12 HYUNDAI GENESIS PRICED FROM $34,200; V8 R-SPEC $46,500

[marwan25]

Now, Hyundai has released pricing for what was its range-topping sedan – until the Hyundai Equus took over that title. The standard Genesis with the 3.8-liter V6 will list from $34,200, while the base Genesis 4.6 V8 starts at $44,500. But the big news is the new R-Spec, which will retail from $46,500. None of those prices include a mandatory $850 destination charge.

Hyundai says that the 2012 Genesis will be available in dealers this week.

Before delving into the details of Hyundai’s most powerful V8 ever – set to debut in the 2012 Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, we must first cover the lengthy list of changes for the sedan already on the market, ranging from cosmetic updates to powertrain upgrades.



In terms of styling, the Genesis sedan now features a more aggressive grille design, along with an updated front fascia as a whole, including LED-accented headlamps. Continuing along the exterior of the vehicle, a new sporty rocker panel design has been implemented, along with a new, brushed aluminum finish on the window surround.

Also added were folding side mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, redesigned rear taillights and rear fascia with integrated dual asymmetrical exhaust tips. The 2012 Genesis sedan will also ride on new 17-inch alloy wheels for the 3.8 model, and the interior will feature new interior woodgrain colors for the black, beige and saddle leather interiors.

Exterior changes are rounded out with the addition of a new color – Twilight Blue Pearl, which replaces Sapphire Blue Pearl.



Genesis 3.8 gains new features
Starting in 2012, the Genesis sedan will have three possible engine choices, ranging from the base 3.8-liter V8, to a 4.6-liter V8, and the newly arrived 5.0-liter V8. For those seeking Genesis style, features and comfort without big, the 3.8 is the answer. The 3.8 V6 also sees the addition of direct injection technology, which boosts power from 290 to 333 horsepower, along with a torque increase from 264 lb-ft to 291 lb-ft.

This upgraded engine will also come exclusively with a new eight-speed transmission, with combined efficiency allowing for a 2 mile per gallon increase in highway fuel economy.

The chassis was also refined, with the rear stabilizer bar being increased from 17 to 18 mm. Braking was improved with the front rotors growing from 12.6-inches to 13-inches, as well as the addition of higher performance four-piston calipers.

The base model gains the LED lighting accents found across the lineup in the 2012MY headlamp design, as well as daytime running lights and side mirror puddle lamps. Stepping up to the 3.8 Premium Package will also add power-folding exterior mirrors, heated rear seats and console controls. The Premium Package will also add a rearview camera, DVD navigation, seven-inch touchscreen, XM NavTraffic and 18-inch Hyper Silver split-spoke alloy wheels.

Adding the Technology Package to the 3.8 will add the newly developed Lane Departure Warning System, as well as a thin-film transistor LCD gauge cluster.

4.6 Genesis upgrades
Like the 3.8-liter V6, the mid-grade 4.6-liter V8 sees the replacement of the six-speed automatic with an eight-speed unit, resulting in highway fuel economy being raised from 25 to 26 miles per gallon. City fuel economy stays the same at 17 mpg.

Like the 3.8, the chassis was also updated and front brake rotors were increased from 13 to 13.6 inches, along with higher performance four-piston calipers.

The big daddy of them all – Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
The biggest new for the Genesis sedan to come from Chicago is easily the addition of an entirely new performance model, known as the 5.0 R-Spec. This model features a brand-new 5.0-liter V8 that boasts 429 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Hyundai engine ever produced.

To set it apart from the standard Genesis sedans, the R-Spec comes with unique 19-inch wheels with a premium machined finish, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires, dark chrome headlamp inserts and unique R-Spec sport transmission, suspension and steering calibration settings.

This new Tau V8 was derived from increasing the cylinder bore of the 4.6-liter unit from 92 mm to 96 mm, resulting in a total displacement of 5,038 cc. Not only was this engine made larger, but also more high-tech thanks to the addition of direct injection technology and an increase in the compression ratio from 10.4 to 11.5 for improved thermal efficiency and power output.

The Tau 5.0-liter V8 is mated to a new in-house developed eight-speed transmission, which improved efficiency by six percent over the former six-speed. In the R-Spec, like with all eight-speed transmissions in the Genesis for 2012, SHIFTRONIC will allow for manual shift capability.