R-Spec suspension

[flyboy2]

To those that have driven the R-Spec and have owned a Genesis in the past for at least 3 months--- Has the suspension been improved when on bumpy roads??

Thanks

 

[timc1475]

To those that have driven the R-Spec and have owned a Genesis in the past for at least 3 months--- Has the suspension been improved when on bumpy roads??

Thanks

Could you be more specific? Are you referring to the 2012's and sedan or coups etc. If you are about the 2012 sedan r-spec 5.0 I test drove it recently and typed up a lengthy review on these forums fyi.

 

[flyboy2]

I have the 2009 sedan and it's very bumpy on country roads. I assume the suspension is the same 2009-2011. Has it changed at all for the 2012 R-Spec? The other reviews said it was bumpy but... as bumpy as the 2009-2011? It seems you don't own the car. I only want to hear from people that have owned this car for a reasonable amount of time.

 

[Mark_888]

I have the 2009 sedan and it's very bumpy on country roads. I assume the suspension is the same 2009-2011. Has it changed at all for the 2012 R-Spec? The other reviews said it was bumpy but... as bumpy as the 2009-2011? It seems you don't own the car. I only want to hear from people that have owned this car for a reasonable amount of time.

Suspension was upgraded for 2010 model (and now again for 2012). The 2009 was noticeably "bumpier" than 2010-2011 models, which is why I upgaded my 2009 suspension (springs, shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer) to 2010 specs, and feel it is an improvement. With the addition of Michelin tires, I am now satisfied with my 2009 ride characteristics (although 2012 non-R-Spec Genesis is even better).

 

[dafadda]

Does anyone know if the new 2012 R Specs suspension has addressed the problems that I read about on here?

 

[flyboy2]

I drove the 2010 and 2009 before buying and the suspension was the same to me so I bought the 09 because I could get a better deal. So I believe the 09 thru 11 is the same suspension no matter what you read. The nearest dealer is an hour away. I'll just get over there and test drive the 2012 for myself.

 

[Mark_888]

I drove the 2010 and 2009 before buying and the suspension was the same to me so I bought the 09 because I could get a better deal. So I believe the 09 thru 11 is the same suspension no matter what you read. The nearest dealer is an hour away. I'll just get over there and test drive the 2012 for myself.

Most of the part numbers for 2009 and 2010 suspension parts are different, as are the parts themselves, so there is a difference. I made the change on my car, and can notice the difference. There are several others who also made the change and posted detailed analysis of the part number differences and their experience with the difference between 2009 and 2010 ride quality.

One caveat is that starting in the mid-2009 model year, they did make some minor changes that were carried over in 2010 (I forgot the details) so that there are really 4 different suspensions (taking into account springs, shocks/struts, and rear stablizer):

• early 2009
• late 2009
• 2010-2011
• 2012

Also, tires can make a big difference, so unless you compare Dunlop OEM tires on all model years, it is harder to compare them accurately. Also, on smooth roads, it is very hard to tell the difference, which only come out on problem roads.

 

[flyboy2]

Thanks Mark,

I do have replacement tires on it and it does help but not as much as I would like. I 'll do more research on the suspension. You are probably right on those serial numbers. With the stock market wavering it might be a good time to steal another Genesis.

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks Mark,

I do have replacement tires on it and it does help but not as much as I would like. I 'll do more research on the suspension. You are probably right on those serial numbers. With the stock market wavering it might be a good time to steal another Genesis.

As soon as the 2012 parts list is posted on the website for on-line Hyundai Parts Dealers, I will try and determine what components (and part numbers) need to be changed to bring a 2009-2011 Genesis sedan suspension up to 2012 specs.

I spent about $1650 to bring my early 2009 V6 suspension up to 2010-2011 specs ($1050 parts and $600 labor at an independent suspension shop). That included all four springs, all four shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer.

 

[Rey]

I had 34K miles on a late 2009 4.6; and now have 20K miles on a 2011 4.6 (build date September 2010). I think the 2011 suspension is more composed than the 2009. It rides a bit better/smoother. But these improvements are just marginal, in my opinion.
I think Hyundai makes many unannounced running changes without changing part numbers. For instance suspension bushings may have changed without new part numbers. Some changes like to sway bars do have different part numbers.
My speculation is that Hyundai wants the Genesis to ride/handle like a BMW. It is not there yet, but seems to be closing the distance with each new model.

