Just Got A 2012 3.8 Tech Black On Black

[YEH]

Here's Cars.com's comparison of the 5.0 to the 3.8.

Typically when an automaker goes through the trouble of coming up with a performance name like "R-Spec," the car itself is aggressively tuned, the ride quality suffers, and comfort is sacrificed for pure performance. One look at the 19-inch wheels wrapped in run-flat tires, and I thought I was in for a rough ride.

The second I turned out of the parking lot, the Genesis felt … sedate, like I was riding in a posh luxury car such as a Lexus LS 460 or even a Mercedes S-Class. Indeed, the R-Spec is much more of a grand tourer than a sports sedan.

The power comes on in a silky-smooth delivery, no doubt enhanced by the new eight-speed automatic transmission. There is no severe revving to launch you from the line. That smoothness matched to the eerie Lexus-quiet cabin and pillowy ride makes the R-Spec deceiving. It doesn't seem like you've gotten to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds, but you're there faster than you thought, and by your second thought, you're at 80 mph.

If I had to travel hundreds of miles in a straight line, the R-Spec would be a great choice. Even on twisty roads through the Nevada desert, the R-Spec handled well with lots of grip, but it was a bit hard to judge your speed going into corners, which made some sweeps a bit wider than I wanted.

Then I stepped into the Genesis 3.8. Aside from the wheels, the cars look nearly identical inside and out, but there is a world of difference from the driver's seat.

The difference in power isn't the most significant drop in driving pleasure. Whereas the R-Spec was deathly silent, the V-6's smaller wheels and tires led to much more noise and vibration. If I had taken the V-6 out first, it probably wouldn't have distracted me much, but the difference was stark.

The suspension was also less tuned in. Over road undulations, the 3.8 had a floatier ride.

Traveling at 70 mph and higher on the highway was still a pleasant affair. Unless you crave power, the V-6 has enough — more than most cars in this segment, in fact.

But my co-pilot and I both preferred the R-Spec. To the tune of an additional $12,300? I'm not so sure.

http://www.cars.com/hyundai/genesis/2012/expert-reviews/

While there have been a couple of reviews which have found the 5.0's ride not quite as sedate as the 3.8/4.6's, there have also been a couple of reviews which preferred the suspension setting of the 5.0 over the non-R-spec trims.

Seems like more time test-driving is in order for potential buyers.

 

[Mark_888]

Here's Cars.com's comparison of the 5.0 to the 3.8.



http://www.cars.com/hyundai/genesis/2012/expert-reviews/

While there have been a couple of reviews which have found the 5.0's ride not quite as sedate as the 3.8/4.6's, there have also been a couple of reviews which preferred the suspension setting of the 5.0 over the non-R-spec trims.

Seems like more time test-driving is in order for potential buyers.

Almost everyone in the hardcore automotive press prefers a much stiffer ride than the cars that most people prefer or purchase. These type of people are bored driving cars that have a nice ride, they crave test driving sports cars. Whether they (and their families, if they have one) would actually be happy driving such a car all the time is a different question. So I would never take their word on this issue.

Also, one of the reviewers said the "controlled" test drives were only on smooth roads, so that is another issue to be wary of.

 

[amdmaxx]

autoblog podcast 235 also liked v6 and said R spec suspension was too rough.. They loved v6 though..

 

[Slider]

I was at my dealership yesterday to pick up my license plates and talked to my sales guy. Not only are there no 2012s yet, but the lot was damn near cleaned out!

They've been selling the inventory like crazy. I suppose the next year is looming large. I may drive the 2012 4.6 to see how the suspension and ride is different.

My position is that if they firm it up a bit (more akin to German handling), this car is a giant killer.

 

[Vince2]

Go drive the cars for yourself. If you had an issue with the previous suspension please test drive the 2012...I will bet precious parts of my body that these suspension threads (if the '12 were the intial suspension on the Genesis) would be non existent.

 

[YEH]

Almost everyone in the hardcore automotive press prefers a much stiffer ride than the cars that most people prefer or purchase. These type of people are bored driving cars that have a nice ride, they crave test driving sports cars. Whether they (and their families, if they have one) would actually be happy driving such a car all the time is a different question. So I would never take their word on this issue.

While true, auto publications like Cars.com tend to take a more "family vehicle" approach than say, Car & Driver.

 

[Stylesdc]

Congrats....

Show pics when you get the time.

I guess this officially counts as the longest response in forum history, but here's a few pics of the new beauty Three weeks in and still no complaint - just a much more refined car then my "09.

 

[NYCGPS]

Great pics man ! Might as well post some interior pics ?

 

[tonygxp]

only interior pic worth posting would be between the gauges as that's the only significant change on the inside (imo).

I love the front of the '12 but the back is now a little too "big"??

btw, congrats Stylesdc, best of luck with it!!

 

[NOLa]

with all the improvements to the 2012s, the Equus makes less and less sense.

As a former Genesis owner, now Equus owner, the Equus is not an upgraded Genesis...it's a different car altogether.

I just had my car in for service and they brought me a Genesis as a loaner...it was a big reminder of how different they are.

NOLa

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[tonygxp]

As a former Genesis owner, now Equus owner, the Equus is not an upgraded Genesis...it's a different car altogether.

I just had my car in for service and they brought me a Genesis as a loaner...it was a big reminder of how different they are.

NOLa

yep. most things typed around here need an (imo) at the end lol..

 

[Mark_888]

As a former Genesis owner, now Equus owner, the Equus is not an upgraded Genesis...it's a different car altogether.

I just had my car in for service and they brought me a Genesis as a loaner...it was a big reminder of how different they are.

NOLa

If you had driven a Korean Genesis with air suspension and compared to an Equus, the difference would not be so clear. In fact, they do share a number of major parts.

 

[Gurkha]

If you had driven a Korean Genesis with air suspension and compared to an Equus, the difference would not be so clear. In fact, they do share a number of major parts.

+1

 

[tonygxp]

i am assuming you guys have? i bet it drives nice. i loved all the vehicles i've owned (Lincolns/Cadillacs and other GM vehicles) that had an autoride (air sprung suspension). the lincoln continentals were the best. was like a cloud but still handled amazingly. repairs were costly though.

 

[YEH]

Not much diff. btwn a 7 and 5er these days either.

 

[NYCGPS]

it always cost an Arm and leg to fix Air Suspension. but it's not "designed" for average joe without deep pockets. so ...

(One shock assembly for an Audi A8L cost 1.5K, don't ask me how I know)