Hyundai Genesis Sedan (Full Review)

Inasmuch as luxury car buyers might turn their noses up when they hear the name Hyundai mentioned among BMW, Lexus and Mercedes, the fact remains that the Genesis holds its own against many of the top names in the business. And, with a price comparable to a Buick Lucerne or Toyota Avalon, the Hyundai Genesis is likely to attract customers looking to make their first luxury sedan purchase without busting the bank.

A Hyundai Surprise In The Form of the Genesis Sedan

Korean automaker brings high end luxury to the masses.

Say “Hyundai” and the image of an automotive brand producing the likes of the compact Elantra and the affordable Sonata comes to mind. But, in a bold and perhaps risky move, Hyundai has expanded its line to include a luxury model, one appropriately named Genesis.

Yes, this is a season of new beginnings for Hyundai (rhymes with Sunday) as the Korean automaker seeks to change the perception consumers have about its products while deciding against creating an all new luxury brand just as Toyota did with Lexus more than twenty years ago. With the Genesis, Hyundai has built a car that rivals the best German brands while pricing it closer to what people would pay for in a Buick Lucerne or a Toyota Avalon.

Taking Aim At German Luxury and Craftsmanship

The Genesis is actually two different cars, one a full sized sedan, the other a sport coupe. For this review I’ve covered the sedan, a vehicle Hyundai designed with Mercedes and BMW in mind. Indeed, the current Genesis has a strong resemblance to the Lexus GS, itself a European styled model just inches shorter than the Genesis but carrying a ten thousand dollar price premium over the similarly equipped Hyundai. That price differential is what Hyundai hopes will convince people to take a look at the Genesis when shopping for German or Japanese luxury.

Available in rear or all wheel drive, the two ton Genesis is powered by a base 3.8L V-6 engine or a 4.6L V-8. Both the rear wheel drive configuration and beefy V-8 engine are firsts for Hyundai, at least for the American market. Hyundai has been building larger cars for its home market of South Korea for many years; the Genesis represents the first of its kind for American export.

Should You Really Have A V-8?

My test model came equipped with the V-6 and not once did I feel that its 290 horsepower engine wasn’t enough to move the sedan. The V-8 produces 375 horsepower and runs on premium fuel; both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The center console mounted transmission shifted effortlessly responding to my demands to see how quick it could be brought up to highway speed. Handling is very good, not spectacular, but the cabin is quiet and the ride is very smooth.

For the record, the V-8 will get you from stop to 60 mph in just under six seconds while the V-6 motor is about a half second slower. You’ll choose the larger engine if matching Audi performance is important to you, but if you go with the V-6 you will get ample power, better fuel economy and be able to fill up with regular gasoline.

In a League of its Own

Inside, the Genesis is like no Hyundai before it. True, the Hyundai Azera Limited offered a first glimpse at what Hyundai could do by building a well optioned sedan, but the Genesis clearly is in another league.

Seating five passengers, the cavernous interior is well appointed and offers more leg and head room than any of its competitors. The front seats are very comfortable, with leather seating surfaces and heated seats standard while a cooling option is also available for the driver. Rear seats can neither be warmed nor cooled, but the support and legroom offered is quite good. Surprisingly, the rear seat doesn’t fold down, an attribute commonly found in similar sedans.

An electroluminescent instrument cluster is complemented by a well designed center stack, itself containing cabin comfort, navigation and audio controls, many of which are duplicated on the steering wheel or placed adjacently to the transmission shifter. Sound is out of this world as the Lexicon 7.1 Discrete audio system features an 11-channel, 528-watt digital amplifier and 17 speakers. The Rolls Royce Phantom is the only other car in the world to offer this amazing sound system, a point Hyundai notes when they market the Genesis.

Every Safety Feature Imaginable

In developing the Genesis, Hyundai made sure that all of the state-of-the-art safety features were included as standard equipment. Beyond dual front airbags, the sedan includes front and rear-seat mounted side-impact bags as well as roof-mounted curtain side-impact bags. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist as well as specially reinforced front and rear crumple zones underscore the importance of safety.

Choose the premium or premium plus packages and you’ll also get a rear back up camera with front and rear parking assistance sensors, power rear sunshade and auto-leveling headlights among other features.

Trunk space is a full sixteen cubic feet, clearly at the higher end of its class. The opening is wide and the floor is flat; despite the rear seat not folding down, there is a pass through area for skis and similar lengthy objects.

Priced Like a Chrysler, Engineered Like a Mercedes

Despite concerns by some that the Genesis is a knocked down Lexus or Mercedes, those fears are quickly allayed as the sedan easily beats expectations. Base sticker price is in the low 30s and remains below $40,000 when fully optioned; slightly higher for the V-8. That price advantage will work towards convincing current owners of cars such as the Chrysler 300C and Pontiac G8 to consider the Genesis while giving BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Cadillac and Audi drivers the message that the Genesis is a serious contender despite wearing the Hyundai name.

