its Hyundai problem. it does not have brand image for V8. so it can only sell by undercutting in price and fuel efficiency.

“If BMW, Audi and Mercedes were nervous last year, they are soiling themselves this year,” says Ward’s AutoWorld Executive Editor Tom Murphy.

It was in this new, still-secret version of the Genesis that we tested the 5.0L. Because it will be introduced in the first quarter, the new model still meets the competition’s long-standing rules. But this is the first time in 17 years of judging we tested a vehicle adorned in full camouflage.
<!--end paragraph--><!--begin paragraph-->
Even so, the disguised exterior allowed us to focus even more intently on this utterly outstanding V-8.

<!--end paragraph--><!--begin paragraph-->The experience left some editors almost speechless. “Delicious,” was all Ward’s Automotive Reports Editor Eric Mayne could mutter.

Hyundai’s most powerful engine ever
The heart of the new Genesis 5.0 R-Spec model is a 5.0-liter ‘Tau’ V-8 engine with direct injection technology producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. Even with its extra displacement and performance, the 5.0-liter mill nearly matches the current 4.6 V-8 in fuel economy, returning an estimated 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway versus the 4.6’s 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Sending drive to the rear wheels is Hyundai’s new in-house developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The two additional ratios help to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency by 6.0 percent over the former six-speed. The advanced transmission also gets paddle-shifters for pseudo manual control and is standard across the 2012 Hyundai Genesis range.

Eight-speed automatic standard on Genesis and Equus
Note that the 5.0-liter, eight-speed automatic drivetrain combo will be fitted as standard on the 2012 Hyundai Equus flagship sedan on sale this summer.

The Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, meanwhile, also gets more aggressive chassis tuning, with thicker stabilizer bars front and rear, custom 19 inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires, uprated brakes and sports calibrated steering.

To further differentiate the 5.0 R-Spec from the regular 4.6-liter Genesis are unique headlights with dark chrome inserts, R-Spec badging and custom floor mats.

Upgrades across the board
The 3.8-liter V-6 and 4.6-liter V-8 Genesis models get a series of updates as well, with recalibrated steering and suspension damping in addition to uprated brake packages. For 2012, the base V-6 Genesis is rated at 333 horsepower and returns a fuel economy of up to 29 mpg on the highway. The 4.6-liter V-8, meanwhile, delivers 385 horsepower and 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway fuel economy.

As mentioned, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis lineup gets some subtle styling updates. 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).

From the side view, the standard 17 inch alloy wheel design has been freshened and the rocker panels have been refined. In addition, the mirrors now incorporate power-folding and puddle lamp functions, while the side window surround now receives a brushed aluminum finish. From the rear view, the tail lights have been redesigned and new exhaust tips fitted.

Stellar safety
Safety features include electronic stability control, eight airbags, electronic active head restraints, a lane departure warning system, parking sensors and a backup camera.

The current Hyundai Genesis 4.6 sedan, with its 385 horsepower V8, is hardly a slouch. In fact, according to most road tests, the luxury four-door reportedly hits 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. In an effort to raise the vehicle's performance bar and snuff out those who have complained about the four-door's lack of "sport," Hyundai has pulled the covers of its new 2012 Genesis R-Spec sedan.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8. The engine – the most powerful Hyundai has ever fitted to a street vehicle – is rated at 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic (with manual shift mode), the new powertrain should shave more than a few tenths off its sprint... and go some way toward adding the 'sport' prefix in front of 'sedan.'

Other performance goodies backing up the new engine include unique R-Spec transmission tuning, suspension upgrades, larger brakes and recalibrated sport steering. Wheels have been bumped up to 19-inch alloys wearing 235/45R19 tires (sticky Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Summer Tires are optional). Cosmetically, the sport sedan is differentiated by dark chrome headlight inserts, and new badging inside and out. The Genesis R-Spec sedan will be offered in Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic exterior paint, with black leather inside as standard-fit.

Under the hood is a new 5.0-liter V8. The engine – the most powerful Hyundai has ever fitted to a street vehicle – is rated at 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a standard eight-speed automatic (with manual shift mode), the new powertrain should shave more than a few tenths off its sprint... and go some way toward adding the 'sport' prefix in front of 'sedan.'