R-Spec version of Genesis Sedan

[TJPark01]

About.com editor’s Scoop: Hyundai “seriously considering” R-Spec version of Genesis Sedan

I’m just back from lunch with John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai America. We drove to lunch in his company car, a black Genesis 4.6 sedan fitted with the 19″ wheels off a Genesis Coupe, aggressive Pirelli tires, and an R-Spec badge on the trunk. Though the R-Spec badge was fitted just for smiles, John confirmed that Hyundai is “seriously considering” an R-Spec version of the Genesis Sedan, with the goal of giving the car some serious performance cred and establishing it as a true rival to the Lexus GS and Infiniti M.

Hyundai currently sells an R-Spec version of the Genesis Coupe. Designed for track use and enthusiasts, it adds an improved suspension, brakes, tires and limited-slip rear differential while eliminating a handful of non-essential comfort features.So what would a R-Spec Genesis Sedan be like? That’s still up in the air. Bigger wheels, better tires, stiffer suspension, possibly subtle bodywork cues like a mesh grille — all are possibilities. John actually asked me what I would like to see on an R-Spec Genesis Sedan, and I told him. Now it’s your turn: Click the “comments” link below and tell us what you think it would take to turn the Genesis Sedan into a true performance car. Hyundai is listening! –Aaron Gold

 

[jwaters943]

I would *LOVE* to see this happen, but only if it also came with more supportive sport seats and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. If it's just a badge and and a set of 19" wheels/tires, they can keep it! Just my $0.02.

 

[GripperDon]

NO love here, stiffer suspension NOOOOOOOOOOOO thanks.

 

[TJPark01]

NO love here, stiffer suspension NOOOOOOOOOOOO thanks.

You need to seek professional help.

 

[wallymn]

paddle shifter
performance shift program
low pressure turbo (for low rpm torque boost)
multi-setting suspension (current settings is standard, then stiffer for sport)
active anti roll bar.....

bring it in for 10k over current (about 52k) ,

 

[Seattle Genesis]

NO love here, stiffer suspension NOOOOOOOOOOOO thanks.

I agree. No stiffer suspension or at least fix the ones on the 09 Genesis first.

 

[wallymn]

I agree. No stiffer suspension or at least fix the ones on the 09 Genesis first.

So your version of a 2012? R-Spec Sedan is a 2009 Genesis Sedan with a Buick suspension? Pass.......

The purpose of this thread is to discuss a "harder"/"Sportier" version of the Genesis Sedan. Lets assume this would be based off current model (2010 or 2011 sedan) and move from there.

 

[mikec]

Paddle shifters... or a real stick-shift tranny which I'd much prefer.

Faster downshifts when you mash the throttle - and better programming so the tranny would downshift two gears at a time, not the current one-gear downshift, hesitate, downshift again, and finally GO! logic. The current setup, in full automatic mode, is almost as bad as turbo lag. When I know I'm going to want to accelerate, I always go into the manu-matic mode and quickly downshift 2 gears prior to when I mash the throttle.

Firmer steering with more slope on the force-vs-wheel-angle curve. The current setup is too flat on the force gradient, I find myself oscillating the steering wheel during sweeping turns.

Maybe lower profile tires on a larger diameter rim for extra turn-in?

A little more exhaust burble at mid-to-high throttle.

Firmer brake pedal. The current setup tries to tune braking level to how fast (not how hard) you press the pedal; I'd rather a consistent and strong brake reaction to pedal input.

mike c.

 

[scottdk]

completely eliminate the suspension components. I want want to feel the road

 

[Dimitry]

GDI, turbo/super, bore the tau to 5.0 or higher, dual clutch tranny with paddle shifters, 50-55k and you have a nice amg m -v killer

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[Sal Collaziano]

NO love here, stiffer suspension NOOOOOOOOOOOO thanks.

An R-Spec version would not be intended for people who appreciate soft suspensions. There's a place for a car that rides like a Town Car and a place for a car that rides like a Corvette.. It's obvious which demographic an R-Spec Genesis Sedan is intended for...

I agree. No stiffer suspension or at least fix the ones on the 09 Genesis first.

