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2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Veracruz
The Veracruz Limited model adds several high-demand features to its long list of standard equipment. This equipment includes memory settings for the power driver seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, adjustable gas and brake pedals, proximity key with immobilizer, rain-sensing wipers, 115-volt power outlets and lighted door scuff plates.

On the street, the new Veracruz offers capable, fuel-efficient performance. To maximize torque across the rev range, the engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on the intake valves and a Variable Intake System which helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads for light weight and thermal efficiency, and features a steel timing chain with no scheduled  maintenance.

Genesis
After seeing a nearly finished concept in New York last year, the final production version of the Hyundai Genesis sedan shouldn't be a big surprise. However, Hyundai has plenty of surprises for us when it comes to details about the company's attempt to move upmarket.

Hyundai is mum on pricing for the top-of-the-line V-8 model, which will pump out a whopping 368 horsepower and 324 pounds-feet of torque - on regular gas, no less. That puts a whomping on most of the competition in this class in terms of power.

The V-6s don't sound like slouches either, with two to choose from producing either 268 or 290 hp. All three engines come with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Still, there is a lot jam-packed into the Genesis. On the safety side, there are eight airbags, including front- and rear-seat-mounted side airbags, which is not the norm. The Genesis' electronic active head restraint system is also a Hyundai first. Antilock brakes and stability control come standard.

There are also a number of amenities Hyundai has listed for the Genesis, but it's not yet saying whether they're standard or optional.

Tiburon
Fresh off last year's restyling, the Hyundai Tiburon has few changes for '08. The sporty compact sits somewhere between a mild-mannered coupe - think Scion tC - and a genuine performance car, like the V-6 Mitsubishi Eclipse. As such, it roughly competes with both.

Upscale touches for the GT include automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and 6-speed manual transmission. The body features a high belt line and a short greenhouse, with a steeply raked windshield and back window. Tiburons are equipped with all-disc brakes, which feature larger, cross- drilled rotors on the SE model.

Rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the 2.7-liter V-6 teams with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission in GT models or a 6-speed manual in the SE. The GS carries a 138-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that mates with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.
Hyundai