Hyundai will take on the Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M and Lexus GS for drivers when its 2009 Genesis sedan begins to appear on U.S. dealer lots this spring. A production model of the Genesis will be shown at the Detroit auto show opening January 13.

The base model of the Genesis will be powered by a 3.3-liter V6 producing 264 hp with 233 lb-ft. of torque. Other engine choices include a 3.8-liter V6 (290 hp) and a 4.6-liter V8 (368 hp), the first Hyundai will offer in the U.S.

Hyundai product development head John Krafcik said, "Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments.

For each trim the Genesis will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6s use a transmission by Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd. that is also capable of functioning in a manual mode while the V8 is outfitted with a high-output German transmission by ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

Inside, the Genesis boasts 109.4 cubic feet and seats five. The leather and wood dash offer Bluetooth and an iPod jack as standard features while audio is delivered by a 500-watt surround sound system from Lexicon with 17 speakers. A navigation system is option, but XM satellite radio is included.

Expect the base model to sell for just under $30,000 with the V8 Genesis priced slightly below $40,000.