Thanks for the info, 54gradsteds! I knew we had a few options in the area like Alexandria, Manassas, Fairfax, and especially with the Fitz AutoMall not far away, the prices will all be close, but the salesman's service will certainly be a key factor come decision time..Thanks again..I'll be looking forward to seeing the Genesis soon
I, too saw the Genesis at the Washington Auto Show. It is spectacular- front and rear proximity sensors, driver's seat not only heated, butcooled! The Azera for '08 is unchanged, save the addition of the nav package, that installs one of those TV screens in the dash that requires taking your eyes off the road. The Hyundai rep, when informed that I was a recent Azera purchaser, handed me one of their press kits for the Genesis. He informed me there was a 'prize' in each one, and I thought he said something about a t-shirt. It felt kind of heavy- must be something good in there! Cool!! I rush home and open the box, to find a giant wall sized Genesis poster, and... a bottle of water. So much for "special prizes", lol.
re: 1147 The grille on the Genesis shown in the Super Bowl ad was not like either of these shown. One would assume that if Hyundai spent the big bucks for a Super Bowl ad, they would depict the car that they would be selling in the US market.
FWIW, both ads had the disclaimer, "Korean model shown". Manufacturers do this all the time. For example, I have a brochure next to me right now, and the car featured in the print looks different than the model in the nearest showroom, disclaimer, "European model shown".
The Super Bowl ads serve a couple of purposes - one of which is a sneak preview/teaser about a new model; more importantly, it sets a continued premise in the elevation of the brand image. Of course, I would think Hyundai wants and expects to make inroads and tap into the luxury segment, but the indirect impact/effect the Genesis will have on the rest of the line and the brand overall is much more valuable and important, hard to quantify on a scale really.
On another note, in addition to the Super Bowl ads and internet marketing currently running on various websites such as Edmunds (since the US debut last month), there are a lot more marketing campaign to appear in the next few months as the car draws near its availability in showroom. Hyundai says the marketing will be the largest campaign in the US to date, obviously through various media outlets, but also tie-in with premium establishments and long pre-sell period, with events such as invitation-only and ride-and-drive.
Mostly luxury cars are adorned proudly with the maker's logo on the grille or hood. Not the Hyundai Genesis. Hyundai has decided to omit its logo from the grille of the new Genesis luxury sedan, the company announced this week.
At the Detroit auto show, the automaker showed one version of the Genesis with the Hyundai logo and one without. Apparently, reaction to the version without the logo was more positive, so that one will see production.
Hyundai's vice president of product development disclosed the decision at the Chicago Auto Show this week, according to trade publication Automotive News.
Many consumers associate the Hyundai nameplate with economy cars, so it's likely Hyundai feels the need to shun the image as much as possible. There were rumors about a new Hyundai luxury brand, but so far that idea has not materialized.
Nice looking car inside and out. I'm really getting used to the interior with the friendly ergonomic buttons yet classy in overall appearence. But the one part of the design that can really hurt this car is that crazy waterfall grill. I honestly like the black sticker korean version grill better than the grill one. Hyundai imo really should have tried to have the concept grill as close to the production one because that was amazing and it embodied the word "genesis". Well but then again if hyundai could have even came 75 percent of the production version design they would have been a viable threat to bmw and mercedez imo because that concept was a beauty
By "waterfall"(plain) grill are you referring to the grille with the four horizontal bars ?
Why are all of you calling it the "plain" grille? Because it doesn't have a logo on it ? I would call it a "bold" grille rather than plain. With 6 or 7 bars it would look a lot more like an E-class.. For better or worse...
I agree it is far better than the chicken wire grille with the big "H" in the middle..
Well heck, grayfox - there's only one vehicle in the discussion title
I did add the specific model names so that this discussion will be sure to come up in any Forums searches.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Without really looking into it, I recall Hyundai spokespeople, at the unveiling, mentioning that some design features had yet to be decided upon. One of these features being the grill. Therefore, two designs were on the display vehicles. One grill having the droopy H and the other without it. Some automobile journalists dubbed the latter the "waterfall" grill and others called it the "plain" grill meaning without the big H. Yes, I meant the one with the three or four horizontal bars depending on how you count them. Viewer reaction favored the H-less grill.
