The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a totally new luxury sport sedan. With its rear-wheel drive and available V8 power, the Genesis aspires to the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Infiniti M, but is priced more like American competitors such as the Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8. Hyundai is best known here for the econoboxes it sold when it first came to America, but the Korean automaker has been moving upmarket for several years. The Genesis represents its biggest leap yet and is the companys most expensive and most luxurious car. Inside, the Genesis is nicely appointed, with chrome accents, wood and aluminum trim, and soft-touch materials. Easy-to-read electroluminescent gauges greet the driver, and the available navigation system includes voice activation and a multimedia interface that is easier to use than those from most luxury manufacturers. An iPod interface is standard, and customers can choose a 17-speaker audio system that has 7.1 surround and sounds great. Room in the front and rear seats is excellent. The Genesis marks the debut of Hyundais first V8, a 4.6-liter dual overhead cam engine with 375 horsepower. The V8 provides plenty of smooth, willing power and gets decent fuel economy. Also available is a 290-hp 3.8-liter V6. The V6 offers enough pep for most needs and has the benefit of an extra couple mpg. Both engines run quietly and are mated to smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shiftgates.