Hyundai when announced a few years back that they will be bringing out several new luxury models with an eye toward shipping these cars to the ultra competitive North American and European markets, many auto experts felt that the Korean automaker has gone crazy. The criticism played no role in kindling up Hyundai’s ability to build these types of vehicles that they have been doing for long years. That’s just like selling a Chevy at a Cadillac dealership.

Despite the criticism from various corners, Hyundai moved ahead and

launched its flagship Genesis sedan to the US. It will immediately follow that car up with the Genesis coupe. Hyundai is also pushing upmarket with a car that is luxurious and undercutting its competition.

Hyundai has a history of bringing out several popular cars in its crosshairs as it rolls out the Genesis. The Cadillac CTS, Lexus ES, and Chrysler 300 are just a few among them. Big names like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, and Acura are also fair game, and it is the owners of these models who Hyundai would like to persuade to consider the Genesis. Hyundai is fully confident that a number of Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet owners wouldn’t mind paying a few thousand dollars more to get Cadillac quality at a Pontiac price.

The Genesis will be available in two engine choices: a 3.8L V6 or a powerful 4.6L V8 producing 375 horsepower. It will have a rear wheel drive platform that also matches what luxury car buyers want.

Apart from the engine choices, the Genesis is all about luxury. The top features include four wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control; traction control; front and side mounted airbags; adaptive lighting; power everything; driver information system; backup camera and woodgrain trim. One thing is clear. Hyundai has outperformed itself with the Genesis and is going to give a hard time for the competitors.

Tags: luxury, Car, Audi, Toyota, Mercedes, Nissan, engine, US, Korea, Hyundai Genesis, horsepower, Lexus ES, ship

In the late 1990s, Nissan, the Japanese automaker rolled out a new version of its Maxima to the critical acclaim of automobile experts as well as to consumers. It went a step ahead in 2004 by launching it. The Maxima was perceived by many as a step backward and sales dropped accordingly. After a span of 5 years, Nissan is poised to release a new Maxima and the company has the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon in its crosshairs! Nissan has a long history in the automobile market.

It has enjoyed the confidence of drivers and car lovers with its alluring models and mesmerizing performance on roads.

There is no doubt that the disappointed consumers with a particular model will look elsewhere foe nice models. Not even brand loyalty can keep consumers in the fold. Nissan found this out painfully in 2003 as the first Maxima was were released in 2004. Sales dropped down terrifically as potential buyers complained about the cheap looking interior as well as the uninspiring exterior.

Nissan’s loss was Chrysler’s and Toyota’s gain. The full sized, rear wheel drive Chrysler 300 has performed very well and the all-new-for-2006 Toyota Avalon was evoking favourable comparisons with current Lexus models. Nissan, after realizing the debacle was busy in Maxima’s redesigning. It has pushed the new car up market. This means that the all new Maxima will probably more resemble a vehicle from Nissan’s luxury car division Infiniti than any Nissan has to date.

And now, what are the major changes? The line of changes will include a redesigned exterior that takes its styling cues from Infiniti and a much more luxurious and refined interior along with more optional equipment made standard.

Sure, you may have to pay more for the new Maxima, but in the end you are certain to drive away with a car that competes effectively with Chrysler and Toyota for sales in the all important large car segment. Hope this is a good news for Nissan and the car lovers.

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