And, I'm so glad that they chose to listen to the customer base and go with the "H" less grill.
To me, the car looks beautiful without the Hyundai H, so much so that it is probably at the top of my list when I am planning on buying a new car this summer. This is despite my reservations about my local dealer's service department, the hesitation to buy a new model car, the fact that it could be dropped by Hyundai in rapid order should it not meet sale's expectations, etc.
Now, I'm hoping that things like price, initial industry reports, and a thorough test drive bear out the expectations many are building around the newest to the Hyundai stable.
Reservations about local dealer service, fear of a new model and fear of the vehicle being discontinued: sounds like you have too many negatives to seriously consider this car. If you do buy it, you'll be continuously second guessing yourself whenever something is not perfect.
No, I won't. I always have some reservations before purchasing a car, not afterwards. Did you ever think that I might second guess myself later on if I were to buy something more tried and true and ended up wishing I'd gone with my gut and bought the Hyundai?
It's called due diligence. There is no car that exists where I wouldn't try to carefully consider potential downsides prior to purchase. Even on a great car like a 911, I'd question whether I was using my money wisely, potential repair and maintenance costs down the line, practicality, and on and on. I just do as much as I can before the fact to best insure my eventual satisfaction.
That's a good mantra to shop out any vehicle. You need to consider all of the pros/cons from a personal framework.
Here's my initial take: The Genesis is a great concept that Hyundai is investing in because they are using the value button. The first year is tricky because too many things need to go right with the initial launch (read nit problems). Because of the value, the buy decision is enticing if the drive experience is very close to the big guns in this category. Even if out the door the Genesis is $40K, this car will no doubt carve out a decent following. Just do not expect top quality and it will be a go.
Prosource...do you really think that Lexus, Acura and the other premium brands can build a car that can give buyers what the Genesis offers for the price that Hyundai will be selling it??? I mean...you're basically saying to sell the Infinity M, BMW 5-Series, Benz E-Class, Acura RL or Lexus GS below $40K. Can you really see that happening???
I don't see it happening, but could they? Absolutely. Sorry but the R&D, Materials, Labor, etc. of a $80,000+ Lexus cannot cost that much, I just don't buy it.
Honestly...I really don't see it as a possibility. If any of them did it, then they would lose their credibility. What Hyundai is doing with the Genesis...is really gonna be a hard act to follow by any of the premium brands. If anything, the regular brands (Toyota, Honda & Nissan) would be more so prompted to step up and create a "flag ship" car that would compete with the Genesis.
There was probably a reason for what Hyundai did...marketing prowess. Let folks see it from the front and wonder what it is. Get around to the back and see the "H" in the circle and be awestruck!!! How's that for a twist?
A Hyundai luxury brand would cost a LOT of money and I don't think Hyundai is ready to jump out there yet. I think the luxury brand is still in the makings, however...Hyundai wants to build a bit more credibility.
Basically you will see the car creep up in price over the next few years, a luxury brand will come out of it, and then they'll be just like Toyota/Lexu etc. So get in on it now similar to how those first few years of Lexus were bargains until they realized they could get more $ for their cars.
Basically you will see the car creep up in price over the next few years, a luxury brand will come out of it, and then they'll be just like Toyota/Lexu etc. So get in on it now similar to how those first few years of Lexus were bargains until they realized they could get more $ for their cars.
I completely agree. Looking at the potential of Hyundai and what they've done. The same will happen when Hyundai realizes that they can compete well with Lexus, They will eventually increase their prices in the luxury market because, well, they will be able to, just like Lexus and Infiniti.
You want bargain luxury prices? Now may be the time to jump on and get this Genesis, which looks to be the one that will stick it to Toyota, Nissan and Honda. I'm seriously looking at this car and will be happy to jump on the bandwagon of bargain luxury.
