2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan dubbed the R-Spec

Hyundai's Genesis sedan is much improved for 2012, yet its position in the market won't change one bit. The Genesis will continue to give engineers and product planners at Mercedes-Benz and Lexus fits, thanks to the sedan's upgraded V-6 engine, revised suspension tuning, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- not to mention the 429-horsepower R-Spec model.

Hyundai expects highway fuel efficiency to increase to 29 mpg, though city fuel economy probably won't stray far from the 2011 model's 18 mpg. Don't be surprised if the 2012 Genesis 3.8 accelerates as fast as a 2011 Genesis V-8.

The real news for the 2012 Genesis is the R-Spec model. Its 5.0-liter V-8 makes 429 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm.

At 2011 Chicago Auto Show Hyundai unveiled a new edition of the the Genesis sedan dubbed the R-Spec, powered by a new 5.0 liter engine developing 430 hp. The highlights of the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec also include unique 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, optional Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires and sport-tuned transmission, suspension and steering calibrations for sportiness. Genesis R-Spec only will be offered in three sport-oriented exterior colors: Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic, each with Black leather interior and an all-black leather steering wheel for a differentiated sport appearance from the 4.6 model.
The refreshed 2012 Hyundai Genesis, including a new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter R-Spec model, debuted at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

All three variants in the 2012 Genesis lineup now get an eight-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade over the old six-speed transmissions offered in the 2011 Genesis.
The 2012 Genesis goes on sale in April.

The refreshed "2012 Hyundai Genesis", including a new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter R-Spec model, debuted on Wednesday at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show. Although pricing was not announced on the R-Spec model, expect it to be the most expensive Genesis ever, priced between $45,000 and $50,000, Hyundai told Inside Line.

The R-Spec churns out 44 more hp than the 4.6-liter V8 in the 2011 Genesis--The 2012 Genesis goes on sale in April--Although the EPA has yet to rate the 2012 Genesis, Hyundai said the fuel economy in the R-Spec model will "nearly match" that of the 2011 Genesis 4.6.