2012 Suspension upgrade

[Alkaizer]

from the press release it says that there will be a suspension upgrade to 2012 hyundai genesis. do you think this will solve the harsh ride and make it softer/smoother?
i really want to get this vehicle, but the uncomfort ride im hearing about makes me rethink. cause in my country the roads are not that great and there is many bumps.
im glad to join this forum family

 

[MHT]

from the press release it says that there will be a suspension upgrade to 2012 hyundai genesis. do you think this will solve the harsh ride and make it softer/smoother?
i really want to get this vehicle, but the uncomfort ride im hearing about makes me rethink. cause in my country the roads are not that great and there is many bumps.
im glad to join this forum family

First of all I would recommend that you test drive a 2010-2011 Genesis for yourself. Drive both the 3.8 17" wheels and 4.6 18" wheels. I drive a 4.6 18" wheels and where as the ride is firm and going over rough pavement is not as soft as some cars with a softer suspension set up, I am ok with the ride and would probably purchase another Genesis even if they do not soften up the suspension. The Genesis to me does not ride a whole lot firmer than the Lexus LS460 that I owned that also rode on 235-50-18V tires that were Grand Touring opposed to Ultra High Performance.
There were some owners of the Lexus LS460 that traded out of the car because they did not like the ride while others found no problem with it. I took the Dunlop's off my Genesis and notice a slight improvement in ride quality. I recently test drove an Equus and to me the difference in the ride alone would not make me purchase an Equus over the Genesis. It is funny because after owning cars like the Lexus LS460 and Genesis 4.6 it is hard for me to drive a car with allot of float,soft steering and no feel for the road.
Forums and Reviews are nice but often times you have to read between the lines and check for motives. Take a test drive and you decide. As far as the 2012 goes I have read were the suspension will be tuned to where you will see a little better ride over rough pavement. The 2012 will see some other changes that may make me think about trading for the 2012 4.6. , the R Spec will be a little to sporty for me.

Good Luck...............

 

[Vince2]

Alkaizer don't buy this car unless Hyundai has made a change in the ride quality. Take an extended test drive in a 2010 or 11 and head for a rough patch (any even slightly uneven surface will do) and you will feel what this very real complaint is about. When asked about the vehicle I tell everyone that the ride is too stiff and borders on uncomfortable. Let's hope that Hyundai has listened and tamed the suspension. A Genesis with a better ride would be close to a perfect car.

 

[MHT]

Alkaizer don't buy this car unless Hyundai has made a change in the ride quality. Take an extended test drive in a 2010 or 11 and head for a rough patch (any even slightly uneven surface will do) and you will feel what this very real complaint is about. When asked about the vehicle I tell everyone that the ride is too stiff and borders on uncomfortable. Let's hope that Hyundai has listened and tamed the suspension. A Genesis with a better ride would be close to a perfect car.

Vince,
Changing the tires to a Grand Touring or Passenger tire with the same or W speed rating does make a notable difference. Hyundai put a Grand Touring Tire on the Equus and may be putting the same on the 2012 Genesis 4.6 and 3.8 with 18" wheels.

 

[tompass]

The Bridgestone Turanza Serinity tires that I installed are W rated grand touring tires and they made an absolute difference particularly when inflated to the recommended 33 psi.

 

[Vince2]

Yes MHT a tire change does make a notable difference (with 8K on the odometer I switched to Michelin MXV4s and the ride is indeed better). Its the response to uneven surfaces whether expansion joints or small pot holes or even lane dividers where the Genesis becomes a buckboard...just give us a choice Hyundai. I'll buy this very day a spring set that is just a bit more compliant. Choice is what I want and I'm waiting for the new 2012 to guide the way...I'll just bet there is a healthy market for a Genesis suspension set up that allows for a more relaxed ride.

 

[Gurkha]

I'll just bet there is a healthy market for a Genesis suspension set up that allows for a more relaxed ride.