I'm right with you in giving strong consideration to the Genesis.
If I do end up with the car, I'll be sure to post more frequently to share my experiences and to chime in with any bugs that might appear, as well, of course, with the positives I find.
They'll definitely increase their prices, but still keep them in a range to make them affordable to the market they are targeting.
Hyundai hasn't done everything right by the Azera, but...the car itself is truly the best thing that Hyundai has put out to date. If it is any indication, the direction that Hyundai is going...the Genesis looks to be even better. :shades:
While the emblem is a huge factor to me and my wife, a bigger factor will be the sound system. I've been into audio for decades and can well appreciate how well Lexicon Logic works in home theater applications. I'm really hoping it hits the mark in the acoustic limitations presented by the cabins of cars.
What does the emblem have to do with the car and how well it performs (or not) or how the car feels (or not)???
Lexicon is the high end of Harman-Kardon, who also makes Infinity. The Infinity sound system in the Azera is a pretty good sounding system. It's not audiophile quality, but...it's head and shoulders better than most I've heard in other cars. Bose used to be the standard for top notch car audio, but I've found that not all Bose systems in all cars really sound that great!
I was reading an article where they asked super-producer Swizz Beatz for his opinion on the best sounding stereo sytem in a vehicle. His ultimate fave was the Lexicon system in the Rolls. I'm pretty sure that if the Lexicon in the Genesis sounds just half as good as the one in the Rolls...it'll still be better than anything else.
Maybe, just maybe...this would be the first sound system I won't touch in a car that I've owned...NAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LOL I'll still find something wrong with it. We'll see.
What does the emblem have to do with the car and how well it performs (or not) or how the car feels (or not)???
Huh? Didn't recall saying that. Maybe you can show me where. In any regard, it does make an important aesthetic difference to me...and others I assume. Much like color of paint or interior styling, something can be important to a consumer and not impact performance whatsoever.
As for the Lexicon, I really am hoping that I like it as much as Swizz Beatz did in the Rolls (thanks for pointing that out). I've only read one other comment about the car system and it was similar in tone.
By the way, I've never been a fan of Bose in home theater systems, but thought they did an "acceptable" job in an Infiniti (the car) system I heard.
If you end up with a Genesis, I'd be interested to hear how you modified the sound system. I used to be a moderator on a home theater forum and know that pretty well, but am kind of...well more than kind of...clueless as far as automobiles.
Only on a test drive, granted, but the Azera opened my eyes as to how good a Hyundai could be and, if the Genesis improves on this significantly, I'll be mightily impressed.
Featuring a wide array of audio innovations, the Lexicon Discrete Surround Audio System contains 7.1 channels of sound with a total output of 528 watts through 17 transducers (speakers). Two 3-way transducer systems provide the best-possible timbre balance, while also improving the clarity of audio playback. Five 2-way transducer systems yield the same sonic signature across all channels for optimum consistency in tone.
In addition to handling multiple media sources, Lexicon's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides unique system equalization giving both driver and passengers the best possible acoustic performance of any vehicle available today. Hyundai Genesis joins the Rolls Royce Phantom as the only automobile to offer a Lexicon-branded audio system featuring LOGIC 7(R) technology, which creates a wide and extremely satisfying sound stage for the system.
Lexicon digital sound processing technologies are used on more than 80 percent of all professional recordings, TV broadcasts, film soundtracks and music. Founded in 1971, Lexicon's involvement in both audio production and playback is unique in the industry. In 1978, the company introduced the first commercially-viable reverb line. Because DSP is used when the audio is created, playback on a Lexicon system is more true-to-life than on any other system.
From post #1171 -While the emblem is a huge factor to me and my wife, a bigger factor will be the sound system.
Well...I hope they do it a little different than they did with the Azera. I really like the Korean version with the clean grille and then have the "H" on the trunk lid.
