by Zack K
Full disclosure: I only drove the Azera from the Mandarin Oriental to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, a distance of 54 miles. As such, my impressions are based on a brief experience on glass-smooth roads, with a few long curves.
A few weeks ago I went to Las Vegas for Hyundai’s 2012 Azera launch, and although I didn’t drift around a Maxim model or race a Veyron SS in it, I did find plenty of good things to say about the car. Jump to read on. (more…)
Taking money from a major automotive manufacturer is a big no-no in this business, for obvious reasons. I walked a fine line with that a year ago when I participated in the Ford Focus Rally, a month-long commercial game show featuring the 2012 Ford Focus. Although I was paid to appear on the show (like I would put up with that shit for 5 seconds if you didn’t pay me), I refused to write or film a review of the Ford Focus, despite finding it to be a rather nice car. But how about a straight payout from the CEO of a major automaker? If I were Jack Baruth, I’d be preparing a very angry article right now. But don’t worry, Jack, I earned this one.
Road trips are a big part of TST, and despite being a few years too old for “punch buggy”, “20 questions” or “Touch it, son, it’s ok.” we manage to have a pretty good time on long drives.
Thad and Matt are on their way to the Prescott Rally, to support and film Tom Morningstar (TST co-creator/director) who is a budding rally co-driver. On the road today the guys found a few econobox test mules out for a morning drive on East I-10.
In 2008, I tested the original Genesis Sedan V6 and found it to be a giant leap forward for Hyundai, offering true luxury car feel and build quality, at a price thousands less than its Japanese and European competitors. It’s front-engine, rear drive platform, solid chassis, and more than competent driving dynamics made for a solid value argument in the entry-level luxury segment, an increasingly popular segment as up-and-comers look for value over brand image, and image-conscious wealthy people continue to step down from vehicles linked to the image of excess. Three years later, and Hyundai’s brand image, reputation for reliability, and yes, horsepower ratings continue to rise. We couldn’t wait to test the newest Genesis in the lineup, the top-tier, 429-horsepower 5.0L R-Spec model. Will it move the Genesis, literally and figuratively, beyond entry-level luxury cruiser into the ultra-competitive world of the “sport sedan,” ruled by the AMG’s and M-powered Bimmers? Hit the jump to find out.
Today was a good day. Thaddeus and I spent the morning driving the 2012 Hyundai Accent, and the afternoon in the new Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, which sounds like some kind of ricer meets muscle car but is actually a large-ish luxury sedan. Clearly, Hyundai’s vehicle naming department shares an office with Acura’s exterior design school. Poor naming aside, the Genesis R-Spec is quite the sleeper, a quiet, nonchalant sedan with seemingly nothing to prove. But under the hood of this silver family-mobile lurks a beastly 5-liter V8 churning out 429 horsepower through an 8-speed gearbox. It may not growl like its German competitors, but as Matt demonstrates, it has no problem vaporizing a set of tires.
Video after the jump
It’s a beautiful thing when crisp mountain air mixes with high octane exhaust. There are a litany of automotive Mecca’s that every auto enthusiast must experience at least once in this lifetime, and the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of them. This stunning event takes place in the mountains outside of Colorado Springs, CO, and gives the petrol head the rare chance to enjoy nature and fast cars. I went yesterday for the first time, continue reading to see what I found…
“What car is that?”
“It’s a Hyundai Sonata.” I replied to the gas station attendant in who-cares-unless-you-like-meth-and-cow-shit, CA. I’d find myself explaining this car several more times on my two day trip to Santa Cruz. No one expects their eyebrows to get raised by a Hyundai. I didn’t. Make the jump for the full review.
Oh yeah, he’s sponsored by Mountain Dew for sure.
With a title like “The Worst Car Show in History,” this can’t be any ordinary posting. What do all the photos in this amazing gallery have in common? They were all taken at a single car show. That’s right, all the suck in these pictures can be found at a single car show. What can you expect in this amazing gallery?
Bondo? Check
Duct tape holding on body kits? Check
Heinous paint jobs with lots of overspray? Check
Stock econoboxes parked among showcars? Check
Dangerous wiring jobs, horrid interior treatments, extraneous lighting? Check, Check, and Check.
Lamborghini doors on a Toyota with side view mirrors broken off? Oh yeah.
Hit the jump for the Carslile 2010 Mega-Gallery of suck.
Thanks, Vinny for the tip!
Source: [Zilvia.net user CTNewman]
It has come to my attention that some of you viewers think that we didn’t do a good job of reviewing the car in the most recent episode of The Smoking Tire. For those people who think that way, here’s a quick review of our subject car, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe V6 Touring:
The Genesis Coupe, Hyundai’s first attempt at a rear-wheel-drive sports car, comes at exactly the right time. Hyundai is on its way up, with sales improving every month and the brilliant Genesis sedan acting as flagship for its 2-door baby brother. I don’t like that these two cars share the same name, because in practice, that’s where the similarities stop. The Genesis sedan is the Lexus LS400 of the 2000′s, undercutting the big boys with technology, fit and finish, and performance that’s way out of its price range. The Genesis Coupe looks to be more of that on paper, but it simply isn’t.
The Smoking Tire’s Matt Farah meets a weird French Chef who takes him on a road trip to Santa Barbara in the Hyundai Genesis Coupe to find fresh ingredients and wine for a meal. Then things start getting strange. Don’t play with knives in a moving car, kids.
One of the sickest 458 Italias in existence!!
YouTube / Facebook / Jason Thorgalsen Photography