The stiffer suspension would be an option. Personally, at this point in my life, I'd take the stiffer suspension. For the last ten years or so, I've enjoyed luxury cars with luxurious rides - however, I'm currently enjoying the exact opposite - true luxury sport sedans. So I'm who Hyundai would be trying to interest with an R-Spec version of the Genesis.

Like many first year vehicles, the Genesis wasn't absolutely perfect. My personal opinion is that they made the suspension too stiff - but there was a reason for this (again, my opinion) - to impress the automotive media. Had they not done this, very few of you would be driving a Genesis. Life is about give and take. Any softer and the automotive media would have compared the Genesis to a Buick - and you KNOW where that would have went.

Hyundai is not going to recall every Genesis and replace the suspension. This is why many people opt to buy a "new" vehicle after it's in it's second year. When you want to be the first guy on the block with the new car, you sometimes pay a price...

Let's move on...

 

[motorsportsauthority]

Wow, would that be great! Only things I wanted was paddle shifters, quickers shifts, and a stiffer suspension. This thing would be perfect. But I'm sure like the coupe, I'll have to lose some luxuries. Which I could definitely let go of some speakers.

 

[Disaster]

paddle shifter
performance shift program
low pressure turbo (for low rpm torque boost)
multi-setting suspension (current settings is standard, then stiffer for sport)
active anti roll bar.....

bring it in for 10k over current (about 52k) ,

...real stick-shift tranny which I'd much prefer.

Firmer steering with more slope on the force-vs-wheel-angle curve. The current setup is too flat on the force gradient, I find myself oscillating the steering wheel during sweeping turns.

Maybe lower profile tires on a larger diameter rim for extra turn-in?

A little more exhaust burble at mid-to-high throttle.

GDI, turbo/super, bore the tau to 5.0 or higher, dual clutch tranny with paddle shifters, 50-55k and you have a nice amg m -v killer

For 10K premium I agree with all these.

Mostly it is the shocks that need to be stiffened. I suspect the springs are pretty close....though an inch of lowering might be nice.

For the rubber go with at least 19" and 255 wide. Keep the front and rear the same width.

Instead of a turbo, consider a supercharger...or maybe they can get enough out of the normally aspirated engine with some cam tweaking. Cracking 400hp is key. Closer to 500hp would be killer.

Ability to turn off the ESC's granny mode.

Bright red Brembos front and rear.

Performance exhaust with more throaty sound.

Maybe a special paint...or blackout treatment.

 

[huksa]

I'd like a good old manual 6 speed.
And a supercharger.

 

[ratnerwa]

The SEMA engine which had 460HP and got 18/27 mileage, stiffen the suspension, paddle shifters and a price below $60K I would buy instantly. At the moment I'm driving a G8 GXP, 6M, but I miss the luxury feel I had with my previous S4.

 

[wallymn]

The SEMA engine which had 460HP and got 18/27 mileage, stiffen the suspension, paddle shifters and a price below $60K I would buy instantly. At the moment I'm driving a G8 GXP, 6M, but I miss the luxury feel I had with my previous S4.

how is it such an engine never saw the light of day....

 

[ratnerwa]

I'm still holding out hope, hopefully this thread is not giving me false hope.

Based on what I read there was a working version shown @ the Chicago Auto show last year, so clearly it is possible.

 

[boriquapapi08]

That would be great. Me, I say a dual clutch, paddle shift transmission. A bit stiffer suspension, lower gear ratio, supercharger (to be able to compete with the twin turbo SHO or supercharged CTS-V, and give it the option of AWD.

 

[Vince2]

A bit stiffer suspension....just replace the shocks with steel rods! That's the only way this car could be stiffer. Really boriq~ your just saying that to draw attention.

 

[Mark_888]

That would be great. Me, I say a dual clutch, paddle shift transmission. A bit stiffer suspension, lower gear ratio, supercharger (to be able to compete with the twin turbo SHO or supercharged CTS-V, and give it the option of AWD.

The specs for all 2012 versions of the Genesis, including the new R-Spec version, is now on the Hyundai website.