Vehicle: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
Price as tested: CDN$53499
Performance: Just how to make a great car even better, ask Hyundai about their awesome Genesis will certainly get you the best answer. For 2012, those folks at Hyundai are able to upped-the-ante with the revised Genesis when facing with new and improved rivals. The result is a Genesis which come out with two different upgrades on both V6 and V8 guise. For V6 guise, the potent 3.8 liter V6 recevies GDI which is what Hyundai’s marketing word for directly fuel injected technology. When combining direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and electronic throttle; the V6 Genesis is able to provide up to 333 ponies and 291 lb/ft of torque. For those who don’t need to extra power for an V8, this V6 is about as good as you get in the auto business. The biggest highlight to Genesis should be the newly upgrade “Tau” V8 in the 5.0 form. While this “Tau” engine series has been highly touted as one of the world’s best V8 engines today, for very good reasons. Its level of refinement, smoothness and NVH are able to put many of those German and Japanese counterparts to shame. All have done with latest in technologies right from DOHC to dual variable valve timing control on both sides of the exhaust. Its able to upgrade the already exceptional 4.6 liter V8′s 385 stallion to 429 while upgrading the torque from 333 to 376 lb/ft of torque, respectively. The desired result is an engine which is willing to rev at any given rpm without feeling breathless. While the 4.6 already such a powerful engine to motivate such a heavy beast. The 5.0 moves it even more respectably given its porky 4154 lb of Korean level of luxury. Another upgrade is the use of the 8-speed manumatic instead of a 6 in outgoing car. While the addition of two gears are able to spawn throw the gear ratios more widely for better cruising and environmental ready. Just like all the 8-speed we have driven before, the hunting between those of 3rd and 6th is simply ridiculous by any means. That makes its somewhat slow to downshift in Genesis form. While the manumatic is certainly help the course for enthuisast driver to find their own gear “themselves”, we are much prefer to leave the whole drive in “D” given Genesis’s luxury car status. Despite that, the shifts are smooth and coordinated.
Handling: Its pretty much a given that Hyundai engineers have given a huge amount of time improving what’s likely to be one of the most capable luxury sports sedans on the market. With the availability of a R-Spec in 5.0 form, our Genesis comes standard with sports suspension. Even though one might find the ride a bit firmer than usual, it remains supple and capable for Genesis’s own goods. While you would find all those frosities and roughness gone through the suspension, it won’t leave anyone feeling uncomfortable. Its just the ride is harsher than most expected from a luxury limosine. On the other hand, with Genesis’s rear-drive configuration which translates into near perfect weight distribution. Genesis handles like its on rail. The body motions are well-controlled while understeer and oversteer are look after by state-of-the-art ESC. Steering provides sharp feel and feedback, at the same time, provide enough precision and responsiveness for any drivers. Pushed the Genesis through corners, it exhibits plenty of driving fun even if its weighting in at such a porky arena. The only difference between driving a V6 and V8, is former feels more nimble and docile because latter feel more front-heavy when pushed into a corner. From a driver’s perspective, V6 is a more satisfying drive when driven through black-top twisties.
If there is one wish, its the availability of AWD for the Great White North. While having RWD with snow tires are always a viable idea, nothing beaten the combination of AWD + snow tires in a well-oiled sports sedan in our harsh winter. 
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Genesis certainly lives up to what its promised. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feels crisp and plenty of lives to its travel. It never felt spongy nor have fades, even after a couple of harsh stops.
Interior: Genesis’s world-class interior appointment contines with the latest revision. Along with the amusing Lexicon stereo system, Genesis comes with all the best use of quality material one can possibly find in the industry. The plastic materials have a sense of tactical quality while leather feels soft yet supple. It also comes with one of the world’s most user-friendly navigation system along with the clear back-up camera.
Conclusion: Despite the R-Spec is a rather cheesy designation, its the amount of upgrades which have put the Genesis into an even more competitive position against many of its stiff rivals. While the V8 certainly has what its worth, the V6′s power has never left me wanting more. Combined with delightful dynamic qualities and an attractive interior, its extremely hard to find anything else that is more desirable than a Genesis.
Competitions:
Audi A6
BMW 5-Series
Mercedes E-Class
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
