2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

There’s no question that the Hyundai Genesis sedan was both a big step, and a big step up for the brand, successfully proving that not only can they build a big rear drive luxury-sports four-door, but they can do it with style, while still keeping it affordable. But, that was three years ago. So, what’s next for Genesis?

Well, building the most powerful Hyundai ever would be another good step, and the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is just that. The action starts under the hood with a new 5-liter engine. Technically it’s not all-new, as it’s just a bored-out version of the currently available TAU 4.6-liter V8, but horsepower is up 51 to 429 and torque jumps a healthy 52 lb-ft to 376. Which helped the R-Spec jump to 60 in just 5.1-seconds. That’s over a half second quicker than the 4.6 Genesis that we tested in ’08. The quarter mile time is also quicker at 13.5-seconds and 106 miles-per-hour. 

A strong hole-shot, with little loss of traction gives the R-Spec 5-liter a smooth feel that’s more European than American muscle car. Shifts are also smooth, but still slow, even in manual-mode, and the car has a bit of a floaty feel going down the track, not the nailed down attitude of its best sport-luxury rivals. 

But the 5.0 R-Spec is about more than just a new engine. It is a total package with unique 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive head lights with dark chrome inserts, a new 8-speed R-Spec-tuned sport transmission, and modified suspension and steering. While those tweaks weren’t quite enough to make this a pure performance car, it did show improvement through our handling course.

Where the original Genesis sedan had a commendable balance between luxury and sport, the new car refines that equation even further. Initially you still note the soft springs and body roll that gives the Genesis such a superior ride. But, as speeds increase, it actually responds better; with a nice, planted feel and sharper turn-ins. Bigger front brake rotors helped shorten stops from 60 to a very good 120-feet, six feet shorter than the original.

In addition to this new 5.0 R-Spec model, all Genesis sedans will receive a host of updates for 2012. All models, including the 3.8 V6, will now feature an 8-speed transmission. The front end gets a more aggressive look, thanks to a re-designed grille and front fascia, as well as new headlights. Side rockers get a little nip/tuck, brushed aluminum trim now surrounds the greenhouse, and the power-folding side mirrors now include puddle lamps. The rear end also gets revised, with a new lower fascia, tail lights, and re-designed exhaust tips. 

When it comes to the Genesis’ well thought out interior, changes are minor, consisting of just new wood trim. Expected luxury-car amenities include a Lane Departure Warning system, Smart Cruise Control, a 17-speaker Lexicon sound system with DTS Surround Sound, DVD Changer, and full iPod integration, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and an 8-inch navigation screen with XM Traffic and back-up camera. 

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the 5.0 R-Spec are down slightly from the 4.6 to 16-City and 25-Highway. We averaged 21.3 miles-per-gallon of Premium fuel in mixed driving. This keeps the Energy Impact Score of 18-barrels of oil per year and Carbon Footprint of 9.8 annual tons of CO2 on the thirsty side of average. 

We loved the first Genesis Sedan, so the improvements made for 2012, especially the R-Spec and its new 5-liter V8, have just endeared the car to us even more. I see the R-Spec as a great compromise between the performance of a BMW 550i, and a very luxurious Lexus GS450. And, that’s a nice place to sit. Especially when you can hang out there for a few thousand dollars less than either of those. Base price for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is $47,350.

While we do like the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec sedan, it is clearly not elevated to an AMG or M level of performance. But, then, there’s plenty of room for a world class four-door that seeks optimal livability over extremes. And, there is also room for more tweaks to come. For now, this Euro-tuned step-up is another good one for Hyundai, and just another stride in their march towards taking the Hyundai brand to a higher level.