Hyundai Genesis

Genesis.

The biblical reference to Hyundai’s all-new 2009 flagship sedan is unmistakably intentional.

Apparently the South Korean manufacturer is not-so-subtly announcing a new beginning to the world-class, luxury sport sedan category. When an automaker brings to market a car with the capability and features of competitors’ $60,000 vehicles for roughly half the price, maybe divinity is involved.

One statement can be made for sure: I’m a believer.

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven, rear-wheel-drive architecture and features 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6 engines, as well as a 4.6-liter V8 powerplant. My tester was of the 3.8-liter V6 variety, mated to an Aisin six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission with an overdrive lock-up converter for improved highway fuel economy.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Genesis looks, feels and performs like a Lexus, BMW, Infiniti or even a Mercedes-Benz for four bits on the dollar.

The 3.8-liter engine delivers 268 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, making power a moot point. The rear-wheel layout allowed engineers to move the car’s front wheels far forward, delivering exceptional handling and steering control. The interior is library quiet, and easy-chair comfortable for all four occupants.

Here’s the teaser list of standard stuff packed into the Genesis: Push-button start, proximity key, heated and cooled driver’s seat (everything’s leather), electronic parking brake, power rear sunshade, power/tilt sunroof, ultraviolet reflective tilt/telescoping steering wheel, soft-touch dash with wood accents, Bluetooth wireless cell technology, iPod hookups, auto windshield defogger with rain-sensing wipers, climate control, and a Lexicon discrete surround audio package that made Coldplay and Neil Diamond sound as if they were literally singing and playing in the car.

What is an ultraviolet reflective steering wheel, you wonder? Genesis is the only car in this segment to offer this feature that keeps the steering wheel cool to the touch, even in scorching sunlight. Not such as big deal around here, especially right now, but there’s always next summer.

The only optional goodies would be the same Lexicon sound system found in a Rolls Royce, which includes a 12-channel digital amplifier, 17 speakers, 500 watts of power and 7.1 discrete audio; navigation system with eight-inch screen; back-up camera; HD and satellite radio; and even a 30-gb in-dash hard drive.

To keep the Genesis metaphor going, you’d think you had died and gone to heaven.

The Genesis suspension is among the most sophisticated and refined anywhere, so it comes as no surprise that it delivers precise and immediate responsiveness, optimizes road surface contact, and keeps all passengers (in my case that includes school carpoolers and soccer players) in a state of pampered tranquility.

Safety features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and smart cruise control — which uses radar to maintain the distance between the

Genesis and the car in front of you in the same lane.

Being over 50 and handicapped by extra-thick spectacles, I must also mention the car’s Xenon high-density headlamps. They really lit-up the pavement, providing extra confidence to an old guy trying to get around after dark.