Bose home theaters can sound good, but in my opinion...they are not the best. Don't get me wrong, they offer great sound from the package they are in.
As far as the Infinity system in the Azera...I've heard Infinity in other cars, I've heard JBL, Bose, Boston Acoustics and the one in the Azera has sounded better than almost all of them.
Well...I modded the system in my Azera. I changed the head unit, replaced the door speakers and added a sub in the trunk. As good as the factory set up was, it didn't offer the sound control I needed for my tastes. The bottom end was really the one thing that truly lacked in the set up and that's why I added the aftermarket sub.
To be honest...working with car audio is a lot like home audio. You find speakers that give you sound the way you like it and go with it.
As far as the Genesis, I would see only changing the door speakers (maybe) and possibly adding a sub in the trunk. I wouldn't mess with the head unit as it offers so much as is. The only tricky part would be adding the aftermarket sub, but if I tap in to the rear speaker outputs behind the head unit, run it to a line level converter so I can use RCA cables and then run RCA cables to the amp for the signal to the sub...done deal. :shades:
Well, I will never be a fan of Bose home systems, but I won't go into all the reasons here, but I agree so much on the value of a good, tight sub. Really, it just doubles my listening enjoyment. I really, really hope that the Genesis is solid in this regard.
I am envious of your knowledge in that I have little clue as to how I'd install one. There is a pretty good shop, from what I hear, near me, but I'd have to see how much they'd have to modify the car.
Bose home systems are great for music, don't care for them as home theater.
The factory sub in the Azera does a decent job, but...it struggles with the real low LOWS. So...with the head unit I have in now...the whole back end of the car (door speakers and factory sub) is cut off at 100 Hz high pass and the sub in the trunk is cut off at 100 Hz low pass. The front sound stage is cut off at 80 Hz high pass and if you close your eyes, you can almost see the performer standing on the dash singing to you.
Actually...it's not has hard as you think. Be careful with those shops, they can rip you off big time. A guy in the Saturn forum I frequent got a Pioneer AVIC-D2 installed in the dash and paid $1700 for everything!!! I found the unit for $650, the GM harness to keep On-Star and door chimes working was $130, dash kits and wire harnesses would be another $40...installing would take maybe an hour from start to finish. They really took him for a ride.
If you ever want to give it a try, just let me know...you'll be surprised at how easy it really is. The car itself wouldn't have to modified, just tap into a few wires here and there and, VIOLA!!!
I have two young daughters and know the local high school's autoshop teacher pretty well. Between all the boys hanging around my house and all the kids he has in his classes, I'll probably get all the installation help I need.
Where I might hit you up is on at that point is your recommendations for possible subs.
Well, I certainly can point you in the right direction and I can work with any budget you set. The only thing I would need to know is what type of sound you're looking for, what type of music you listen to and how do you listen to your music.
Like you, I've got a family (3 kids ranging from 6 mos - 13 yrs). I can play my music low and still enjoy full sound without blowing out my kids' ears. However, when I'm rolling solo with the windows down, I can crank up the tunes and hear EVERYTHING over the wind, road noise and other cars around me. The Infinity Kappa Series speakers in the doors are much more effecient than the factory ones were so it utilizes the power from the factory amp and plays louder and cleaner. Since I listen to a variety of music, my sub is in a sealed box and it's pushing about 450 watts. For some, that would be overkill, for some...a subtle upgrade. In my opinion...it's just right.
Here's the kicker...I'm actually going to be upgrading my sub set up so I can utilize my 600 watt Phoenix Gold Xenon amp. In order to do so, I have to use 2 subs to split the power up, instead of feeding it all to one sub. Soooooooooooo...hopefully when spring hits, I'll be able to work on it. The idea is an enclosure of concave design, painted glossy black to match the car and the amp will be mounted in such a way that it looks like it's floating in front of the subs. You can visit my carspace page to see the current set up.
Went and viewed both the interior and exterior mods. Super cool. My favorites were that Phoenix amp (that's a beautiful looking amp) and the head unit at night.