Photo Credit: Hyundai Motor America

Related Reading — First Drive: Hyundai Genesis Sedan

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1124 GM Dealers Served Termination Notices

Thousands of General Motors dealers have been wondering if they were to be among the group of dealerships to be terminated by the automaker, with 1124 receiving confirmation from GM today that they were getting the ax. FEDEX and U.S. Mail notices were sent out to each of the affected dealers who learned that their franchise agreements wouldn’t be extended beyond October 2010.

This news follows on the heels of yesterday’s announcement by Chrysler that 789 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships would be shuttered. Unlike Chrysler, which plans to have most of these dealerships closed out by June 9th, GM is giving their dealers nearly eighteen months to wind down operations. They can also appeal the automaker’s decision.

Automotive News reported that GM’s Mark LaNeve, who is North American sales vice president, said that the impacted dealers only accounted for 7% of the automaker’s sales totals in 2008 and currently hold just 8% of the company’s unsold inventory.

An Immediate Wind Down Of Operations Expected

Though an appeals process is available LaNeve indicated that only if a mistake was made, one based on bad data, they aren’t anticipating that many of these decisions will be reversed. In addition, GM wants these dealerships to begin winding down their operations by selling off their current inventory.

LaNeve expects that some of the 65,000 vehicles sitting on the lots of affected dealers may end up being taken back. However, he stressed that the automaker wants as much inventory sold as possible to avoid holding costly auctions.

Saab, Saturn and Hummer Spared…For Now

GM’s move doesn’t include 470 Saab, Saturn and Hummer dealerships who will also lose their franchises unless a buyer steps forth for one or more of those brands. In addition, GM identified 35 Pontiac-only dealerships who are also getting the ax, franchises who aren’t fortunate to be part of the current Buick-Pontiac-GMC sales channel and are poor performers. GM had said earlier this month that they would shut down Pontiac by the end of 2010.

Once the smoke clears, there will still be 4300 dealerships remaining who will then have to compete for the 3600 dealership slots GM says will be adequate to sell its product line going forward.

Decision Day Looms

June 1st looms as an important day for GM as that date is when the automaker must convince the Obama administration that they have the tools in place to reorganize. If not, President Obama can order GM to declare bankruptcy, a move that current GM CEO Fritz Henderson says looks “probable.”

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SCION tC Eddie Hahm

 

EXTERIOR

• Bare metal finish with matte clear coat sealer

• Entire body riveted

• Custom front and rear louvered panels, one off aluminum land speed spoiler with supports, leather bonnet straps, one-off Halibrand-style aluminum gas cap by Frank Wallic, and hand striping and lettering by Fast Eddie and Eevl Goose

• Five Axis Design lip kit and grille

• 1948 Buick fender mascots

• Mooneyes chrome peep mirrors

INTERIOR

• Custom six-point roll cage with dimple-died panels, rear riveted aluminum floor panels, one-off aluminum bomber bucket seats by Frank Wallic, seat brackets, aluminum gauge pods, (Commune) military canvas seat cushions, upholstered door and rear panels in military canvas, shifter arm

• Vintage WWII bomber lap belts and Bell-style steering wheel

• A’PEXi gauges

ENGINE

• Mild port and polish heads

• BC Stage 3 NA race camshafts, stainless steel valves, valve springs, titanium retainers

• AEM cold air intake

• Custom one-off O2 Motorworks race header

• DME cooling plate and engine torque damper

WHEELS/TIRES

• Rally America B52 McLean style wire wheels, 16×4

• Firestone Champion Deluxe bias ply tires by Coker

• 450/475 16 front

• 500/525 16 rear

• M2 Tuning wheel spacer/adapter

BRAKES

• AXXIS brake pads

• Stoptech brake lines front and rear

SUSPENSION

• F2 coilovers

• Hotchkis front and rear sway bars

• DME front and rear strut bars

STEREO

• Sony Xplode head unit, speakers, amp and subwoofers in custom aluminum “gas tank”

All fabrication done by Len Higa of O2 Motorworks/Designcraft

Paint by Auto Tech Collision Center

Related posts:

1. SCION tC MARK ARCENAL
2. The COBRA N+ Tuning Concept for the New Nissan GT-R
3. New Ford Focus RS – A Meaner Legend Returns

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Eddie Alterman’s Very First Car And Driver Editorial [Eddie Alterman]

We just received a copy of the first editorial from Car&Driver’s new Editor-In-Chief, Eddie Alterman. They’ve even given us the OK to run it, in its entirety, below. How noble, right?

As to My Bona Fides: Standing onward the shoulders of giants.

With those first tentative whacks at my new iMac, I officially arise my tenure as Car and Driver’s 18th editor-in-chief. I also officially paraphrase the opening lines of David E. Davis Jr.’s column for the inaugural passage out of Automobile, the magazine he started in 1986 after his second run in the same manner with editor here. I got into the business of writing about cars, and into cars themselves, largely because of David E. When I went to work during him at Automobile in 1991 as a college intern, it was the fulfillment of my fevered, 19-year-old dreams. The first day steady the job, I stepped into his employment wallpapered with framed photos of him with Jackie Stewart, Carroll Shelby, and Jim Clark and felt as if I had entered the nerve center of American automotive ardor. There he sat-large as a bear, dressed like a billionaire, and surrounded by the evidence of a life well lived. Now I step into his indelible footprints, laid down in the ’60s, as I write in the same space.

