2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

NEW FOR 2012:

- 5.0-litre V8 replaces 4.6-litre V8

- Gasoline direct injection (GDI) added to 3.8-litre V6 for increased power and reduced fuel consumption

- Eight-speed automatic transmission replaces six-speed

- New 5.0-litre R-Spec model

- New exterior styling and interior trim

- Exterior colour: Twilight Blue Pearl added; Sapphire Blue Pearl discontinued

For 2012, the Hyundai Genesis undergoes several changes. The 4.6-litre V8 is replaced with an all-new direct-injection 5.0-litre V8 in a single trim line called the R-Spec. The previous 3.8-litre V6 receives gasoline direct injection, raising horsepower from 290 to 333, and torque from 264 to 291 lb.-ft. The previous six-speed transmission is replaced with an eight-speed on all models.

Exterior styling changes include a new grille and front fascia, new headlights with LED accents and daytime running lights, sportier rocker panel design, brushed aluminum-finish window surround, new taillights and rear fascia with integrated exhaust tips. The V6 receives new 17-inch alloy wheels, while the V8 receives R-Spec specific 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are new interior woodgrain colours for the Black and Beige leather interiors.

The Genesis sedan is available with a 3.8-litre V6 or 5.0-litre V8, both with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. (The Genesis Coupe is a different vehicle and is covered in a separate entry.)

The V6 comes as the 3.8, 3.8 Premium and 3.8 Tech, while the V8 comes only as the 5.0 R-Spec.

Features on the 3.8 include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with auto defogging, heated mirrors with puddle lamps and integrated turn signals, windshield wiper de-icer, automatic headlamps, fog lights, heated leather seats, driver’s memory system, active front head restraints, woodgrain interior trim, keyless entry, power windows, push-button start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, electroluminescent instrument cluster, CD/MP3 stereo with USB and auxiliary input, iPod interface cable, Bluetooth and power sunroof.

The 3.8 Premium adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, auto-levelling xenon headlamps, front and rear parking assist, back-up camera, navigation system, power rear sunshade and Lexicon 14-speaker audio system.

The 3.8 Tech adds Lexicon 17-speaker audio system, lane departure warning system, LCD instrument cluster with Eco function, six-CD/DVD changer, driver information system with multimedia controller, adaptive headlamps, cooled driver’s seat, smart cruise control with electric parking brake, leather-wrapped dash, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, and woodgrain and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.

The 5.0 R-Spec builds on the 3.8 Tech and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome lower body side moulding, deluxe illuminated door scuff, sport-tuned suspension and electric-hydraulic power steering.