Thank you very much. I love that Phoenix amp as well...that's why I gotta get it back in the car. Right now...my sub is being powered by a Kenwood amp. The thing I was able to do was go with matching subs...the Phoenix Gold Xenon subs have a dust cap that looks like the amp.
It took me a while to pick the head unit, and I wanted something that flowed with the interior and gave me what I wanted feature-wise.
The enclosure I built the way I did so that I could still utilized the folding rear seats and not have to take the sub out. Well, now that we have a truck in the family...it's not so important an issue any more, so now I can go crazy with my set up. At some point...I plan on putting my car in shows, so I've gotta plan for it. The biggest interior change will be getting suede inserts in the seats that match the darker color on the top portion of the dash.
The genesis uses the fiber optic MOST interface. So putting in aftermarket equipment is going to be a nightmare. I don't think the dash is designed to put in aftermarket stereo equipment.
The only way it would be a problem is if the fiber optics run from the head unit to the amp. If it does, then it would be a matter of time before Scosche or Metra comes up with an adapter that will allow you to tap into the fiber optics.
The other option would be to tap into the signal from the sub (after the amp) as this would less likely be a fiber optic cable as a long run in an automobile would not be conducive to running fiber optics.
At any rate, I'll just have to sit back, wait and see.
Initially, the Azera didn't seem to have a dash that would be accepting of aftermarket equipment. Where there's a will...there will always be a way!
I see it as a real possibility. It may not be available for lease right out the door because the dealership makes more money by selling the car with in house financing to make interest on the deal. However, give it 3 to 6 months (I'd venture to say by late fall of this year) you should be able to get one fairly easily. The best part of a car company leasing is it allows more people to get a try at the car and voice their opinion. The quickest way to get excitement about a vehicle and, subsequently, more business is to get the car out in the public faster and in more numbers.
Some people like to drive more car than they can afford.
Seriously, sometimes the manufacturer will subsidize the lease, and the payments can be very attractive. For example, Hyundai has in the past subsidized the lease payments on the Sonata, and maybe on other Hyundais also. I can recall lease payments on the 2006+ Sonata GLS as low as $169/mo. with nothing down, in my area. That can be a good option for someone who intends to keep the car for only 2-3 years. The payments might not be much more than the depreciation on the car, so there's little risk.
But no word yet if any such lease will be available on the Genesis.
Rapidly depreciating is a relative term when you talk about cars. Most people cannot afford to pay cash for a new car, that's just the way it has been for decades.
According to Edmunds, my almost 35 month old, low milage '05 Sonata is worth about 57% of what I paid for it on a private party resale. That's pretty rapid depreciation but in the ball park of other mid-size cars.
At my present rate of payment, the car will be paid off in 15 months and I will own it, only having to pay for regular maintenance--average a couple hundred bucks a year(?).
The car has been trouble free and a pleasure to own and drive. Yeah, I could have paid cash for a $6000 used car rather than financing this car but I am sure that there would have been other expenses since that time and the car would have been "how many years" older leading to more maintenance expense.
Nobody has an idea what the depreciation on the Genesis will be. In fact, as Hyundai's reputation has been gradually growing in the last few years, nobody knows what the depreciation of any Hyundai will be in a couple of years.
Comments
http://www.hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/Video_Clips/Super_Bowl_Ad_1/Video_2604.asp-
#2
http://www.hyundainews.com/Media_Kits/Video_Clips/Super_Bowl_Ad_2/Video_2600.asp-
The grille on the Genesis shown in the Super Bowl ad was not like either of these shown.
One would assume that if Hyundai spent the big bucks for a Super Bowl ad, they would depict the car that they would be selling in the US market.
The Super Bowl ads serve a couple of purposes - one of which is a sneak preview/teaser about a new model; more importantly, it sets a continued premise in the elevation of the brand image. Of course, I would think Hyundai wants and expects to make inroads and tap into the luxury segment, but the indirect impact/effect the Genesis will have on the rest of the line and the brand overall is much more valuable and important, hard to quantify on a scale really.