DED Jr. inspired generations of car enthusiasts by his ability to describe cars as somehow more than just machines. When David E. sets his fingers to a keyboard, the whole history of the automobile comes flooding out-short, self-contained stories of human achievement and conflict and transport. His writing made me see man’s best ambitions reflected in cars’ bodywork.

I started reading him at the urging of my father, Mickey. I believe that car heat of imagination is largely hereditary, and my father’s automotive syllabus went from ABCs to DEDs. His enthusiasm was catholic. Our detached garage, sited three miles north of the Detroit city limits, may have actually had revolving doors. The old man went swiftly from a Porsche 356B convertible to a Series I Jag E-type to a toothpaste-green 1950 Buick to a big-block Vette to a Model T to a smattering of less Ferraris. One of my fondest memories of our driving together was back in the ’80s, prowling richer Connecticut for pre-boom, front-engine V-12 Ferraris. I think he demonstrated far too much impulse control by not plunking down toward that ratty, $55,000 275GTS. Had he bought it, I’d probably be writing this from my parents’ vacation compound on Alterman Island.

This perch, I’d argue, is better still. I enter an office beforehand held by means of Csaba Csere, a man with a refulgent and agile mind, a deep passion concerning automobiles, and a breathtaking knowledge of automotive engineering. The extended run of his editorship coincided with what is arguably the finest era in automotive history, and he presented it with the shrewdness, discerning look, and fearlessness that are at the heart of this magazine. Like all of Car and Driver’s main editors-garagehold names such as Davis, Purdy, Brown, Mandel, Sherman, Yates, Jeanes, and Ludvigsen-Csaba told us what to think, and we listened.

It’s humbling to think of my name alongside those. I’m not quite sure what I did to deserve this, the greatest job in the known universe. Car and Driver has the most wise content, the best heritage, and the with most propriety future of any car magazine. It’s bigger than its category-it’s an American icon, a brand whose name has become shorthand for car magazines in general, in the device that Coke stands for cola. I promise not to turn C/D into New Coke. My job is to keep this great institution thriving and authentic to itself, and to bring you whole the authority, independence, and general outrageousness of Car and Driver in whatever place and however you may want it-in paper form, online, on your phone, or in ways that haven’t been invented yet.

As for my bona fides, I’m going to hindrance one of my mentors say it for me. Here’s David E., from his first Automobile round pillar:

“I am a car enthusiast. I love automobiles, especially the great ones. I have chosen this line of work because it keeps me in intimate, continually contact with automobiles, along with people who drive them and the people who design and build them. I am not an automotive expert, nor a pundit, nor an algebraist. I am a car nut, better informed than some, it may be, inasmuch as I’ve been able to eat, sleep, and indulge in a drinking-bout cars for the after 35 years, moreover a car nut nonetheless.” - Eddie Alterman

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Checking In On The GM Bazaar

Day by day we are learning a little bit more about the direction that General Motors is taking, moves being made to return the company to profitability at some future date. Already, Pontiac has been given the ax as soon will Saturn, Saab and Hummer, the latter three likely to be sold off or shut down.

But, these brands aren’t the only ones in the news nor do they tell a whole lot about which models may go away regardless of the fate of a particular brand. Rumors, speculations, and hints being made by GM itself are revealing what few people have come to accept: when all is said and done, GM will be a much smaller company, likely trailing Toyota and Ford in US sales and finding itself much further down the global pecking order.

Among the “other” GM stories of note include the following:

• GM’s business relationship with Toyota — NUMMI or New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. — will continue although it does mean the end of the line for the Pontiac Vibe.  GM says that the Vibe will be discontinued when Pontiac closes up at the end of 2010, but a new, not yet disclosed model will be sold by one of GM’s surviving divisions which are Cadillac, Buick, GMC and Chevrolet. Read more….

• Holden, which is GM’s Australian brand, will suffer hundreds of millions of dollars in losses with the demise of the Pontiac G8 sedan. Earlier this year, Holden learned that GM would not import the Holden Ute to the United States a car truck that was to be sold as the Pontiac G8 ST. With Holden facing steep losses and likely layoffs, will GM decide that Chevrolet would be the next beneficiary of the Holden Commodore based G8 or will GM simply continue with the Chevy Impala as its flagship sedan? Read more….

• Opel will probably continue to operate as GM’s top European brand, selling Opels and Vauxhalls throughout its many markets. However, there is a distinct possibility that a significant interest in Opel may go to the highest bidder as Magna International and Fiat seek to get a share of the German automaker. Read more….

• Asia rising? One of the few bright spots for GM is its Asian operations thanks mostly to continued strong demand for its Buick models in China. In addition, the automaker has several partnerships in China which means the company is able to sell more than one million cars annually in the world’s most populace nation. No word yet on GM Daewoo, the automaker’s financially troubled Korean arm. With the Pontiac G3 coming to a quick end, Daewoo will still have the Chevy Aveo to fall back on. Read more….

