- The refreshed 2012 Hyundai Genesis, including a new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter R-Spec model, debuted at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
- All three variants in the 2012 Genesis lineup now get an eight-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade over the old six-speed transmissions offered in the 2011 Genesis.
- The 2012 Genesis goes on sale in April.
CHICAGO — The refreshed 2012 Hyundai Genesis, including a new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter R-Spec model, debuted on Wednesday at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Although pricing was not announced on the R-Spec model, expect it to be the most expensive Genesis ever, priced between $45,000 and $50,000, Hyundai told Inside Line.
The R-Spec is proving to be a study in how Hyundai continues its upward creep into the luxury segment, in terms of pricing, hardware and horsepower. In comparison, the top-of-the-line 2011 Genesis 4.6 model starts at $43,800, including shipping. The R-Spec churns out 44 more hp than the 4.6-liter V8 in the 2011 Genesis.
"No pricing yet, but (R-Spec) will be between $45,000 and $50,000," said James P. Trainor, Hyundai Motor America spokesman in a phone conversation with Inside Line.
The 2012 Genesis goes on sale in April.
The top-of-the-line 5.0-liter R-Spec gets a new 5.0-liter direct-injection V8 engine, which the automaker describes as the "most powerful Hyundai engine ever." Hyundai said it is targeting the Lexus GS 460, the Infiniti M56 and the Mercedes-Benz E550 with the R-Spec. Other details on the R-Spec include unique 19-inch alloy wheels with premium machined finish, dark chrome headlamp inserts, and unique R-Spec sport transmission, suspension and steering calibrations.
The R-Spec will be offered in three "sport-oriented exterior colors," said Hyundai. They include Black Noir, Titanium Gray and Platinum Metallic. The cabin gets outfitted in black leather with a black leather steering wheel.
Although the EPA has yet to rate the 2012 Genesis, Hyundai said the fuel economy in the R-Spec model will "nearly match" that of the 2011 Genesis 4.6. That version of the Genesis delivers 17 mpg in city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.
The base 3.8-liter V6 in the 2012 Genesis gets a 15 percent improvement in output from 290 hp to 333. The 4.6-liter V8 in the 2012 Genesis is carried over from the 2011 model.
All three variants in the 2012 Genesis lineup get an eight-speed automatic transmission — an upgrade from the two different six-speed transmissions offered in the 2011 Genesis.
The Genesis gets a modest face-lift for the 2012 model year. Changes include what Hyundai calls a "more aggressive front fascia," redesigned headlights with LED accents, redesigned taillights, and brushed aluminum finish on the side window surrounds. All models now get daytime running lights.
The Genesis 3.8 Premium package will offer new power-folding side mirrors and heated rear seats, as well as a rearview camera, DVD navigation system with 7-inch touchscreen, XM NavTraffic and 18-inch Hyper Silver split-spoke alloy wheels.
A formal pricing announcement will be made closer to launch.
Inside Line says: Hyundai makes further inroads into the luxury segment with the redesigned Genesis, with an eye toward high-performance aficionados and those with deep pockets. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
rickw5 says:
04:48 AM, 02/26/2011
I would like to know when Genisis and Equus will be introducing the AWD. Like the product but can not purchase with out AWD. They need to inform the consumers.
nutsaboutcars says:
06:41 AM, 02/14/2011
I have a 2010 genesis v8 on lease and let me say this car could benefit on going back to finishing school..The engine sounds like crap on cold start up and there is a high amount of wind noise comming into the cabin along with lots of road/tire noise..The upgraded lexicon audio system is a joke..I hope hyundai addressed these matters in the 2012 model year..This car in not as smooth and quiet as a mb and or lexus and the suspension in the genesis v8 is terrible
thatguyuknow says:
10:52 PM, 02/13/2011
"alan_s says:
06:07 PM, 02/09/2011
Does it still ride like a truck?"
does your mom still ride like a...
but seriously. comment after youve actually been in one.
o_or30_0 says:
07:56 PM, 02/12/2011
So since the Genesis and the Genesis Coupe does this mean the next iteration of the coupe will have the 333hp 3.8 V6. Now that sounds sweet to me :)
The R-Spec is a great idea. Sport inpired luxury sedans are usually fun to drive. Good thing this is RWD :)
exinobel102 says:
02:34 PM, 02/10/2011
I don't remember the headlights bulging out in the corners on the model prior to refresh. Reminds me a littel of the headlamps on the Accord Sedan, though alot mor subtle.
kosmo69 says:
11:31 AM, 02/10/2011
agreed the steering wheel is horrible. Hyundai must have hired Chevy's wheel designer!
also the seat s/b more agressive in this sport version.
rollk says:
10:12 AM, 02/10/2011
How has no one mentioned this thing looks like a Kizashi from the back. Not necessarily a bad thing, just sayin'.
goaterguy says:
06:18 AM, 02/10/2011
Just by searching for "worst resale value cars" you will find that on most lists Korean cars are missing or there is just one there.
You will also notice that there are more Mercedes Benz cars in the worst resale value list that you will ever want to accept!
tempesting says:
10:44 PM, 02/09/2011
500rwhp says:
04:15 PM, 02/09/2011
$50k for a Korean car? No thanks. Resale value numbers must be horrible.
check recent reports on their reliability and residual values not the ones from a decade ago. probably above what you are looking at. hell.. keeping it costs probably less too with 10 year / 100k miles warranty
alex38 says:
09:48 PM, 02/09/2011
I thought the previous car looked really handsome, but I am definitely liking the tweaks made here - and I am extrmely picky..
The Infiniti M is nice, but truth be told, I would actually take 2012 Genesis over it (simply because i'd prefer the cushier ride). I am liking these news tail pipes as well.
This is one of the best looking vehicles in Hyundai's line up along with the Genesis Coupe imo..