+1. I'd like them to have their cake and eat it too: Make all 2012 non R-Spec cars more relaxed and less bouncy. That way both types of buyers may be satisfied or at least there would be a choice in suspension set ups.
But then again, maybe that's what they are going to do!

 

[Jay]

This is what Hyundai is saying: CHASSIS REFINEMENT FOR 2012 3.8 AND 4.6 MODELS

Always seeking to enhance the Genesis driving experience, Hyundai engineers have made further refinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model suspension damping calibrations. These precise adjustments serve to minimize the traditional compromises between handling precision and ride comfort. In addition, body roll control for the 3.8 model is enhanced, with the rear stabilizer bar diameter increasing from 17 mm to 18 mm.

 

[MHT]

+1. I'd like them to have their cake and eat it too: Make all 2012 non R-Spec cars more relaxed and less bouncy. That way both types of buyers may be satisfied or at least there would be a choice in suspension set ups.
But then again, maybe that's what they are going to do!

That is exactly what they are going to do.

 

[tompass]

So a logical question may be are the changes simply calibrations and therefore transferable to a '10 or '11 4.6 or will be it hardware changes?

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Vince2]

tompass that's what I'm hoping for and I bet there is a healthy market for a "bolt in, stock" upgrade. The day I see a website/dealer with a 2012 set up that lessens the harshness of the ride I'll lay down cold, hard cash. This is much cheaper than a new car and I've been close to taking that plunge (at least 8K) for a year!

 

[Mark_888]

So a logical question may be are the changes simply calibrations and therefore transferable to a '10 or '11 4.6 or will be it hardware changes?

You would probably need to replace the springs, shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer (on V6), to get the 2012 suspension. When they talk about changes in "calibration," the parts above may look the same or very similar, but have different internal specifications (and are not field adjustable). This was also true when they changed the "calibration" for the 2010 models (over the early 2009 model suspension).

Whether or not you can simply change the springs, shock/struts, and rear stabilizer (without any other hardware changes) to get 2012 (as was the case for those of us who upgraded our 2009 suspension to 2010 suspension), I don't know that for sure.

If the changed parts are those I listed above, and the new parts are similar to 2010-2011 parts (just different calibrations) you would be looking at about $1100 for parts (at a online Hyundai parts dealer) and $600-$800 installation at an independent shop (includes 4-wheel alignment). Price at your dealer would be much higher.

 

[Mark_888]

tompass that's what I'm hoping for and I bet there is a healthy market for a "bolt in, stock" upgrade. The day I see a website/dealer with a 2012 set up that lessens the harshness of the ride I'll lay down cold, hard cash. This is much cheaper than a new car and I've been close to taking that plunge (at least 8K) for a year!

A similar issue existed for early 2009 owners, which had a much worse suspension than the mid-year 2009 or 2010-2011. Those of us who upgraded our early 2009 suspension to the 2010/2011 specs simply got the new part numbers (springs, shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer that have been published in other threads), ordered the parts (I got mine from an online Hyundai dealer in South Carolina at 20% off list), and got someone locally to install them. I used an independent shop that specialized in suspension work, who have a lot more experience at that sort of thing than dealers, and cost less than 1/2 the price that a dealer would charge.

 

[tompass]

Was there a noticeable improvement in the ride over less than perfect roads? I am really fine with present ride but if there becomes available a not too expensive modification, I may consider it.

 

[Mark_888]

Was there a noticeable improvement in the ride over less than perfect roads? I am really fine with present ride but if there becomes available a not too expensive modification, I may consider it.

I assume you talking to me, but not sure.

For me, upgrading my early-2009 suspension to 2010/2011 specs was worth it. Significant reduction in bounciness, and much better handling (less body roll). Damping/compliance over rough roads improved, but it could not be considered to have a "plush" ride by any measure, as the suspension remains firm/sporty (as I am sure you know since you apparently have 2010 or 2011). Changing tires also helps a lot with the ride comfort, as the OEM Dunlaps were "apparently" chosen for best fuel economy (since they stink at everything else).

