Long Term Update 6: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

Ron KiinowriterJulia LaPalmephotographer

"The Genesis might have been designed and engineered in Korea," says editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie, "but the 4.6-liter Tau V-8 feels eerily German in its power delivery. It's smooth and linear until about 3000 rpm, then you get a noticeable surge as the engine gets a second wind; old Benz V-8s used to feel just like this. At 3000 rpm in top gear, the Genesis is cruising at 110 mph -- and could do it all day long.

"Overall, the Genesis is a comfortable and composed cruiser, its laid-back demeanor marred only by the slight busyness of the stiffly sprung rearend. It's a minor niggle in a car that is otherwise astonishingly accomplished. Also, the standard Hyundai stoppers are marginal when hustling the Genesis hard. A set of Brembos would be nice, please."

2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6
Months/miles in service 14/22,280
Avg econ/CO2 19.6 mpg/0.99 lb/mi
Unresolved problems None
Maintenance cost $299.85 (2 - oil change/inspection/rotate tires, replace cabin air filter)
Normal-wear cost $0
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