2011 Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai has been making a name for itself in recent years with its stellar warranty and award-winning cars. And when it comes to the Genesis, it seems Hyundai knows what it’s doing. This four-door luxury-like sedan comes priced in the low $30,000s, which means it beats some of its German competitors in terms of sticker shock. And given that the Genesis was named the North American Car of the Year in 2009, there’s reason to believe it deserved the honors.

Powerful engines are par for the course with the 2011 Hyundai Genesis. Two V6 engines are available – a 3.3-liter and a 3.8-liter. The big news revolves around the ultra-powerful 4.6-liter V8, though. Rear-wheel drive remains the only option for the Genesis, which is sure to disappoint some drivers. However, a brand-new, eight-speed automatic transmission is bound to mitigate that disappointment somewhat. Pricing is another perk – the V6 starts at about $34K, while the V8 starts at about $41K.

The three engines that are available for the 2011 Hyundai Genesis all provide ample power. A 3.3-liter DOHC V6 produces 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque; a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 gets 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet. Meanwhile, a 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine produces 375 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. A brand-new, eight-speed automatic transmission enhances fuel economy and boosts acceleration, pairing nicely with any one of the three available engines.