Of course, additional GM subsidiaries could also find themselves being sold off, especially if cash flush buyers step forward to acquire control or at least a significant investment in that business. AC Delco remains an attractive unit for any company, the aftermarket and replacement parts arm of GM.  OnStar provides navigation and communications technology for more than six million GM drivers while GMAC could eventually be offloaded completely to Cerberus who bought controlling stake in GM’s financing unit in 2006.

So if you have the money to invest (or burn) and are so inclined to shop at the GM bazaar, then why not submit your bid while the bidding is in your favor?

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Playing Hardball, GM Dealers Strike Out

Pity the poor GM dealer who may just now be coming to terms with how weak their relationship is with the once might automaker. Healthy dealerships, particularly those operating in areas of the country where competition between dealers selling the same GM brand isn’t so tough aren’t affected, but smaller dealerships, particularly those located in markets where there are too many dealers to justify the numbers will soon be left out in the cold.

Rolling Out Government Union Motors

Now that GM is effectively being transformed into Government Union Motors (GUM) — owned by the U.S. government with secondary ownership in the hands of the United Auto Workers, lots of dealers will be given walking papers and ordered to shut down between now and the end of 2010.

In a bid to shrink its bulging dealer network from over 6200 dealers to around 3600 dealerships over the coming twenty months, GM says that they’ll terminate their relationship with low performing dealers and do that without compensation. The automaker says that they’ll buy back new car inventory, car parts, special tooling and some signage, but if the dealerships are looking for compensation ala Oldsmobile, it won’t be coming.

Abandoned Brands Will Lose Out Too

Quite a number of dealerships have been vulnerable anyway, particularly those selling Saab, Saturn and Hummer vehicles. Stand alone Pontiac dealers will also go away, but for those fortunate to have a combined Buick Pontiac GMC dealership, they’ll manage to soldier on with one less brand.

Next month, GM will send notices out to as many as 1200 dealerships that they will not be part of the reinvented GM.  500 dealers will be closing due to normal attrition, 500 more will go away when Saab, Saturn and Hummer finally disappear while the automaker will seek to close or combine an additional 500 dealerships in overcrowded markets.

Dealers Not Leaving Without A Fight

Lest the Obama Administration, General Motors and even Chrysler think that dealerships can be shut down without compensation, The Wall Street Journal ran a story on Wednesday suggesting otherwise. In, “GM, Chrysler Dealer Groups Retain Law Firms,” the newspaper reported that large dealer networks have retained the services of several law firms to help them fight back.

The lawyers have been retained to make sure that the dealers receive payments owed to them, especially if either automaker files for bankruptcy. Regarding the work of one law firm, the WSJ reported, “The firm will participate in negotiations with GM on dealers’ behalf and work with lawyers retained by individual dealers. Dealers operate under contracts with auto makers that require the company to cover obligations, ties to warranty repairs, inventory buy downs and floorplan assistance payments.”

The road to remake GM as well as Chrysler isn’t as simple as some might believe that it’ll be. Contracts cannot be automatically dimissed and litigating parties are allowed their day in court. No matter what happens, GM will be slicing and dicing its dealer network, but perhaps they’ll have to put some money on the hood to compensate aggrieved dealer franchise holders.

Related Reading — Checking In On The GM Bazaar

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GM Kills Pontiac - Focuses on Boring Brands

GM announced today that they will be phasing out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010. This news came right after they announced they will also be cutting 21,000 hourly jobs and reducing their dealer count by 42% within the same time frame. This, in an effort to stay out of bankruptcy, of course.

“This action will allow General Motors to devote its limited capital and other resources to GM’s four core brands: Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC.” So GM wants to kill off the only brand that made them look even slightly sporty and exciting, and focus on the oversized and ultimately “boring” brands.

While it’s always a shame to see any brand go under - especially one with as much history as Pontiac - there are always contributing factors that made this happen. It wasn’t like Pontiac just drew the short straw here. Just speaking from recent years, Pontiac tried to revive the GTO name in 2004 to bring back some of the muscle car pedigee they were known for. Sadly, the GTO ended up looking like a stretched Chevy Cavalier. While it may have been a good car to drive (a friend owns one and loves it,) you didn’t know this until you actually drove it, and then it was still very subjective. They failed to bring back the memories of the original GTO, and instead made an okay muscle car that looked like a Chevy Sedan. The GTO didn’t sell very well, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. They said goodbye to this model in 2006.

Next, we have the Pontiac G5, which you’ll remember I thought was a pointless car anyway, considering the Chevy Cobalt exists.

Then we have the Pontiac Solstice, which has nothing wrong with it by itself, if only you forget that the Saturn Sky exists. The Sky and Solstice are essentially the same car mechanically, but the Saturn just looks so much better than the Pontiac version.

So now we’re left with the G8, which could have been Pontiac’s savior. An exciting RWD sedan offered in multiple trims and engine sizes from an everyday V6, to the GXP with a fire-breathing 415hp V8, the Pontiac G8 was actually a pretty damn good car. An affordable sedan that could compete with the likes of BMW and Audi - it looked like Pontiac was about to get on the right track. The G8 also had one of the coolest car commercials I’ve ever seen.

