2014 Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis

What's New

Hyundai has just previewed what its future luxury segment vehicles could look like, in both an aesthetic and technological vision. A few short years ago, if you were to pair Hyundai and luxury in the same sentence you'd get a funny look in response. But how quickly things can change. The Genesis and Equus offer plenty of features, performance, and luxury, and at a significant discount over competitors. The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis previews the next-generation of the Hyundai Genesis, which originally debuted in 2008. Hyundai CEO John Krafcik said the HCD-14 was not the next Genesis, but elements and ideas from the vehicle could be incorporated. Employing Hyundai's new "Fluidic Precision" design language, the newer luxury vehicles could be sleeker than the current, plain-Jane ones. Hyundai says drivers will be able to use "3-D gestures" to communicate with new in-cabin technology. In a short video we were shown the futuristic tech that can read hand-gestures, ones used to control the climate, audio, navigation and even make phone calls.

Who It's For

Continuing the in the Genesis tradition, the next generation will target luxury buyers looking for lots of features, but who don't necessarily need the cachet of a German luxury sedan. The current Genesis is loaded with amenities, but suffers from bland aesthetics. The HCD-14 Genesis resembles an updated Audi A7, a look we like a lot. The next generation Genesis will look to compete most directly with the Lexus GS 350, which is new and successfully updated. Other competitors could include the Audi A6/A7, and possibly the Cadillac XTS.

Key Features

The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis showcases a conceptual vision of the next Genesis, with all the style we've come to expect from the Korean automaker.

• Sleek design, channeling the newest Fluidic Precision design language.
• 3-D gesture technology in-cabin, that will allow users to communicate using gestures
• Hyundai's new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, currently available on the Genesis.

What We Think

The Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis previews the future of Hyundai's luxury sedans. When the Genesis first debuted in 2008, people were shocked to see a Korean econo-car company debut such an advanced vehicle. A few years later, and we've come to expect great things from Hyundai. Yet the automaker has continued to delight with feature-rich cars, accessible pricing, and unique, fresh designs. On those marks, the next Genesis is likely to deliver, and could further the Genesis nameplate.

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