On another note, in addition to the Super Bowl ads and internet marketing currently running on various websites such as Edmunds (since the US debut last month), there are a lot more marketing campaign to appear in the next few months as the car draws near its availability in showroom. Hyundai says the marketing will be the largest campaign in the US to date, obviously through various media outlets, but also tie-in with premium establishments and long pre-sell period, with events such as invitation-only and ride-and-drive.
At the Detroit auto show, the automaker showed one version of the Genesis with the Hyundai logo and one without. Apparently, reaction to the version without the logo was more positive, so that one will see production.
Hyundai's vice president of product development disclosed the decision at the Chicago Auto Show this week, according to trade publication Automotive News.
Many consumers associate the Hyundai nameplate with economy cars, so it's likely Hyundai feels the need to shun the image as much as possible. There were rumors about a new Hyundai luxury brand, but so far that idea has not materialized.
Regards,
OW
Why are all of you calling it the "plain" grille? Because it doesn't have a logo on it ?
I would call it a "bold" grille rather than plain. With 6 or 7 bars it would look a lot more like an E-class.. For better or worse...
I agree it is far better than the chicken wire grille with the big "H" in the middle..
I did add the specific model names so that this discussion will be sure to come up in any Forums searches.
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To me, the car looks beautiful without the Hyundai H, so much so that it is probably at the top of my list when I am planning on buying a new car this summer. This is despite my reservations about my local dealer's service department, the hesitation to buy a new model car, the fact that it could be dropped by Hyundai in rapid order should it not meet sale's expectations, etc.
Now, I'm hoping that things like price, initial industry reports, and a thorough test drive bear out the expectations many are building around the newest to the Hyundai stable.
Perhaps you should buy something else.
It's called due diligence. There is no car that exists where I wouldn't try to carefully consider potential downsides prior to purchase. Even on a great car like a 911, I'd question whether I was using my money wisely, potential repair and maintenance costs down the line, practicality, and on and on. I just do as much as I can before the fact to best insure my eventual satisfaction.
Here's my initial take: The Genesis is a great concept that Hyundai is investing in because they are using the value button. The first year is tricky because too many things need to go right with the initial launch (read nit problems). Because of the value, the buy decision is enticing if the drive experience is very close to the big guns in this category. Even if out the door the Genesis is $40K, this car will no doubt carve out a decent following. Just do not expect top quality and it will be a go.
Regards,
OW
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
A Hyundai luxury brand would cost a LOT of money and I don't think Hyundai is ready to jump out there yet. I think the luxury brand is still in the makings, however...Hyundai wants to build a bit more credibility.
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
I completely agree. Looking at the potential of Hyundai and what they've done. The same will happen when Hyundai realizes that they can compete well with Lexus, They will eventually increase their prices in the luxury market because, well, they will be able to, just like Lexus and Infiniti.
You want bargain luxury prices? Now may be the time to jump on and get this Genesis, which looks to be the one that will stick it to Toyota, Nissan and Honda. I'm seriously looking at this car and will be happy to jump on the bandwagon of bargain luxury.
If I do end up with the car, I'll be sure to post more frequently to share my experiences and to chime in with any bugs that might appear, as well, of course, with the positives I find.
Hyundai hasn't done everything right by the Azera, but...the car itself is truly the best thing that Hyundai has put out to date. If it is any indication, the direction that Hyundai is going...the Genesis looks to be even better. :shades:
If it does, I will be extremely happy.
Lexicon is the high end of Harman-Kardon, who also makes Infinity. The Infinity sound system in the Azera is a pretty good sounding system. It's not audiophile quality, but...it's head and shoulders better than most I've heard in other cars. Bose used to be the standard for top notch car audio, but I've found that not all Bose systems in all cars really sound that great!
