A couple of months after the Korean debut of the new generation Genesis, Hyundai unveiled the U.S. market model at the Detroit Auto Show. The RWD executive sedan is the first Hyundai to feature the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.

The exterior highlights of the car are the hexagonal front grille, dynamic character line running along the flanks of the car, and the sporty rear end design.

With an overall length of 4,990mm (196.5in), width of 1,890mm (74.4in) and height of 1,480mm (58.2in), the Genesis is slightly longer (+4mm) and taller (+5mm) than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 75mm (2.95in) to 3,010mm (118.5in), increasing cabin space, especially on the back seat.

The 2015MY Genesis will be offered with two gasoline engines in the U.S., a 3.8-liter V6 and a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Both have been upgraded, offering better low-mid torque and improved performance compared with the outgoing model.

The V6 produces 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 293 lb-ft (397 Nm) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The V8 is the most powerful, delivering 420hp at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb-ft (519 Nm) of torque, with the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint taking 5.4 seconds. Both powerplants are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 2015 Hyundai Genesis is available for the first time with the HTRAC AWD system and features a new multi-link rear suspension for improved comfort.

As you would expect, Hyundai’s new offerings is loaded with technologies, including CO2 cabin sensor control, Google Glass connectivity, Google-powered second generation Blue Link Technology telematics, as well as safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection system with integrated Head-Up Display and radar-controlled Advanced Smart Cruise Control.

The new Genesis will be built at Hyundai’s Ulsan, Korea plant, with U.S. sales beginning in the spring.

By Dan Mihalascu

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