From press releases, it definitely sounds like Hyundai has made some changes in 2012 to make the Genesis sedan ride more comfortable, but maintain good handling. If they made similar changes as was done in 2010, then you may be able to just replace the springs, shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer (V6 only), but I don't know if that is all they changed. One other problem is that it may be awhile before you can find out what the new 2012 part numbers are to even order them.

For 2010, the changes were to make the springs softer, the shock/struts firmer, and increase size of rear stabilizer bar. It is difficult to tell the difference between the 2009 vs 2010 parts just by looking at them (except the stabilizer bar and bushing are clearly beefier for 2010 change). As I mentioned, the cost of parts for the 2010 upgrade was about $1100 via a online Hyundai dealer website in South Carolina (including rear stabilizer), and about $600-$800 for installation at independent suspension shop (significantly more at a Hyundai dealer). I actually paid $611 out the door for installation and 4-wheel alignment at an independent shop specializing in suspension work.

 

[tompass]

Thanks for response. Perhaps something to consider but not unhappy with ride given swap of tires to the Bridgestones. Keeping an eye on tire pressure. With hot weather now, I have reduced pressure just a bit and when tires warm up, still reading 38psi.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks for response. Perhaps something to consider but not unhappy with ride given swap of tires to the Bridgestones. Keeping an eye on tire pressure. With hot weather now, I have reduced pressure just a bit and when tires warm up, still reading 38psi.

Since the time when I put new tires on my Genesis (recently), I use cold tire pressure of 33 PSI (measured at about 70 F ambient, first thing before driving the car for the day). I don't recall that my tires ever get to 38 PSI, even after highway driving on a warm day (more like 36 PSI max).

 

[tompass]

Waited until this morning and checked pressure. They were at 34psi so just a tad high.

 

[NYCGPS]

I test drove a used 2009 Genesis with 11000 on odo V6 fully loaded a week ago, a brand new fresh off the boat 2012 V6 with Premium Package just yesterday, and a 2011 V8 loaded model today. I get an idea of what people are talking about now (about the ride quality)

2009 ---- most unstable of all, it's true. I mean I can stand it because I drive sports car all my life and I'm used bumpy roads (NYC BABY!) but yea this is the most unstable of all(for a supposed to be upscale car)

2011 ---- it's an improvement over the 2009, but for some reason the road noise its worst than the 2009 I test drove. It's not "as bumpy" as the 2009 used I test drove. but I can still feel it. Might have something to do with it's "Dunflop" tires, they're good at performance and that's about it.

2012 ---- ok, this is what the Genesis should have been in 2009. It's much more stable compare to the older one. it has some ES350 feel --- NOT as plushy/soft as ES350. but it's getting close. they changed the tires to Energy Saver A/S, that might help something.

Just to give people an idea what to expect (especially the 2012 model) for the ride quality.


(repost from my other thread)

 

[timc1475]

I test drove a used 2009 Genesis with 11000 on odo V6 fully loaded a week ago, a brand new fresh off the boat 2012 V6 with Premium Package just yesterday, and a 2011 V8 loaded model today. I get an idea of what people are talking about now (about the ride quality)

2009 ---- most unstable of all, it's true. I mean I can stand it because I drive sports car all my life and I'm used bumpy roads (NYC BABY!) but yea this is the most unstable of all(for a supposed to be upscale car)

2011 ---- it's an improvement over the 2009, but for some reason the road noise its worst than the 2009 I test drove. It's not "as bumpy" as the 2009 used I test drove. but I can still feel it. Might have something to do with it's "Dunflop" tires, they're good at performance and that's about it.

2012 ---- ok, this is what the Genesis should have been in 2009. It's much more stable compare to the older one. it has some ES350 feel --- NOT as plushy/soft as ES350. but it's getting close. they changed the tires to Energy Saver A/S, that might help something.

Just to give people an idea what to expect (especially the 2012 model) for the ride quality.


(repost from my other thread)

Awesome post, keep it up.