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The imitation of established brands is part of the process a new auto brand goes through as they try to establish themselves.
The Japanese did it with the early Toyotas and Datsuns (Nissan's brand) 40+ years ago. I remember that we all -- even those who were not car enthusiasts -- criticised those early Toyotas and Datsuns as being bad copies of American cars. Slowly, though, they started to get a "Japanese" design language that was unique.
The Koreans did it 20+ ~ 30 years ago when Hyundai first started selling here in North America. The Koreans have just started -- in the last 10 years or so -- to come up with their own design language.
The Japanese luxury brands did it also when they first came out 25 years ago. Although the smaller, less expensive models (especially the models that were re-badged mass-market models, such as the Lexus ES and RX) did not obviously incorporate German luxury brand design cues, the LS obviously did incorporate some Mercedes-Benz-inspired design cues. Arguably, it was Lexus' L-Finesse design language of the past 10 years that started the uniquely Lexus design language that was not a copy of the Germans.
The Chinese are still in the phase of copying established brands. It is just that some Chinese brands are much too obvious in their copying.
The process of copying and imitating is an evolutionary and necessary step for new automakers. They learn by copying established brands and models. But it is also a marketing necessity. If a new brand introduced their own designs into their new market, they may not get noticed; but if they introduce models that remind potential buyers of an established model, and are to sell them with more features and/or lower prices, they can claim to "sell a Mercedes-Benz with greater value". Obviously, Hyundai and Kia did this, but now that they (Hyundai's and Kia's mass market models but not the luxury models) are established, they no longer have to yell and scream to get noticed; they can start to introduce their own unique design cues and design language.
Saw the G90 in the flesh today. It definitely has road presence. Does it look like a Sonata post puberty? Depends on who you ask. But it is a very handsome in person.
The Equus was a strange sedan in Hyundai's lineup, trying to exist as a rival to the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class while being part of a brand that focuses on economic frugality. Now that Hyundai spun Genesis off into its own, dedicated luxury brand, the G90 (formerly Equus) has a better chance to shine, and its price gives it a solid leg up on the competition.
The 2017 Genesis G90 will hit dealerships at the end of September, and its starting price is set at $68,100. For that money, you get rear wheel drive and a 3.3-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine good for 365 horsepower. Opt for all-wheel drive, and the price jumps up to $70,600.
If that's not enough power for you, there's also the 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8, which puts out 420 horsepower. The RWD Genesis G90 5.0 starts at $69,700, or $1,600 more than the G90 3.3. All-wheel drive can be had here, as well, which brings the price up to $72,200. Considering you can't get into an Audi A8 for less than $82,500, or a Mercedes S-Class for less than $96,600, that's a pretty solid deal for a full-size luxury sedan.
No matter what engine you opt for, Genesis loads your car up with a whole boatload of safety systems and complimentary services. Its standard safety suite includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection and front and rear parking sensors.
Complimentary services include three years (or 36,000 miles) of scheduled maintenance, three years of Genesis' connected services and three years of its service valet, which involves having a valet pick up your car for service, leaving you with a loaner on the spot.
i think their choices are dead on this time... a twin turbo 3.3 v6 for 365HP and an optional 5.0 v8 for 420HP for only $1600 more. awd is another $2500. not bad at all.
This newly created brand looks like they have a winner on their hands. The G90 looks like a $150K car from the outside. Interior can be argued but it is pretty nicely done. I have no idea if this is a new model or a re-badged Equus but it is indeed impressive. I think we will be seeing Genesis stand alone dealers popping up at some point. Sadly for Cadillac, Hyundai in a short time has supplanted Cadillac IMO for what an acceptable luxury should be, this Genesis has done it. I also think Lexus has the most to lose with the new brand and their new cars. The A8 and S-Class are priced way to high for this thing to really compare but it does compare really well with the $72K LS460.
The A8 is priced too high? Have you ever looked at the price of an A8? The A8L starts at $82,000. Remember the G90 is a LWB car and is bigger than an LS460 SWB. Makes it even a better value, but the A8 is one of the better priced entries in the segment.
Exterior looking like a $150k car? Wouldn't go that far but it's attractive. Have to see one in person.
i think their choices are dead on this time... a twin turbo 3.3 v6 for 365HP and an optional 5.0 v8 for 420HP for only $1600 more. awd is another $2500. not bad at all.
and no stupid leather boot for a shifter...
and nice nav / audio on screen...
Nice choice of engines, no lame 4 or 5 cylinder thank god. I like the interior design.
Interesting pricing on engines, the 6 cylinder starts out at $69K with good power, 8 cylinder is only about $1500 more at $70,650 with over 400hp. Kind of makes it a no brainer to step up to the V8, V8 is likely slightly better equipped too. I like the design of the interior more then a 5 series, GS, RLX, A6, Caddy. They kept most buttons for most features which is very nice too though I will have to sit in one to see and feel the quality differences. Paying 70K for a Hyundai will be a very hard pill to swallow for many buyers but considering it is competing with flagship sedans that start over 15 or 20K more and it is now a stand alone lux brand they should get decent sales. I hope the brand scucceeds and forces other companies to offer better cars at their prices or even be more competitive with pricing which is getting way out of hand.
This newly created brand looks like they have a winner on their hands. The G90 looks like a $150K car from the outside. Interior can be argued but it is pretty nicely done. ... I think we will be seeing Genesis stand alone dealers popping up at some point. Sadly for Cadillac, Hyundai in a short time has supplanted Cadillac IMO for what an acceptable luxury should be, this Genesis has done it. I also think Lexus has the most to lose with the new brand and their new cars.
i agree with this except the cadillac part. I think the ct6 is pretty awesome.
01-15-16 | 06:45 PM