But as they say…Too little, too late. Sorry to see you go, Pontiac.

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

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Pontiac Conference Call Regarding the Phase-Out

So I just got off a conference call with the fine folks at the Pontiac Underground blog, and I thought I should answer a few questions that I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves regarding GM killing off Pontiac.

Needless to say, the tone of the call was somewhat bleak, but they were happy to answer all questions. I’ll go over a few questions that I’ve received regarding this, and a few other things that they mentioned on the call:

Jim Hopson, blogger for Pontiac Underground was the moderator, and came on the line clarifying that December 31st, 2010 will be the last day Pontiac exists. Along the line they will be stopping production on all models, but haven’t made a decision on when quite yet. The Q&A below is not verbatim, but summarized by myself.

Why Pontiac and not Buick?

This is the most frequently asked question I heard. In the United States, Buick is seen as a “Grandma’s Car” - a vehicle left for the folks collecting social security, and not a car a young person would even consider buying. However, Buick is a global brand. Especially in China, Buick is seen as a young brand. Teenagers and young buyers look forward to driving a Buick. GM sells more Buicks in China than Pontiac, Buick, and Cadillac combined in the US. Pontiac, however is not a global brand, and sells far less overall than Buick.

Buick is also very profitable in terms of profit-per-unit, as is GMC, whereas Pontiac is not.

If I have a Pontiac already ordered, will I still get it?

Most likely yes, and you can still order Pontiacs without fear of not receiving it. Pontiac will be updating us on when the ending production dates for each model will be. Now, I said “most likely yes” because the G8 is the most unpredictable model. It has a two-month delay on ordering because it has to be made and shipped from Australia. If you have any questions about this, contact Jim at pontiaciscar@gmail.com

Are there models that they will redistribute to their other brands like the G8 or the Solstice?

No. They thought about this long and hard, apparently, but ultimately decided that rebadging models cheapens both brands involved (interesting thing for GM to say!) Specifically regarding the G8 - since people are most upset about it - the Camaro and G8 share the same platform, and rebrading the G8 as a Chevy could take sales away from the Camaro, and would ultimately be a duplicate model in the line-up. I’m sure when they were thinking about each model, there was no car that didn’t have a sibling in another GM line. They said that this is a final decision, and that there was no way a model will be rebranded.

Will my current Pontiac be worth more money now?

Doubtfully, but it depends on the model. From the aspect of a collector or investor, it might be a good idea to buy a Solstice Coupe (only 800 made for 2009,) or a G8 GXP, which I could see being a classic after a few years. Pontiac really hit the nail on the head with the G8, so getting yourself a nice, fully loaded G8 GXP might be beneficial to your bank account, given some time. Might want to get a 2010 model year though (”last year made” could up the value.)

What about the warranty and service?

Warranties are served under GM, so your Pontiac warranty will still be honored in full. Service will also be performed at a GM dealership. They wanted to stress that the only thing changing about the safety of buying a car from Pontiac is perception. All other aspects will remain the same.

Overview

This was a quick summary of the call, and answers the main questions I heard about this piece of news. If you have any other questions or comments, leave them in the comments below.

© Gearhead Media - Please visit Automoblog.net for more great content.

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Buick Business Concept Gets Seriously Busy In Shanghai With New Images [Shanghai Auto Show]

GM/PATAC debuted the Buick Business Concept in Shanghai yesterday to much excitement by the locals and their multi-generation families. Let’s take a closer look at this ballerific, Chinese-designed and decidedly sexy minivan business-casual MPV.

So the Buick Business Concept didn’t look as garish as our quick MSPaint rendition from last week — Thank you GM for not attractive our direction — Instead, GM/PATAC designers managed to create a wonderful piece of people moving Buick-ified rolling object. I was initially told that this MPV would ride on something around the size and proportion of the Chevy Orlando Concept, but I was to a greater degree than surprised to realize that this thing is a Shanghai beast, not different some of the dim sum and liter beers I’ve been throwing back while staying in China. But don’t think for one minute that this 4,195 pounder isn’familiarily environmentally friendly for PATAC engineers have applied GM’s next-generation hybrid system in favor of a more economical experience. Hrm…
Buick designers describe the concept while having “dynamic exterior surfaces” and “yin and yang interior tones” which basically translates to, “the Buick concept is all business on the exterior and harmonious on the inside.” Wait, I didn’t do much better, did I? The mighty inspiration for the Business Concept were the 2008 (also Chinese designed) Buick Riviera Concept, Chinese artifacts and modern iconic electronics. And Buick Marketing finishes off the sell with this moderate gem; “The vehicle, inside and through, communicates an systematic elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.” Wow, I be missed need one now.

Buick Business Concept Vehicle Unveiled in Shanghai

• Embodies Buick’s New Global Design Language in some MPV
• Leading MPV Trend in China, Designed for China’s Business Elite

SHANGHAI, April 20, 2009 – The Buick Business Concept, a new concept vehicle designed to showcase Buick’s future vision of “business class on the road,” made its global debut today at Auto Shanghai 2009.

