After being revealed at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, the Hyundai Genesis sedan enters the 2012 model year with a new version added to the line-up, exterior design improvements, new direct injection technology for its Lambda V6 engine, new eight-speed automatic transmissions, and enhanced chassis tuning. For 2012 the Genesis will go on sale at a starting price of $34,200 for the base model and will go up to $46,500 for the R-Spec version.

For the new model year, the Genesis will get a more aggressive grille and front fascia design, new headlight design with LED accents and daytime running lights, redesigned rear taillights, while the line-up will include: a 3.8 version powered by a 333 HP 3.8-liter V6 engine, a 4.6 version with a 385 HP 4.6 V8 engine, while the most powerful version, R-Spec will get a 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 with an impressive output of 429 HP.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Hyundai Genesis.

2012 Hyundai Genesis

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Hyundai Genesis
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 429 @6,400
  • Torque: 376@ 5,000
  • Transmission: eight-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior and the interior

The Hyundai Genesis sedan is already a pretty impressive model, but for 2012 the company has improved it even further. For the front view, the front grille has been enhanced, a more aggressive front fascia with larger intake openings was developed, and the headlights have been redesigned, adding LED accents and daytime running lights (DRLs). The car will sit on a new 17" alloy wheels, while the mirrors now incorporate power-folding and puddle lamp functions, while the side window surround now receives a decidedly sporty brushed aluminum finish. From the rear view, the taillights have been redesigned and new dual asymmetrical exhaust tips are more cleanly integrated with a new bumper fascia.

Engine line-up

For 2012 customers will have to choose from three different models: a 3.8-liter GDI V6, a 4.6-liter V8 and the 5.0-liter V8 R-Spec. The base model, the 3.8 version is powered by a 3.8-liter Lambda engine with direct injection (GDI) technology and with an output increased from 290 to 333 HP, while peak torque rises from 264 lb.-ft. to 291 lb.-ft. All 3.8-liter engines will be coupled to an in-house-developed eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC and precisely calibrated gear ratios for an overall transmission efficiency gain of six percent.

The next model, the 4.6 features a Tau 4.6-liter V8 powerplant with induction and tuning enhancements that will increase the output from 375 to 385 HP, but will also increase highway fuel economy from 25 mpg to 26 mpg. The engine will be coupled exclusively with an in-house-developed eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC, adding benefits in acceleration and efficiency.

And finally, the top model, the R-Sped features a V8 engine producing 429 HP at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The Tau 5.0-liter V8 is coupled with a new in-house eight-speed transmission and has a fuel economy estimated at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The competition

Depending on the model, the 2012 Genesis will take on models like Infiniti M56, BMW 5-Series->ke317 or Mercedes E-Class->ke373. The Infiniti N56, which according to Hyundai is a direct competitors for the R-Spec model is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 420 HP, making in 9 HP less powerful than the R-Spec version, but in the same time it is price from $57,550.

The BMW 5-Series, and is particular the 535i version according to Hyundai's competitors list, is powered by a 3.0 liter, 6-cylinder engine with an output of 300 HP and is on sale at a price of $50,100. And finally the E-Class is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine with an output of 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of peak torque and is on sale at a price of $49,400.

You can notice that the Genesis has the advantage of being a much cheaper model, and it also gained lots of admirers among American clients, and not only. So the German sedans should have lots of reasons to fear.

Prices

Model

Engine

Transmission

MSRP

Genesis 3.8

3.8-liter GDI V6

8-speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC

$34,200

Genesis 4.6

4.6-liter V8

8-speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC

$44,500

Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

5.0-liter V8

8-speed A/T with SHIFTRONIC

$46,500


Packages

Package

Description

Price

3.8 Premium Package


  • Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof
  • Tailored leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts
  • Integrated memory system (IMS)
  • Power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
  • Power rear sunshade
  • Rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield
  • Lexicon® 14-speaker surround sound audio
  • DVD Navigation system with7-inch touchscreen display
  • XM NavTraffic® with 90-day trial
  • 18-inch Hyper Silver split-spoke alloy wheels with 235/50R18 V-Let Michelin tires
  • Rearview camera
  • Power-folding outside mirrors
  • $4,800

    3.8 Technology Package


  • Lexicon® 17-speaker 7.1 Discrete audio system w/HD Radio®
  • Ultimate Navigation system with8-inch display
  • Six-disc DVD changer
  • Driver Information System (DIS) with multimedia controller
  • Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with integrated display
  • Smart cruise control
  • Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
  • TFT LCD Cluster Display
  • Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold
  • HID Xenon, adaptive (auto-cornering) headlights
  • Ultra-premium leather seating surfaces
  • Front and rear parking assistance system
  • Cooled driver seatHeated Rear Seats
  • $4,000


    Options

    Port Installed Options

    Suggested Retail

    iPod® cable

    $35

    Emergency roadside kit

    $40

    Wheel locks

    $50

    Sunroof wind deflector

    $95

    Composite cargo tray

    $100

    Bridgestone® performance tires

    $1,400