I was reading an article where they asked super-producer Swizz Beatz for his opinion on the best sounding stereo sytem in a vehicle. His ultimate fave was the Lexicon system in the Rolls. I'm pretty sure that if the Lexicon in the Genesis sounds just half as good as the one in the Rolls...it'll still be better than anything else.
Maybe, just maybe...this would be the first sound system I won't touch in a car that I've owned...NAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! LOL I'll still find something wrong with it. We'll see.
Huh? Didn't recall saying that. Maybe you can show me where. In any regard, it does make an important aesthetic difference to me...and others I assume. Much like color of paint or interior styling, something can be important to a consumer and not impact performance whatsoever.
As for the Lexicon, I really am hoping that I like it as much as Swizz Beatz did in the Rolls (thanks for pointing that out). I've only read one other comment about the car system and it was similar in tone.
By the way, I've never been a fan of Bose in home theater systems, but thought they did an "acceptable" job in an Infiniti (the car) system I heard.
If you end up with a Genesis, I'd be interested to hear how you modified the sound system.
Only on a test drive, granted, but the Azera opened my eyes as to how good a Hyundai could be and, if the Genesis improves on this significantly, I'll be mightily impressed.
In addition to handling multiple media sources, Lexicon's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides unique system equalization giving both driver and passengers the best possible acoustic performance of any vehicle available today. Hyundai Genesis joins the Rolls Royce Phantom as the only automobile to offer a Lexicon-branded audio system featuring LOGIC 7(R) technology, which creates a wide and extremely satisfying sound stage for the system.
Lexicon digital sound processing technologies are used on more than 80 percent of all professional recordings, TV broadcasts, film soundtracks and music. Founded in 1971, Lexicon's involvement in both audio production and playback is unique in the industry. In 1978, the company introduced the first commercially-viable reverb line. Because DSP is used when the audio is created, playback on a Lexicon system is more true-to-life than on any other system.
Well...I hope they do it a little different than they did with the Azera. I really like the Korean version with the clean grille and then have the "H" on the trunk lid.
Bose home theaters can sound good, but in my opinion...they are not the best. Don't get me wrong, they offer great sound from the package they are in.
As far as the Infinity system in the Azera...I've heard Infinity in other cars, I've heard JBL, Bose, Boston Acoustics and the one in the Azera has sounded better than almost all of them.
Well...I modded the system in my Azera. I changed the head unit, replaced the door speakers and added a sub in the trunk. As good as the factory set up was, it didn't offer the sound control I needed for my tastes. The bottom end was really the one thing that truly lacked in the set up and that's why I added the aftermarket sub.
To be honest...working with car audio is a lot like home audio. You find speakers that give you sound the way you like it and go with it.
As far as the Genesis, I would see only changing the door speakers (maybe) and possibly adding a sub in the trunk. I wouldn't mess with the head unit as it offers so much as is. The only tricky part would be adding the aftermarket sub, but if I tap in to the rear speaker outputs behind the head unit, run it to a line level converter so I can use RCA cables and then run RCA cables to the amp for the signal to the sub...done deal. :shades:
I am envious of your knowledge in that I have little clue as to how I'd install one. There is a pretty good shop, from what I hear, near me, but I'd have to see how much they'd have to modify the car.
The factory sub in the Azera does a decent job, but...it struggles with the real low LOWS. So...with the head unit I have in now...the whole back end of the car (door speakers and factory sub) is cut off at 100 Hz high pass and the sub in the trunk is cut off at 100 Hz low pass. The front sound stage is cut off at 80 Hz high pass and if you close your eyes, you can almost see the performer standing on the dash singing to you.
Actually...it's not has hard as you think. Be careful with those shops, they can rip you off big time. A guy in the Saturn forum I frequent got a Pioneer AVIC-D2 installed in the dash and paid $1700 for everything!!! I found the unit for $650, the GM harness to keep On-Star and door chimes working was $130, dash kits and wire harnesses would be another $40...installing would take maybe an hour from start to finish. They really took him for a ride.