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[Mark_888]

I had 34K miles on a late 2009 4.6; and now have 20K miles on a 2011 4.6 (build date September 2010). I think the 2011 suspension is more composed than the 2009. It rides a bit better/smoother. But these improvements are just marginal, in my opinion.

Probably accurate assessment since some mid-year 2009 changes were made. Bigger difference between early 2009 and 2010.

I think Hyundai makes many unannounced running changes without changing part numbers. For instance suspension bushings may have changed without new part numbers. Some changes like to sway bars do have different part numbers.

I believe that is correct also. One of the parts I replaced (I believe rear springs, but don't recall exactly) had the same part number as before, but were softer. But all the other parts I replaced did have different part numbers.

 

[GripperDon]

Suspension was upgraded for 2010 model (and now again for 2012). The 2009 was noticeably "bumpier" than 2010-2011 models, which is why I upgaded my 2009 suspension (springs, shocks/struts, and rear stabilizer) to 2010 specs, and feel it is an improvement. With the addition of Michelin tires, I am now satisfied with my 2009 ride characteristics (although 2012 non-R-Spec Genesis is even better).

What Did you try the Bridgstone Serienities or the Goodyear comfort Treads. What Michilines did you use? I want whatever is the softest/ smoothing riding / least road noise. Thanks

 

[Mark_888]

What Did you try the Bridgstone Serienities or the Goodyear comfort Treads. What Michilines did you use? I want whatever is the softest/ smoothing riding / least road noise. Thanks

I installed the Michelin Primacy MXV4. I have the 17" wheels and these tires don't seem to be available in the size used on Genesis 18" wheels.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Primacy+MXV4

As you can see below, it ranks right up there with the best in its class, including Goodyear ComfortTred and Bridgestone Turanza Serenity.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=GTAS

My 2009 Genesis, with 2010 suspension upgrade, is still a bit firm, but it is much more acceptable than before, especially since the roads where I live tend to be smooth asphalt.

 

[forzza1]

First thing I noticed after I got my R-Spec was overall a better ride then my former. 2011 4.6 liters Tech Package
R-Spec seems to absorb much better the bumps on the road and is smoother on normal roads - my 2 cents

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Don't fully qualify to answer the OP's question because the R-Spec is the first Genesis I've owned and about the fourth one I've driven (09, 10 and 11). Having said that, the R-Spec suspension is full of compromises, but not in a bad way. It's not an "all or nothing" design like many out there. Good balance between comfort and crispness. Very little lean.

 

[kknapp433]

I had a 2009 3.8...Now have a 2012 R-Spec. Ride is much firmer...I feel every bump and road joint through the steering wheel....to the point of holding the wheel very lose because it actually gets uncomfortable. It does corner better but I'm not liking the harsh feedback from every bump.

 

[kknapp433]

The 2009 3.8 and 2012 R-spec are both sedans. I'll look for the post you referenced...I've been doing the same commute for 20 years..Had an Audi, Infiniti M....barely noticed these road joints before...now I get prepared for the road joints and actually let go of the wheel before I go over them. something has to give...

 

[Mark_888]

The 2009 3.8 and 2012 R-spec are both sedans. I'll look for the post you referenced...I've been doing the same commute for 20 years..Had an Audi, Infiniti M....barely noticed these road joints before...now I get prepared for the road joints and actually let go of the wheel before I go over them. something has to give...

Did you test drive a R-Spec vs 2012 4.6?

 

[EXBMWGUY]

I had a 2009 3.8...Now have a 2012 R-Spec. Ride is much firmer...I feel every bump and road joint through the steering wheel....to the point of holding the wheel very lose because it actually gets uncomfortable. It does corner better but I'm not liking the harsh feedback from every bump.

This is very surprising to me. So much so, that it's like we're talking about your R-Spec and mine being two different cars. Ride comfort is very subjective; however, I'm a very happy R-Spec owner and a somewhat overweight 65 year old with a 30-year history of lower back problems who needs to go to the chiropractor after a one-hour ride in a five-year old Camry.

These cars have a firm, reasonably well-controlled suspension, but still there is enough suspension travel and sufficient wheelbase that you shouldn't have these complaints. Seriously, I suggest having your dealer look at your steering, tires and suspension.

 

[Mark_888]

Seriously, I suggest having your dealer look at your steering, tires and suspension.

First thing to look at is tire PSI. They are way over-inflated for shipping to US, and sometimes dealer forgets to deflate them during dealer prep. Owner can check tire PSI without going to dealer.