The Hyundai Genesis Sedan won the 2009 Car of the Year award at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show on January 11, 2009. A panel of 50 journalists from the US and Canada nominated three cars for the award and then selected the winner. The sedan has been for sale since the summer of 2008.CNN Money: 2009 Car of the Year: Hyundai Genesis (January 11, 2009)

1. Gas mileage: 27 (highway), 18 (city)
2. 290 HorsepowerLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
3. Models include V6 or V8 enginesLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
4. Zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds (for V8 engine)Left Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
5. Automatic transmissionLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
6. Leather interiorLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
7. Antilock brakesLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
8. Rear wheel driveLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
9. Heated front seatsLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
10. Front- and side-impact airbagsLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis
11. Driver and passenger airbagsLeft Lane News: Hyundai Genesis

Hyundai, the makers of the Genesis, set out to build a luxury-style car on a more modest budget. Instead of creating a different luxury line, the company decided to release the car under its established brand name. Although Hyundai has made luxury cars for the Asian market, the Genesis sedan is the first luxury car Hyundai has made for the American market.CNN Money: 2009 Car of the Year: Hyundai Genesis (January 11, 2009)