While a lot of automakers these days have been struggling and scrambling to get their footing back in the industry, Hyundai->ke201 has been one of the few bright exceptions. Continuing on its rapid ascent to the top of the industry, Hyundai's momentum doesn't appear to be slowing down - and probably won't anytime soon.

At the Chicago Auto Show->ke225, the Korean automaker will be bringing a couple of new vehicles, including the new Genesis R-Spec version. As a 2012MY, the Genesis R-Spec is the latest in a long line of new variants of Hyundai's Genesis->ke2924 family.

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec comes baring a few aesthetic modifications, as well as a choice of three exterior colors: Black Noir, Platinum Metallic, and Titanium Gray. Being a sportier version of the Genesis, the new model should be available towards the tail end of March 2011 at a price that we are guessing will be similar - albeit a bit higher - to the current base model.

UPDATE 08/08/2011: Check out our review of the 2012 HYundai Genesis R-Spec by clicking here!

Details on the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec after the jump.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
  • Engine/Motor: 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine
  • Horsepower: 429 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • Torque: 376 lb/ft of torque @ 5,000 RPM
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Representing a subtle restyled aesthetic body, the Genesis R-Spec comes with a more aggressive grille and front fascia design, a new headlight design with LED accents and daytime running lights, dark chrome headlamp inserts, folding mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, a brushed aluminum finish window surround, a redesigned rear fascia with integrated dual asymmetrical exhaust tips, redesigned rear taillights, and a new set of 19” alloy wheels with premium machined finish. Likewise, the Genesis R-Spec will be offered in a choice of three colors, including Black Noir, Platinum Metallic, and Titanium Gray. Over at the interior, the Genesis R-Spec receives a choice of new interior woodgrain colors for Black, Beige, and Saddle leather interiors with a unique all-black leather steering wheel.

Performance

Powering the Genesis R-Spec model is a 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine that produces 429 horsepower at 6,400 RPM and 376 lb/ft of torque at 5,000 RPM and mated to the company’s in-house eight-speed automatic transmission. This particular engine represents the most powerful Hyundai engine in the company’s history and has been named as one of the Ward’s Ten Best Engines for the third successive year.

Fuel economy for the R-Spec is only a tad bit lower than the 4.6L V8 engine found in the Genesis. The R-Spec will be pulling 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway compared to the 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway of the base Genesis.

Safety

Safety features are always a necessity for vehicles, but more so when a bigger engine is outfitted under the hood. The Genesis R-Spec will carry electronic stability control, eight airbags, electronic active head restraints, a lane departure warning system, parking sensors, and a backup camera to keep everyone safe and sound.

Pricing

There's no word yet on pricing, but if you use the price for the 2010 Genesis as a peg - $33,800 - then you can guesstimate that the 5.0-liter R-Spec version will go for somewhere around $40,000, give or take a few grand.

Competition

With the release of the Genesis 5.0-liter R-Spec, the car now jumps ahead of the pack in the upscale sedan market against its competitors in the performance department. Among the rivals the Genesis R-Spec will have include the Lexus GS460->ke2863 (4.6-liter V8), the Infiniti M56 (5.6-liter V8), and the Mercedes-Benz E550 (5.5-liter V8).

Genesis 5.0 Competitive Set

Genesis 5.0 R-Spec (5.0-liter V8)

Lexus GS460 4.6-liter V8

Infiniti M56 (5.6-liter V8)

M-B E550 (5.5-liter V8)

Normally-aspirated V8 Specific Output (HP/liter)

85.8

74.3

75

69.5


Despite the bigger engines of the M56 and the E550, the Genesis R-Spec still comes with a higher performance output compared to its competitors. The Genesis’ performance figures translate to 85.8 horsepower per liter, compared to 74.3 hp/l for the GS460, 75.0 hp/l for the M56, and 69.5 hp/l for the E550.