Impressions of 2013 Genesis R-Spec sedan

[SCWells72]

Hello, all. I'm currently the owner of a 2010 Infiniti G37S 6MT and have previously owned a B6 Audi S4 6MT and a Lexus GS430 L-Tuned. I enjoy fast, comfortable sedans! In general I strongly prefer manual transmissions, hence the S4 and G37S as the most recent on my list, but I really loved my GS430 as well. They're just different types of cars.

I've been curious about the Genesis R-Spec since first reading about it. Many of the reviews I've read about the 2012 contain two pretty consistent criticisms, ride harshness and a slow-to-shift transmission. It seems like the little I can find on the 2013 seems to say that the suspension is improved quite a bit but the transmission is still not great. The main point of reference I'd have is my GS430 where the transmission had a lag when taking off from the line that could only really be addressed with an aftermarket torque converter, but otherwise it did a great job of finding the right gear for the right situation.

The R-Spec is a REALLY nice looking car to me, and the content that you get for the $$ is fantastic! I'm starting to flirt with the idea of seeing what kind of trade-in deal I might get on a 2013, but I thought I'd solicit some real-world impressions here first.

I'm not looking for a full review of the car as I imagine that's been covered pretty well. I'm just looking for impressions from folks who have owned more dedicated sport sedans in the past, particularly with a relatively high horsepower (300+HP) V8, to see how the R-Spec feels in practice relative to those, both power and handling. Ideally I'd get impressions of the 2013 since that'd be my primary focus, but please post your thoughts about either year!

Thanks much for any insights you can provide!

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Here's my first review on my 2012. I did a couple more, but this might give you some insight.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=9398&highlight=Review

I'd also search member "Russimo" for his reviews, which are far more extensive than mine.

 

[Potty_Pants]

Honestly you wont like it.

Take it for an extended test drive. Test the 0-60 and experience the nannies.

Take it out and perform an full throttle. pass. You will find hesistation.

If you can live with the above everything else is good. Sound deadening, quality stereo, decent ride etc


I came from a stick and unfortunately this isnt even close.

All that being said the 8spd does get 25 highway mpg.

Just need to know what you want in a car

Ppp

 

[PMCErnie]

OP, you merely need a test drive, or two, to answer your two questions. Be sure your second test drive is a 3.8 V-6 model. The extra .5 seconds 0 to 60 is not really so important.

 

[427435]

There's no hesitation from a standing stop unless you have the nanny on and you spin the tires. Turn the nanny off, and it goes. However, if you break torque it some before going, you are going to be smoking the tires. If you then get squirrelly, the nanny will still kick in. A little practice, and you can get rolling quickly.

As for kick-downs, it is an 8 speed tranny. If you want it to go from 8th to 5th or 4th, there is a bit of a lag.

 

[JasTheAce]

It certainly doesn't handle as well, or have as much torque off the line as my Pontiac G8 did, but it's certainly quicker once you get rolling. I haven't had any issues with hesitation yet, or a lack of power off the line in about 3000 miles.

It definately isn't as pinned in corners, but that could be the all season rubber vs summer performance I was on before.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

The summer tires make a big difference in the handling. I too came from a G8 and can say the R Spec with summer tires handles as well for a big car. I've since replaced the bridgestones S04 tires with Conti DW and they seem to handle a bit better.

Power wise, it pulls hard for a big sedan. Hell, it pulls hard for just about any size car. people have posted a 4.7 0-60 which is no slouch.

The lag in down shifting is there. But as stated, going from 8th to 5th will take a bit. But you get used to it.

Size wise, the interior is one of the biggest around, even though it dosen't look like it. Compared to my G8, the G8 was a bit larger on the out side but smaller on the inside and trunk. There's more leg room in the back seat. However, the G8 had one of the most comfortable seats I've been in. The Genney's not bad but could use a little improvement.

 

[SCWells72]

Thanks for all the replies! EXBMWGUY, your review was very helpful, especially the comparisons to the 5-series. Each time I've moved from one car to another, I've included the 5-series in my bake-off, and while I've always loved the way they look outside and drive, I've never been a fan of the stark BMW interiors or the frequent maintenance, at least based on our experience with my wife's Z3 (multiple transmission failures, multiple driver's side seat cover replacements, etc.).

I think I might head over to the dealer today during lunch and try to get in a test drive. In the past when I've had a hard time getting a car out of my head, a test drive has either completely dismissed it (therefore saving me some serious brain cycles!) or strengthened my consideration to the point of taking more serious next steps, so that's definitely the next thing to do.