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was developed in China by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint take one’s chance between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), with global design input.

The Business Concept Vehicle captures the essence of the Buick form tongue in a thoroughly elegant and expressive scheme, with its taut surfaces, manoeuvre sweep spear belt line, strong front and foster identities and dynamic presence.

“The Business Concept Vehicle has a grand presence and makes a strong statement when it pulls up to the front of any establishment,” said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design. “The Chinese market and employment person have some unique requirements. Our team has responded with an elegant solution to their pursuit and personal needs.”

Classic Influences in Modern Design

According to Cao Min, PATAC Concept Car Chief Designer, the design team set out to create a modern global design as being Buick, yet include a subtle Chinese essence and influence. To achieve this balance, they sought to depict from their heritage outside the automotive industry – from classic shapes to arts and ancient relics.

The Business Concept Vehicle’s dynamic exterior surfaces and “yin and yang” interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including the 2008 Buick Riviera general car, Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. The vehicle, inside and out, communicates an orderly elegance that transcends cultural boundaries and conveys the tranquility and power of Buick.

Exterior Design – A Sense of Presence and Buick Essence

To settle their design direction, PATAC designers took the global Buick design vocabulary of sculpturally beautiful and dynamic forms established through the Riviera concept car and successfully extended it to a tall, one-box architecture.

The Business Concept Vehicle develops the Buick form language further and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and showing skill in applying the principles of beauty influences into the details. It takes the Buick design treatment to a new level of sophisticated striking character.

The famous Buick waterfall grille takes upon the body a bolder treatment. Intricate detailing gives it an even more famous look. The backlit Buick tri-shield logo leads into the distinctive mid-hood crease prevalent in classic Buicks and consistent across the newly come Buick row of words today.

The prominent LED headlamps show influences of accepted Chinese liuli glass through three-dimensional transparent and multifaceted surfaces. Liuli is a Chinese crystal sculpture art form that incorporates cultural and modern references. It has become a popular symbol of fresh Chinese prosperity.

The elongated, jewel-like headlamps are connected to the body shoulder line through a strong chrome accent that flows the length of the vehicle from the hood to the body sides, accentuating a strong double sweep spear design until it finally comes to rest wrapped attached all sides the taillights. This is the most distinctive design first steps of the Business Concept Vehicle, as it offers a modern approach to the classic Buick double sweep spear. Familiar Buick portholes are gracefully integrated into the chrome strip extending from the headlamps.

This distinctive double sweep spear appearance not alone provides expressive dynamism to the vehicle profile, it is also functionally important. It defines the window line from the body sides and incorporates the rail guides for the force sliding doors. Additionally, it lowers the rear passenger sightline and adds significant shoulder room to the rear compartment.

“This vehicle was inspired by the grace and gesture of great Buicks. PATAC designers have cleverly incorporated other design cues from traditional Chinese art, such as applying a huiwen motif on the turn signals and haze lamps,” Cao Min said.

The Zitan Purple outer color was chosen to elicit the right level of attention and respect. The color is rest in rare zitan wood used conducive to sculptures and fine Chinese furniture. This deep burnt-purple color perfectly highlights the universal’s grandeur.

Power sliding doors with no B-pillar were selected for their force to showcase an tending to expand view of the interior and tranquillity of entrance and emergence.

The Business Concept Vehicle sits on 20-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum wheels, with a polished mirror finish, and low-profile tires. The outside mirrors incorporate turn signals with the huiwen motif.

Interior Design – Functionality and Soothing Serenity

Serenity and advanced functionality come to mind which time entering the instrument. The use of deep burgundy suede and profound creams, representing earth and wood themes, are conveyed through high-quality leather bucket seats, plush vehicle carpet and a luxurious padded steering wheel. Completing the tranquil experience is a roof comprised of two full-length sunroofs that propound a celestial connection for occupants.

“Through deep burgundy suede carpet, high-quality leather interior decoration with liuli and soft, ice blue ambient lighting, we wanted to create a mobile VIP lounge for passengers,” Cao Min said.

Interior trim and features befitting Buick prestige abound such as a authoritativeness central console with a deployable tablet for writing or to hold a laptop computer. The console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats. The next to the first row of power captain’s chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to any immeasurable combination of orientations. Traditional huiwen patterns are embroidered onto the seats and seat backs, bringing agreement to the entire design theme.

The three-dimensional instrument cluster reaches across the entire width of the front array and features a multi-layer information display. The instrument cluster design reflects the liuli art influence but is utterly modern in design. It is complemented by a central ancone with shade blotter controls on either side of a cylinder-shaped roller mouse. A large LED display crowns the central console. Once again, the huiwen motif shows up being of the kind which details upon the body the wings of the instrument panel.

The OnStar security telematics feature is easily accessible on the rearview mirror, through three prominently besides tastefully displayed call buttons.

“The design of the vehicle inherits Buick’s vision for business class on the road, creating a sense that while means contingency,” Cao Min said.

