Early 2012 R-Spec reviews

[037]

Hope ya dont mind, but I got your car pics as my screen saver....

please enjoy!

let me know if you want more, I am going to tint the car this weekend. 45% esc Huper Optik.

 

[Rey]

Just a few comments on the Genesis' suspension. Examine it for yourself, and I think you will conclude that the chassis sits quire low already. Note, how the wheels fill the wheel wells. This is usually a result with a lowered car using after market springs. Note, there are few options for even lower aftermarket springs. Eibach does not produce springs and H&R springs are still under development.
If Hyundai wants a softer more-Buick (traditional) ride, then it will need to increase ride height with taller springs. I am not sure the suspension geometry will allow this. Space is severely limited.
The Genesis is due for a major body change, perhaps in 2013. Even then I predict that the Genesis' ride will be at least "firm" and even more BMW-like.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/car...yundai-genesis-sedan-test-drive?click=pm_news


The Bottom Line: It seems that during the economic downturn, buyers in the near-luxury segment have been more willing to give up owning a prestige brand than to accept a smaller or less powerful car. That's helped Hyundai's near-luxury car break in: Genesis sales are up 33 percent between 2010 and 2011. Adding power and technology while improving fuel efficiency for 2012, Hyundai still wields a huge price advantage when compared with those prestige brands; the Genesis 3.8 liter is $12,000 less than an Infiniti M37, and the R-Spec is more than $17,000 cheaper than a less powerful BMW 550i. Genesis has been gaining market share for 23 consecutive months, but with two significant engineering upgrades (not mere facelifts) in 2010 and 2012 on a car introduced only in 2009, it's clear Hyundai is not content to rest on its laurels.



Read more: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Test Drive - Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review - Popular Mechanics

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

More from above:


Tech Tidbit: The 8-speed transmission that Hyundai developed in-house carries 130 patented technologies, including direct-control solenoid valves. These yield smoother shifts with a 40 percent reduction in pressure variations compared with previous hydraulic control systems, and they replace the functions formerly served by various body control valves. The transmission can skip shifts as the electronics deem necessary, has an enhanced torque converter lock-up strategy and employs Shiftronic to let the driver shift manually. And each car in the line has its own specially tweaked transmission, with gear ratios tailored to each engine's power delivery characteristics.



Read more: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Test Drive - Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review - Popular Mechanics

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

One more:


Driving Character: The R-Spec we sampled over two-lane roads and interstate highways outside Las Vegas (including the Valley of Fire) was a real rocket, reminding us of German autobahn cruisers with its abundant power and extra-long overdrive, which lets it lope quietly across the countryside. With more than 300 lb-ft of torque on tap beginning at 1500 rpm and a maximum curb weight under 4200 lbs, the Genesis doesn't really need 8 speeds—it gets up and runs in any gear. The R-Spec also gets sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and shocks as well as a larger hollow-tube antiroll bar. The steering and transmission are tuned for crisper response. In truth, even the uprated 3.8-liter V6 (which we also sampled on the same drive) has ample power, and the added cogs in the transmission improve fuel economy without compromising performance.



Read more: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Test Drive - Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review - Popular Mechanics

 

[Mark_888]

...but with two significant engineering upgrades (not mere facelifts) in 2010 and 2012

Significant engineering upgrades (not mere facelifts) in 2010? What is that about?

 

[NYSpur]

You would never have guessed this stat from the prevalence of V-8 posters on this board!


"Product planner Ricky Lao says that the previous 4.6-liter Tau V8 continues in the Hyundai sedans, though it has previously accounted for only 20 percent of sales, and the new R-Spec version with GDI will cut into that further.



Read more: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Test Drive - Hyundai Genesis Sedan Review - Popular Mechanics

 

[Glashub]

Significant engineering upgrades (not mere facelifts) in 2010? What is that about?

Well, Mark, I think the 8 spd is a pretty significant introduction for 3 yr. old car. The hp uptick is pretty significant too imo. Acura went through 1 cycle and a 1/2 (3G to 4G to MMC) before introducing a 6spd.

 

[Mark_888]

Well, Mark, I think the 8 spd is a pretty significant introduction for 3 yr. old car. The hp uptick is pretty significant too imo. Acura went through 1 cycle and a 1/2 (3G to 4G to MMC) before introducing a 6spd.

8-speed was introduced for 2012 model year. I was asking what "Significant engineering upgrades" where made in 2010 as claimed by reviewer.

 

[Glashub]

8-speed was introduced for 2012 model year. I was asking what "Significant engineering upgrades" where made in 2010 as claimed by reviewer.

Ah yeah, I missed that.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[acoga]

Another review:

http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/Preview+2012+Hyundai+Genesis/5031159/story.html

Note that this is a Canadian market review. They get only the V6 and the R-Spec. The normal 4.6 V8 has been discontinued there.

 

[YEH]

"Product planner Ricky Lao says that the previous 4.6-liter Tau V8 continues in the Hyundai sedans, though it has previously accounted for only 20 percent of sales, and the new R-Spec version with GDI will cut into that further.

Either that figure is off or V8 Genesis sales have tanked (due to the hike in the price of gas).

Krafcik stated a while back that V8 sales comprised of 45% of Genesis sedan sales, and sometime later, Inside Line had a chart comparing the take rate of V8s for the Genesis, the 5 Series, E Class, etc. w/ the Genesis V8 take rate at 40% while all the other were around 10% or lower.

