The big news for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is the introduction of the 429-horsepower 5.0 R-Spec sport sedan. The Genesis R-Spec features a sport suspension, transmission and steering calibrations, as well as unique 19-inch alloy wheels and dark chrome headlamp inserts. Also new is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on all trims. All Genesis sedans receive a mild exterior freshening. The 3.8-liter V6 engine gains direct fuel injection, which helps give it 333 horsepower, up from last year's 290.
Changes for 2011 are limited to the 4.6 model, which gains an additional 10 horsepower, a faster zero to 60 time (5.3 seconds vs. 5.7 seconds) and the addition of last year's Technology Package – navigation, Lexicon 7.1 Discrete surround sound audio, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera – as standard equipment.
Smart Cruise Control and an electronic parking brake with automatic hill hold are added to the Technology Package, while a new 7-inch navigation system is made available on 3.8 and standard on 4.6 trims. Ultra-premium leather seats are added to 3.8 Premium, Premium Navigation and Technology Packages.
After entering the U.S. market with an inexpensive (some might say cheap) subcompact car more than 20 years ago, Hyundai has continued a climb upscale. Now the brand is taking its most ambitious step in that direction ever with the introduction of the Hyundai Genesis, a luxury sedan with the amenities of vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. Though intended to compete against the likes of the Chrysler 300C, Lexus ES 350 and the Pontiac G8, the new Genesis actually channels attributes of even more expensive models, like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Powered by either advanced V6 or V8 engines, the rear-drive Genesis is filled with upscale items like adaptive front lighting, proximity key with push-button start and a truly amazing Lexicon 7.1 surround-sound audio system.
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why ads?By techbeengood (TX) on Sunday, May 27, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "This is the vehicle you've coveted forever."
Cons: "So, the brand name is wrong. Love it anyways."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I really wanted to buy a Mercedes, or a Lexus, or even that Infiniti M. I actually had the money for any of them. But, too many years of looking for value, and how do you ignore the Genesis. Having driven all of the others (plus too many more to admit), the Genesis kept surprising both my wife and I. The Mercedes C is a hard to compare. It is so much smaller, has precious few features until it costs far more compared to our fully loaded 3.8 Genesis. The ride is sportier, but you know the only fair comparison is the E class and yikes, the price. An Infiniti M simply offers a tougher ride, feels more cramped, and ignores any effort to achieve some fuel economy. The loaded Lexus 350 is the fairest comparison, but pricing is a challenge along with the aesthetics. Anyone who complains about Hyundai's derivative design ought to revisit the Lexus. Snore. Is the Genesis perfect? No. The seats need a bit more bolster, but please don't stiffen those lovely, comfortable seats. Hey, add cooling for the passenger. The Nav unit needs a bit more sun shading and please be more forthcoming about updates. The iPOD control needs to retain more info about last use. Shutting off the vehicle makes the iPOD memory useless. Similarly, the XM gets dumb. Ride? Near perfect. Steering control? Somewhere between Cadillac and Lexus. Creature features? Pretty much competes with everyone else, PLUS. But where's the Blind Spot indicators? Right now we're in love. Wonderful car."
43 people out of 43 found this review helpful
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By micky mouse (SC) on Sunday, July 29, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,465
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Fast,economical,luxury class, Enjoy driving,"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"First of all I traded in a G-35, a great road handling car, but now I know there is better. This is the best road handling car I have ever owned.(I'm 66) this R-SPEC can stop on a dime. It will set you back in your seat, like the muscle cars of the 60's. It has real leather from head to toe. The leather on the doors is not hard like other luxury vehicles. I also love the automatic braking system when on cruise. There is so much more in this car, you need to try it yourself, its free"
15 people out of 15 found this review helpful
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By JAY (GA) on Monday, October 17, 2011
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,200
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "great car"
Cons: "great car"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"A AWESOME VEHICLE. Most bang for buck. I looked at the GS Lexus. 5series,m35-m45, and I wanted the Lexus. But after driving the Genesis is was a no brainer. The drive at 35mph and at 85mph is the same its crazy how this vehicle handles its unreal. I was hit by a drunk driver. I walked away but car totaled ... it was a perfect accident to be seriouly injured... Air bags deployed seat belt locked up..I walked away sore but safe. Buy a Genesis. I will...again"
14 people out of 14 found this review helpful
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