Next-Generation GM Hybrid System

PATAC designed the Buick Business Concept Vehicle to accommodate the next-generation GM Hybrid System, which will have being introduced in China in the near future.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology publicly available in the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid. An advanced lithium-ion battery will give a lift cause to be the next-generation GM Hybrid System more powerful than the current system, improving fuel economy of vehicles with this system through up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and abridge emissions by:
• Turning the engine off at idle
• Offering brief electric-only propulsion
• Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
• Extending combustibles cutoff during deceleration
• Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
• Performing keen-sighted hybrid battery charging

“Developing and launching the Business Concept Vehicle in China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of GM’s global design network,” Welburn said. “It also reflects PATAC’s growing role within the GM have in inspect tribe and China’s consequence as the world’s largest Buick market.”

[via GM]

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Auto Shanghai — 2009: Buick Business Concept

The presentation new concepts from Buick in Shanghai enters into tradition – this year have presented business-miniveins. The car has been developed in Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) taking into account features of the Chinese market and requirements of local businessmen. General Motors was created by the car in cooperation with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).





Clear that experiment with lateral glass now have begun many car manufactures, good example is a little last concept from Hyundai. Here only in this case designers used course already familiar to us - have made a step after front doors, as well as on Citroen C4 Picasso. Here only is more expressive. A basic element lateral body – the chromeplated insert connecting front optics and tail lights. It is also the bottom line of lateral glasses. The general stylistics of a body, and small things (optics, air intakes, a radiator enclosure) are executed in the spirit of the last кconcept marks. Buick Business Concept rather big: the length makes 5 278 mm, width of 1 985 mm and height of 1 809 mm at a wheelbase in 3 198 mm. Leans miniveins on 20-inch disks.





The average rack at concept is not present – so inconveniences with an input/exit at passengers should not be. Places only 6, but so admire! Comfortable armchairs are fitted by a beige skin, and the soft floor is executed in pleasant claret colour. Armchairs of an average number turn on 225 degrees about the axis – during negotiations or a walking trip it is possible to settle down somehow.







Buick Business Concept have equipped with the newest hybrid power-plant working together with the 2,4-litre four-cylinder motor. A drive gear front, and transmission – six-step "automatic machine". The Cruising range without refuelling and additional charge reaches 700 kilometres. Dynamics for such car at level – 12,9 seconds to "hundred", and the maximum speed makes 190 kilometres per hour.







About a batch production yet is not told , however this business-minivein have a very good chance to get on the conveyor. All depends on wishes of Chineses.

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muscle cars photos and pictures

Normally Muscle cars are termed as high performance vehicles. These muscle cars are
2-door rear wheel drive mid-size car with a large powerful v8 engine. It even comes at an affordable price. These cars were built for drag racing and also for street use.

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First Drive: Hyundai Genesis Sedan

The Genesis sedan stretches the Hyundai brand to encompass cars from the budget to the luxurious. Will selling this car alongside the likes of the Accent and Elantra hurt Hyundai or will customers simply not care?

I’m thinking that it was 1987 when I first laid my eyes on the subcompact Hyundai Excel Pony.  Those were the days when Americans were trying to figure out how to pronounce the name of the newest car maker on the block, the Korean upstart that many people were pronouncing as Hon-day.

For their part, Hyundai ran an ad campaign which repeated over and over again, “Hyundai rhymes with Sunday,” but it didn’t seem to have much effect. Import buyers of that decade were enamored with all things Toyota and Honda, scarcely giving Hyundai a second thought.

Fast forward two decades and the Hyundai brand has made a name for itself. Like the original Excel, Hyundai cars are priced cheaper than comparable European, Asian and American cars, but unlike the Excel, Hyundai models of today have a much higher quality rating, frequently ranking at or near the top of many consumer and industry surveys.

Making Luxury More Affordable

Yesterday, I finally had the opportunity to test drive the Hyundai Genesis Sedan, the all new flagship of the Hyundai fleet. The sedan’s reputation has preceded it, having garnered lofty awards including winning the prestigious 2009 North American Car of the Year award among others.

From the outset, let me say this about the Genesis sedan: the car is too nice to sport the Hyundai moniker. True, the only evidence on the outside of the car that it is a Hyundai is on the wheel covers, otherwise a Genesis badge is fixed on the truck deck with no Hyundai badge on the grille. This doesn’t mean that I think any less of Hyundai, rather the Korean automaker probably should have developed a separate line of cars, ala Lexus for Toyota.

No matter, the Hyundai sedan is a beauty in its own right. Competing against the likes of the Lexus GS, Cadillac STS, Mercedes E Class and BMW 5 Series, the Genesis is as elegant, well appointed and enjoyable to drive as its competitors, but priced thousands of dollars less.

Standard Engine Is Strong

Powered by its rear wheels — the first Hyundai sold in America as such — and sporting a standard 3.8L V-6 engine (290 h.p.) paired with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, the Genesis offers all of the power you could want with an optional V-8 (368 h.p.) to sate those who crave even more.

Inside, the cabin matches the best of Germany’s luxury sedans offering heated leather seating, a leather dash, plenty of head and leg room, and all of the creature comforts Mercedes, BMW and Audi owners demand.  