I am sure the R-Spec suspension is better than 2009, maybe even less firm than 2011 (but I don’t know and don’t personally care). It is hard to really know anything for sure based on the reviews because most (not all) of the reviewers are low-paid or non-paid "enthusiasts" who are out looking for a joy ride. The nature of journalism has been drastically changed by the Internet. Just look at the number of people who do reviews on YouTube.

How many people still pay for subscriptions to car mags?

Are we resorting to demeaning people who work for auto publications?

And why pay for subcriptions when they are eventually made available online (if they aren't at the start).

This seems to put a kabash on the issue.

The Spec R gets low-profile 19-inch sport radials, larger hollow-beam stabilizer bars and shocks with a whopping 25% increase in damping stiffness. What was once a moderately sporting sedan is now plenty capable of running with the Teutonic crowd, if not quite in badge recognition then at least on performance down a twisty road.

Also, while auto reviewers may prefer a car that is a more nimble driver, they absolutely hate cars w/ harsh rides over rough pavement, etc.

 

[acoga]

The reason to discount reviews of the 2012 suspension isn't due to the quality or skills of the automotive journalists. This entire first wave of reviews comes from a single press event held in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. The roads there were pretty smooth, as mentioned by several reviewers.

Once they get cars delivered to their test fleets back on their home turf we'll get a much more detailed picture of the suspension changes.

 

[Mark_888]

Either that figure is off or V8 Genesis sales have tanked (due to the hike in the price of gas).

Krafcik stated a while back that V8 sales comprised of 45% of Genesis sedan sales, and sometime later, Inside Line had a chart comparing the take rate of V8s for the Genesis, the 5 Series, E Class, etc. w/ the Genesis V8 take rate at 40% while all the other were around 10% or lower.

For the 2009 model year, Hyundai predicted 20% of Genesis sales would be the V8. This can be verified by viewing the Car and Driver video review of the Genesis where Krafcik is quoted as saying exactly that. So that may be were the 20% is coming from.

Obviously, demand for the V8 rose after the initial release of the Genesis, and Hyundai had to adjust their supply mix. I am not sure what Hyundai is predicting for 2012. It may be that because of the following, they predict V8 sales declining somewhat (but I don’t have any independent knowledge of that myself):

1) V6 GDI gets big HP increase to 333,
2) V6 GDI get 2 MPG better hi-way mileage than 2011 V6
3) Gas prices have gone up in the last 6 months.
4) “Almost” all options previously only available on V8, are now available on V6 Tech Package.

Are we resorting to demeaning people who work for auto publications?

And why pay for subcriptions when they are eventually made available online (if they aren't at the start).

I am not demeaning bloggers who review cars for free. But I would not expect the same level of professionalism as the more highly paid journalists that existed years ago when auto magazines were financially sound. Auto magazines are barely surviving these days (like all magazines) and can’t afford to offend any potential advertisers for the reason you stated--why should readers pay for something that is free.

 

[Mark_888]

This seems to put a kabash on the issue.

The Spec R gets low-profile 19-inch sport radials, larger hollow-beam stabilizer bars and shocks with a whopping 25% increase in damping stiffness. What was once a moderately sporting sedan is now plenty capable of running with the Teutonic crowd, if not quite in badge recognition then at least on performance down a twisty road.

One slight problem is that we don't know if the reviewer ever drove the 2011 V8. So we don't know if the 25% is compared to the more "comfortable" 2012 damping, or the 2011 damping.

Also, while auto reviewers may prefer a car that is a more nimble driver, they absolutely hate cars w/ harsh rides over rough pavement, etc.

As noted by Acoga, the Las Vegas event was run on smooth roads, although I did read one reviewer who said that the 2012 Genesis Sedan R-Spec was "unnecessarily harsh."

 

[Gurkha]

Another review:

http://www.nationalpost.com/cars/Preview+2012+Hyundai+Genesis/5031159/story.html

Note that this is a Canadian market review. They get only the V6 and the R-Spec. The normal 4.6 V8 has been discontinued there.

Yeah and only a matter of time before it's gone from the US as well!

 

[acoga]

As noted by Acoga, the Las Vegas event was run on smooth roads, although I did read one reviewer who said that the 2012 Genesis Sedan R-Spec was "unnecessarily harsh."

Just to add another data point, the reviewer in this video was of the opinion that the added sportiness of ride wasn't worth the increased harshness.

 

[tompass]

25% improvement in ride can easily come from change of stock Dunlops on '11.

 

[amdmaxx]

many did.. Autoblog was one of them..
They preferred v6 as a great value option with good pickup and ride.

One slight problem is that we don't know if the reviewer ever drove the 2011 V8. So we don't know if the 25% is compared to the more "comfortable" 2012 damping, or the 2011 damping.


As noted by Acoga, the Las Vegas event was run on smooth roads, although I did read one reviewer who said that the 2012 Genesis Sedan R-Spec was "unnecessarily harsh."

 

[Mark_888]

25% improvement in ride can easily come from change of stock Dunlops on '11.

Hyundai specifically claimed that they changed the suspension for 2012. Also, I believe that the base Genesis with 17" tires still has Dunlops (not 100% sure).