If you ever want to give it a try, just let me know...you'll be surprised at how easy it really is. The car itself wouldn't have to modified, just tap into a few wires here and there and, VIOLA!!!
I have two young daughters and know the local high school's autoshop teacher pretty well. Between all the boys hanging around my house and all the kids he has in his classes, I'll probably get all the installation help I need.
Where I might hit you up is on at that point is your recommendations for possible subs.
Well, I certainly can point you in the right direction and I can work with any budget you set. The only thing I would need to know is what type of sound you're looking for, what type of music you listen to and how do you listen to your music.
Like you, I've got a family (3 kids ranging from 6 mos - 13 yrs). I can play my music low and still enjoy full sound without blowing out my kids' ears. However, when I'm rolling solo with the windows down, I can crank up the tunes and hear EVERYTHING over the wind, road noise and other cars around me. The Infinity Kappa Series speakers in the doors are much more effecient than the factory ones were so it utilizes the power from the factory amp and plays louder and cleaner. Since I listen to a variety of music, my sub is in a sealed box and it's pushing about 450 watts. For some, that would be overkill, for some...a subtle upgrade. In my opinion...it's just right.
Here's the kicker...I'm actually going to be upgrading my sub set up so I can utilize my 600 watt Phoenix Gold Xenon amp. In order to do so, I have to use 2 subs to split the power up, instead of feeding it all to one sub. Soooooooooooo...hopefully when spring hits, I'll be able to work on it. The idea is an enclosure of concave design, painted glossy black to match the car and the amp will be mounted in such a way that it looks like it's floating in front of the subs. You can visit my carspace page to see the current set up.
Whatever assistance you need, just let me know.
You are talented!!!
It took me a while to pick the head unit, and I wanted something that flowed with the interior and gave me what I wanted feature-wise.
The enclosure I built the way I did so that I could still utilized the folding rear seats and not have to take the sub out. Well, now that we have a truck in the family...it's not so important an issue any more, so now I can go crazy with my set up. At some point...I plan on putting my car in shows, so I've gotta plan for it. The biggest interior change will be getting suede inserts in the seats that match the darker color on the top portion of the dash.
The other option would be to tap into the signal from the sub (after the amp) as this would less likely be a fiber optic cable as a long run in an automobile would not be conducive to running fiber optics.
At any rate, I'll just have to sit back, wait and see.
Initially, the Azera didn't seem to have a dash that would be accepting of aftermarket equipment. Where there's a will...there will always be a way!
(This may be a dumb question, but I'm just not familiar with how car companies deal with the release of a new car with regards to leasing.)
Thanks!
Bill
All cars have lease options, although some are not through the manufacturer.
As for leasing, why lease? Why lease or finance a rapidly depreciating item such as a car if you can't afford to pay cash?
Seriously, sometimes the manufacturer will subsidize the lease, and the payments can be very attractive. For example, Hyundai has in the past subsidized the lease payments on the Sonata, and maybe on other Hyundais also. I can recall lease payments on the 2006+ Sonata GLS as low as $169/mo. with nothing down, in my area. That can be a good option for someone who intends to keep the car for only 2-3 years. The payments might not be much more than the depreciation on the car, so there's little risk.
But no word yet if any such lease will be available on the Genesis.
According to Edmunds, my almost 35 month old, low milage '05 Sonata is worth about 57% of what I paid for it on a private party resale. That's pretty rapid depreciation but in the ball park of other mid-size cars.
At my present rate of payment, the car will be paid off in 15 months and I will own it, only having to pay for regular maintenance--average a couple hundred bucks a year(?).
The car has been trouble free and a pleasure to own and drive. Yeah, I could have paid cash for a $6000 used car rather than financing this car but I am sure that there would have been other expenses since that time and the car would have been "how many years" older leading to more maintenance expense.
Nobody has an idea what the depreciation on the Genesis will be. In fact, as Hyundai's reputation has been gradually growing in the last few years, nobody knows what the depreciation of any Hyundai will be in a couple of years.