The standard XM satellite radio with 17-speaker Lexicon surround audio was the best yet, a six disc DVD changer completed the listening experience. 

My test Genesis was outfitted with the navigation system, an option that pushed the base price up to $36,100.  That package also includes a rear back up warning camera, rear sliding sunshade, and a host of other features that were too numerous to count.

Plenty of Go and Plenty of Stop

Engaging the transmission, the Genesis shifted quietly into gear, offering plenty of power as I approached the first stop sign. Yes, the brakes are very responsive, almost too sensitive to the touch, but working firmly to bring the nearly two ton sedan to a quick stop. Press on the gas and there is no hesitation with the V6, pushing up to sixty miles per hour in about six seconds.

Like so many sedans in its class, the Genesis comes loaded with all of your favorite safety features including eight airbags (front and rear side impact bags), ABS, brake assist, traction control, active front head restraints, HID headlights with adaptive lighting, and more.

The trunk space reminds me of some of the biggest American sedans including cars I drove many years ago. Flat and wide, the 16 cubic foot trunk is only slightly smaller than the class leading Lincoln MKS and offers a generous sized opening.  I’ve seen enough trunks lately with odd protrusions and wasted space, the Genesis has neither one of these faults.

Will customers rush to the Genesis sedan? Current owners of a Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne and other near luxury sedans will likely consider the car. But, as for Lexus, BMW and Mercedes owners will they still think “budget car” when they consider Hyundai? That remains to be seen. All in all, the Genesis sedan is a lovely car even if it shares showroom space and a moniker with the likes of the Accent and Elantra.

Related Reading: Hyundai Doesn’t Understand the American Consumer

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GM: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

These are extraordinarily difficult times for the global automotive industry as the we’re on the cusp of ushering in major change, the likes we haven’t seen before. By this time next year we’ll see the first mass produced electric vehicles hit the market and by 2012, the number of pure electric and hybrid models will skyrocket.

At the same time, the industry is going through a deep cleansing, one that will rid it of excess capacity, inefficient operations and see several brands disappear. I believe that Ford will replace GM as the largest producer of cars in the US followed by Toyota. Hyundai and Kia will continue to gain market share while Chrysler’s future is hinged on its relationship with Fiat, a very precarious one at that.

GM Faces A Deep Challenge

Looking closer at General Motors, I now see its US operations pared to the point where only three brands will survive. Despite President Obama’s optimism, it’ll take years to settle GM’s debt as both bondholders and union members hold firm. Now that the president has signaled that he won’t let GM die, what do these parties have to lose? A lot if they don’t hold their ground.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

In keeping with the tradition of Sergio Leone, I offer to you the following categories to define GM’s future, particularly as it relates to its critical North American base:

The Good — Chevrolet comprises a full 60% of GM sales, therefore the Chevy brand is the face of the new GM. If this brand isn’t healthy enough to compete against Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen then the company will die.

Cadillac is the premium bookend for GM, a luxury division that needs additional assets. The CTS franchise is a success, the SRX a worthy model, but the replacement for the STS/DTS is a mystery. As for the Escalade, it will probably soldier on as a car based crossover at some point. Lincoln wasn’t much of a threat for the past decade, but now Ford’s luxury division is fighting back, positioning itself to leapfrog Cadillac.

The lifespan of Buick depends on how well the company emerges from restructuring, bankruptcy or not. Its Chinese base is upholding the brand, but in order to be a good middleground brand for GM, it needs some product loving. And quick.

The Bad — The Pontiac G8 is a knock out car, but not enough to keep the brand alive.  Cash strapped GM cannot afford to keep Pontiac alive, so may it rest in peace. The G8 could find its way over to Chevrolet…let’s hope so!

The GMC brand can now die, allowing GM to consolidate Chevrolet trucks with GMC. They’ll be a big battle with Buick-Pontiac-GMC franchised dealers, with some likely to gain a Chevy Trucks franchise in their settlement.

The Ugly — No longer relevant and a big embarrassment, Hummer will probably cease to exist unless a foreign, niche manufacturer buys the brand, its dies and assembles Hummer elsewhere.

There isn’t much that can be said about Saab unless the pending new owner of Volvo makes a pitch for the brand to create Scandinavian Motors. Nope, I don’t see that happening at all.

Pity, poor Saturn — it was once a decent idea that should have been dismissed long before a plant in Spring Hill, TN was built for “a different kind of car company.” Okay, I’m biased: I leased a 2001 Saturn L-Series and actually liked the car, body panel gaps and all.  But, Saturn held Chevrolet back and was always a tremendous financial drain on the automaker. I would hate to see it become a supply house for a Chinese or Indian automaker. Peugeot? Maybe.

Ups & Downs With GM

Life at GM will never be the same, a company whose heritage is a mixture of lousy production methods (pre-1980s), cool technology (OnStar) and stiff competition (Toyota, et al).

If the company does survive, it may eventually have to hook up with another automaker to stay in business. Perhaps Carlos Ghosn would be interested in an automotive troika provided that GM comes to the party without financial baggage.

Related Reading –Brain Drain: GM Whacks Engineers

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More and More donk cars posters

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