One other thing to mention is that for a little over two years I've been struggling with lower back issues...three herniated discs including L4/L5 which pinches my sciatic nerve when it's inflamed and lights up my entire left side. Of course, that means that my clutch leg isn't working all that well. Adding insult to injury, my workplace recently relocated into downtown which means I'm fighting traffic in and out on a daily basis. Put the two together, and a more comfortable, lower effort commuter ride sounds pretty appealing! Of course, all other things being equal, I strongly prefer a manual, but unfortunately right now all things are not currently equal...

I'll post my impressions if/when I do drive the car. Thanks again and please feel free to provide additional insights if you have them!!!

Oh, one more question...has anyone tried to put a mountain bike into the trunk of this car with the front wheel removed? I was able to do so in my S4 with the rear seats folded down but not in my G37S, so I've added a bike rack hitch to the G37S. I could do the same on the Genesis, but if I can fit my bike in the trunk easily without having to add a hitch, that's preferable. I'd just get the hard trunk mat and use that when I take the bike out to the trails.

 

[SCWells72]

Okay, I just test drove a 2013 R-Spec. I REALLY liked the car!!! Based on what I've read, I went in expecting harsh-but-still-waffling suspension, light steering, and a sluggish transmission, and I experienced none of that. Yes, the car had a little body roll during aggressive turns, but it's a BIG car, so that's expected. The steering feel was great IMO. Not as heavy or communicative as my G37S, but that's obviously a different car. The transmission seemed to shift very quickly in all but one case where I could tell it was probably dropping 3-4 gears, but otherwise it was super-smooth. As others have stated, the power wasn't 100% immediate, but it builds SO quickly and SO strongly, I have zero complaints there.

The next step is to talk to my wife. She has zero interest in going on test drives with me anymore after a few that made her quite nauseous, but obviously any change like this deserves an approval cycle!

I'll keep you posted, but I'm really impressed with the car! Thanks again for the insights you guys have provided!

 

[JasTheAce]

I put a 39" TV new in box in the trunk with room to spare, if that helps any.

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[EXBMWGUY]

Okay, I just test drove a 2013 R-Spec. I REALLY liked the car!!! Based on what I've read, I went in expecting harsh but still waffling suspension, light steering, and a sluggish transmission, and I experienced none of that. Yes, the car had a little body roll during aggressive turns, but it's a BIG car, so that's expected. The steering feel was great IMO. Not as heavy or communicative as my G37S, but that's obviously a different car. The transmission seemed to shift very quickly in all but one case where I could tell it was probably dropping 3-4 gears, but otherwise it was super-smooth. As others have stated, the power wasn't 100% immediate, but it builds SO quickly and SO strongly, I have zero complaints there.

The next step is to talk to my wife. She has zero interest in going on test drives with me anymore after a few that made her quite nauseous, but obviously any change like this deserves an approval cycle!

I'll keep you posted, but I'm really impressed with the car! Thanks again for the insights you guys have provided!

Cool!

 

[EXBMWGUY]

SCWells72, you may or may not choose to share this with your wife.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showpost.php?p=87957&postcount=15

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

 

[landtuna]

I put a 27" bicycle in my Avalon trunk (front wheel detached) once and the Genny trunk is a bit larger than the Avalon so it should fit.

 

[SCWells72]

Talked to the wife and, as expected, no objections whatsoever. Now I just need to mull over it a little more...maybe even go drive it one more time now that I've had a little time to chew on initial impressions (all of which remain positive). I'll post next steps here once they happen.

 

[SCWells72]

Oh, one more question...I saw another thread where earlier model years were having trouble pairing the Samsung Galaxy S4 to Bluetooth hands-free link. Is that issue resolved in more recent model years or is it still an issue?

 

[Vince2]

The S4 pairing seems "hit or miss". I got my S4 after I had the NAV upgraded to the latest version (V5) and I don't have any issues with pairing or function of my S4 in my 2012 3.8 Tech.

 

[JasTheAce]

The 2013 has a newer head unit and should have no issues

 

[SCWells72]

Thanks again! So now comes the big question... I have quotes from two Austin area dealers that are ~$40.8K. Ron Carter Hyundai/Cadillac in Houston has given me a price of ~$37.8K. That's obviously a $3K difference which is non-negligible, but I'm getting a weird vibe from that dealership, plus getting over there and back with my trade-in would pretty much eat a full day (~3 hours each way plus however long it takes to complete the transaction). If I knew things would go like clockwork, that would be fine, but I'm getting this feeling that I'm going to get over there and find that things have changed and then I've just burned a full day for nothing.

I've found two threads on this forum where folks seem to have had a good experience with that dealer, so that's encouraging, but I wanted to see if any of you guys had anything solid to share.

Thanks yet again!

 

[Vince2]

Good luck SC. Welcome to the club.