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2017 Genesis G90 First Drive

The Genesis G90, new flagship of a new brand, makes me think of Shakespeare. Specifically, the tragedy of Troilus and Cressida, one of the Bard's more obscure and difficult works. But not because that play has much to do with the G90, but because that oft-forgotten work lent the Toyota Cressida, itself an obscure thing, its name. We're playing six degrees of Kevin Bacon with old playwrights and forgotten Toyota sedans because the luxurious Toyota Cressida directly paved the way for the Lexus LS400 to emerge a few years later. Since Lexus was the most phenomenal success to emerge from the late 1980s Japanese luxury brand movement, what better template for success? Genesis's Cressida was the Hyundai Equus. Both were uniquely badged, both sat slightly apart from a much less luxurious lineup. Both were not quite translated to American tastes, attempting to pass off indigenous flavors as export bonuses. The Cressida was pinched and cramped within, and frosted with gimmicky electronics; the Equus was tailor-made to a Korean businessperson's tastes. Both tested the waters and proved to product planners that there was room for a luxury brand. Lose the battle, win the war. Don't tell that to Troilus, though. Genesis won't quit with the G90. They're planning six vehicles by 2020, and the G80 (the old Hyundai Genesis sedan) is going on sale in September. A smaller G70 sedan will follow up later on. We expect an all-wheel drive coupe (or coupeish four-door) to replace the unloved Genesis Coupe, which should be significantly more upscale and luxurious to compete with the German brands. If it looks anything like the Vision G coupe concept from 2015, that won't be hard. Erwin Raphael, brand manager in the US for Genesis, tells us that a small SUV built on the G70 platform and a mid-sized one built on the G80 platform will follow (and in this SUV-crazy market, can't come soon enough). The slide below, provided by Genesis, shows the way forward. Genesis will craft its luxury brand not only with product, but also with a few customer service pillars that are worth a mention. Genesis expects most of their cars will be leased, and so they include a bunch of perks crafted to a typical lease period, like free service. On top of that, all Genesis dealers will offer a valet-style service to pick up your car for maintenance while dropping off a loaner. Other brands and dealerships do this piecemeal, but it will be a brand-wide pillar for Genesis.

Hyundai previews new infotainment system ahead of CES

One of the most common refrains in the world of automotive infotainment is that soon, smartphone-enabled infotainment systems would come to dominate the industry. We've seen some progress in this regard, with a number of automakers offering apps and services that take advantage of a driver's smartphone data plan, but few that have gone whole hog and offered a system that genuinely relied on a cellular service. At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai will offer up its take on smartphone-enabled infotainment, with a new, seven-inch-touchscreen Display Audio system. Designed specifically to work with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system will first be rolled out to Hyundai's more affordable 2016 offerings before rolling out to the brand's entire entry-level lineup. Once mated with the car, both systems will offer access to a plethora of third-party apps, in addition to the typical satellite navigation and text message services. Apple CarPlay users will build on the standard suite of stuff with Siri Eyes Free. Overall, whichever phone you're loyal to, this new Hyundai system sounds remarkably interesting. Of course, expect to hear plenty about the new Display Audio system in the coming months. Until then, let us know what you think in Comments. Should automakers just stick to traditional infotainment systems, or do you support the idea of relying on a smartphone inside the car? Scroll down for the full press release. HYUNDAI TO DEBUT DISPLAY AUDIO SYSTEM AT 2015 CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW All-New Infotainment Unit to Be Offered in Select 2016 Models Brings Android Auto™, which extends the Android™ platform in a way that is purpose built for driving Brings Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer and best iPhone experience, on four wheels Features the next generation Blue Link system with Connected Care, a suite of safety and car care features and remote engine start with climate control Incorporates the latest smartphone-enabled technologies and the next generation Blue Link® system into more lower price Hyundai models without embedded navigation systems The Display Audio system includes a large color touch-screen display that has been optimized for smartphone integration Fountain valley, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014 – Hyundai is doing the unthinkable at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES®) by showing a new Display Audio system with no CD player or embedded navigation system.

Peter Schreyer designs the future of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis

Peter Schreyer now leads the design teams at Hyundai, Kia, and the new Genesis brand. He has the difficult task of differentiating the three brands aesthetically, even if they share mechanical components. A new profile about the designer by Bloomberg shows just how much he means to the Korean brands, and it's well worth a read. According to Bloomberg, Schreyer has distinctive ideas for the Korean brands' design. A Kia should look sporty and appeal to young buyers. In contrast, a Hyundai would be for someone who prefers a minimalist design. So far, Genesis is blending those traits for its Athletic Elegance design language. Schreyer went to Kia from Volkswagen Group in 2006, and his mission was to revolutionize the Korean's brand's boring look. He succeeded with sharper, more modern designs for vehicles like the Optima and Sorento that arrived after he took over. He did such a good job there that Hyundai-Kia Motor Group appointed him as its first non-Korean president at the end of 2012. He also now oversees former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke at the Genesis luxury brand. Bloomberg speaks with industry analysts and other designers to get a better idea of Schreyer's meaning to the company. The piece presents him as an easygoing person who knows exactly how each vehicle should look. If you want to get a better Schreyer and his work at Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, the story is worth checking out. Related Video: