range-topping 4.6L Tau V8 making 375-hp. Both are mated to Hyundai’s Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM.

However, the Korean automaker is getting ready to add a fuel-saving 8-speed transmission after 2010. According to Asia Pulse, Hyundai’s powertrain chief Park Seong-hyun said that the new transmission will be available to customers within 2 years.

Park didn’t confirm which other vehicles it may use the transmission on but says the Genesis sedan is the only one on the list right now.

Click through for high-resolution images of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Source: Edmunds

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe and sedan are one of the major highlights of the 2008 SEMA Auto Show this year. We’ve already seen RIDES take on the Genesis sedan for Mac lovers and yesterday we saw a Rhys Millen Racing’s Genesis Coupe. Joining RIDES, DUB Magazine and RKSport today revealed their take on the 4.6L V8 Genesis Sedan.

RKSport’s Genesis sedan is sure to be one of the main highlights of Hyundai’s SEMA stage. The tuner supercharged 4.6L Tau V8 for a total of 460-hp – up from 375-hp. RKSport also added an advanced cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the sedan to estimate18/27 mpg (city/highway). Appearance wise the RKSport Genesis gets a new body kit with a new front and rear fascia, side skirts, a composite hood, a rear roof spoiler and a trunk spoiler. The company also added Enkei Performance LS-5 wheels, a Baer performance brake package, K&N performance air intake, Eibach lowering springs and a Magnaflow performance exhaust.

DUB Magazine’s take on the Hyundai Genesis includes two vehicles – one in black and the other in white. Upgrades include color-matched exterior pieces, custom lowering kits, an elaborate audio and video system, DUB emblems and tinted windows.

Follow the jump for more high-res images.

Hyundai Genesis Sedan at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show:

The Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe will be creating quite a distraction at the 2008 SEMA Auto Show with over two to three customized models of each variant. The most recent tuner to join the Genesis display is RIDES with their Genesis sedan turning the car into a complete mobile office.

Enter the RIDES Genesis sedan and you’ll be greeted by two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi connection and movie theater surround sound. In the back seat, a center console holds the iPhone 3G, MacBook Air and a wireless keyboard and mouse for the backseat Mac Mini. Each rear-seat passenger gets their own 8.4 inch VGA screen mounted to the headrest. RIDES has also mounted one Mac Mini in the trunk with a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display complete with a motorized tray for the mouse and keyboard.

RIDES also added 22-inch custom MHT wheels, Pirelli tires, a new front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension and smoked headlights. The tuner also added dual-tip stacked exhausts and custom-molded rear bumper. To get show goers to visit the Hyundai display, RIDES will hand out 5,000 iTunes cards from the car’s Wi-Fi network.

Click through for more images.

RIDES Hyundai Genesis:

While we’ll get the Hyundai Genesis Coupe as a 2010 model year, the Koreans got theirs yesterday as a 2009 model year. According to the first few test drivers, the 210-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder model returned an estimated 26 mpg while the 306-hp 3.8L V6 returned 21.6 mpg.

The Korean models come with stiff sport suspension – which will be even more stiffened for North American roads. Pricing for the U.S. models is expected to start under $30,000.

Check out the first ever 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe commercial after the jump.

Click through for the video.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Korean Commercial:

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

Along with a couple concept versions of the 2010 Genesis Coupe, Hyundai will team up with RKSport to do a version of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan. RKSport will give the Genesis Sedan some major visual upgrades and more power.

The appearance package will include a body kit that consists of a new front and rear fascia, side skirts, a composite hood, a rear roof spoiler and a trunk spoiler. Besides being lowered, TSW will provide RKSport with alloy wheel in a new Platinum Silver color.

The 376-hp 4.6L Tau V8 will get more power courtesy of a K&N performance air intake package and a Magnaflow performance exhaust. Performance will be enhanced with a Baer performance brake package and Eibach lowering springs.

RKSport Hyundai Genesis Sedan SEMA 2008:

Source: Motor Trend

Things can’t get better for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The Korean luxury-sedan was just awarded National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star crash test rating. The rating is the highest government ranking a car can receive.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints. Hyundai pointed out that until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models.

The 2009 Genesis is on sale now with prices starting at $33,000 for the base entry-level model which is powered by a 3.8 liter V6 unit producing 290-hp and $38,000 for the 4.6 liter V8 that produces 375-hp. We’ve added a new gallery of the 4.6 Genesis after the jump.

Click through for a new 2009 Hyundai Genesis gallery and the press release.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

Press Release:

2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS DELIVERS NHTSA FIVE-STAR SAFETY RATINGS

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/27/2008 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rankings under the agency”s New Car Assessment Program, to the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis for both frontal and side-impact crash tests.

“Genesis was engineered with a lightweight but strong body shell, featuring ultra-high tensile steel, laser welding, and advanced adhesive bonding,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “Add eight airbags and electronic active head restraints and you can see the focus we placed on designing Genesis for occupant safety. These five-star results are just one indication of the dedication Hyundai engineers place on safety.”

Maintaining Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, Genesis boasts world-class active and passive safety features that both prevent accidents and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. The Genesis continues the Hyundai tradition of standardizing key life-saving safety technology, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), eight airbags and electronic active head restraints.

ESC compares the driver”s intended course with the vehicle”s actual response. It then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer.

Genesis’ eight airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Hyundai is the first popular brand to offer electronic active front head restraints, a standard feature on the 2009 Genesis, which are an improvement over mechanically-based active head restraint systems. Until now, electronic active head restraints could only be found on select Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus models. Active front head restraints have been proven by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to help prevent whiplash.

Genesis is brought to a halt by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The V6 models feature 12.6-inch front rotors with single-piston floating calipers, while the V8 models feature 13-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers. All models are equipped with 12.4-inch rear rotors.

John Krafcik, Hyundai’s vice president for product development said that Hyundai expects to sell up to 50,000 units of the Genesis in the U.S. market once both the sedan and the coupe are in showrooms. Krafcik says that Hyundai is targeting 20,000 units for the sedan and 30,000 for the coupe annually.

Hyundai is hoping that both cars will help elevate its image in the U.S. from a cheaper to a more established and quality brand.

The base 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan starts at $33,000 while the range-topping sedan starts at $38,000. As for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe, sources say that pricing will start just under $26,000.

Krafcik also said that Hyundai will launch its first hybrid in the U.S. in early 2010 with a lithium-ion battery powered Sonata sedan.

2009 Hyundai Genesis:

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe :

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

The new 2009 Hyundai Genesis has attracted about 800 buyers since its launch - and while many car enthusiasts may be underestimating the Korean luxury sedan, the Genesis 4.6 recently went head-to-head with the 2008 Lexus GS 350 in an InsideLine face-off in what is said to be the closest finishes ever in their comparison test history.

For the test InsideLine used the Hyundai Genesis range-topper which carries a 4.6 liter V8 that produces 375-hp. The 2008 Lexus GS 350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 which produces 303-hp. Prices for both luxury sedans start at $38,000 and $44,550 respectively.

No idea why InsideLine didn’t go with the GS 460 which produces 342-hp but it’s a pretty interesting comparison nonetheless. Check out the full review here and check out the video after the jump.

Click through for the video.

Source: InsideLine