2012 Hyundai Genesis Preview

Hyundai developed its all-new Hyundai Genesis sedan to compete against Lexus and they did so by borrowing directly from the playbook Japanese luxury brand's offering value, quality, performance and luxury for a lower price than the established luxury brands. And for 2012, Hyundai has the Genesis was better with the addition of a performance-themed R-Spec model and direct-injected 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan comes with a choice of a 3.8-liter, 333-horspeower V-6 and two V-8s: the first is 4.6-liters and makes 385-hp and the second is the all-new 5.0-liter producing 429-horsepower one. Both the 3.8 and 5.0 liter engines with direct injection offer. The 4.6-liter V-8 is port injected, and carries over from last year. All engines are supported by a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Genesis V-6 engine offers a competitive 29 mpg on the highway. The Genesis sedan rides on a 115.6-inch wheelbase and is 196.3 inches in length. It's about the same size as the Toyota Avalon, but unlike Toyota's flagship, the Genesis is rear-wheel drive. It features a spacious, well appointed interior and comes with an impressive list of standard features for thousands less than competing models.

Body styles: Sedan

Engines: 3.8 V-6, 4.6L V-8, 5.0L V-8

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic

Models: 3.8, 4.6, 5.0 R-Spec

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan gets a new trim level to the top of the range: the new 5.0 R-Spec, bigger and more powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine available. . The 4.6-liter V-8 is the mid-range option for the 2012 Genesis, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's six-speed automatic transmission for better acceleration and fuel efficiency. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets direct injection for more power and greater fuel efficiency. Headlamps have been redesigned and now LED accents. A Lane Departure Warning system is now optional. The taillights and exhaust tips are also new. Power-folding mirrors have been added and now with puddle lights.

From the Genesis sedan syle is modest, yet attractive, and has undergone minor updates for the 2012 model year. It sports a new, more aggressive grille and front bumper. The headlights and taillights were freshened with LED accent light and dark chrome inserts added to the headlights. The rocker panels are also updated, and the exhaust tips and rear bumpers have also been reviewed for a leaner look. A new Twilight Blue Pearl paint replaces last year's Sapphire Blue Pearl. New 17-inch wheels are available on the 3.8-liter and 5.0 R-Spec has a unique 19-inch wheels.

Leather seats are standard on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, and feature eight-way power adjustable on the side of the driver and four-way adjustment on the passenger side. Both front seats are heated. For 2012, new interior wood grain colors Black, Beige and Saddle leather interiors have been added. The Genesis sedan has a spacious and comfortable interior and large trunk.

Motor Trend tests the Genesis with the 4.6-liter V-8 resulted in a 0-60 mph dash in 5.7 seconds and the quarter-mile pass in 14.1 seconds at 102.2 mph. It managed to stop from 60 mph to 113 meters. Control is smooth and precise, but the highway ride quality is usually stiff. The new 2012 5.0 R-Spec model posted faster times: 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 107.1 mph. Handling for the 5.0 R-Spec is made, but feels more like than the sports-luxury sedan-like.

Standard safety on the 2012 Genesis sedan includes ventilated discs and solid rears, four channel, four sensor ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), traction control and tire pressure monitoring. Front airbags, dual front side-impact airbags, rear side airbags, and front and rear curtains are also standard. Electronic active head restraints help prevent whiplash. New for 2012 is a lane departure warning system (LDWS) available on the Technology suite 3.8, 4.6 and 5.0 R Spec models. It also has eight sensors on the front and rear bumpers, combined with a rear backup camera to help with parking.

3.8: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway

4.6L: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway

5.0L: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway