R-Spec version of Genesis Sedan

[Mark_888]

A bit stiffer suspension....just replace the shocks with steel rods! That's the only way this car could be stiffer. Really boriq~ your just saying that to draw attention.

When Hyundai made improvements to the 2009 Genesis suspension on their 2010 model, they softened the springs and beefed up the shocks, and beefed up rear stabilizer. The 2009 springs were over-powering the shocks and the ride was very jittery, and sometimes out of control.

Expect Hyundai to loosen up the springs some more on 2012 model, with possibly better shocks. They already announced that the 2012 rear stabilizer is slightly larger diameter from 2010/2011 on V6 (I believe V8 already had larger stabilizer).

 

[Vince2]

Mark why did Hyundai increase the size of the rear stabilizer for the V6? I know the generic answer for increasing the bar size but I can't recall a single post where someone complained that the Genesis leaned too much while cornering. I just re read this thread and one poster (Disaster who, unfortunately for us, no longer posts) suggested that our shocks weren't stiff enough. If what he means by this is that the springs overpower the shocks and the undampened road dynamics come through unchecked then he's probably making a solid point...the firmness is not so much what displeases but the car's reaction to anything but smooth road. I drove a friends BMW recently (late model, really fancy coupe, I can't remember the model) and it had the same firmness as our car but when I drove over bumps, covers, lane markers and what not none of ther harshness was present. The Beamer absorbed the surface changes extremelly well...

 

[tonygxp]

Mark why did Hyundai increase the size of the rear stabilizer for the V6? I know the generic answer for increasing the bar size but I can't recall a single post where someone complained that the Genesis leaned too much while cornering. I just re read this thread and one poster (Disaster who, unfortunately for us, no longer posts) suggested that our shocks weren't stiff enough. If what he means by this is that the springs overpower the shocks and the undampened road dynamics come through unchecked then he's probably making a solid point...the firmness is not so much what displeases but the car's reaction to anything but smooth road. I drove a friends BMW recently (late model, really fancy coupe, I can't remember the model) and it had the same firmness as our car but when I drove over bumps, covers, lane markers and what not none of ther harshness was present. The Beamer absorbed the surface changes extremelly well...

that would be "Bimmer" lol ask your friend how much he paid for that fancy BMW. remember how long BMW has been in business, don't believe the hype, it is a big plus, but you're paying for it. just like a benz, they ride amazing (imo) but it isnt worth the extra tens of thousands for one.

 

[Mark_888]

Mark why did Hyundai increase the size of the rear stabilizer for the V6? I know the generic answer for increasing the bar size but I can't recall a single post where someone complained that the Genesis leaned too much while cornering. I just re read this thread and one poster (Disaster who, unfortunately for us, no longer posts) suggested that our shocks weren't stiff enough. If what he means by this is that the springs overpower the shocks and the undampened road dynamics come through unchecked then he's probably making a solid point...the firmness is not so much what displeases but the car's reaction to anything but smooth road. I drove a friends BMW recently (late model, really fancy coupe, I can't remember the model) and it had the same firmness as our car but when I drove over bumps, covers, lane markers and what not none of ther harshness was present. The Beamer absorbed the surface changes extremelly well...

I am not a suspension expert, but I assume the rear stabilizer was increased in diameter for both V6 and V8 (confirmed by several people who swapped out 2009 parts with 2010 parts) to compensate for the softer springs. After I upgraded my 2009 suspension to 2010 specs, I noticed the car cornered and braked noticeably flatter. The 2009 suspension was not just harsh, it tended to be jittery even at slow speeds, and get out control on really rough roads. The 2012 rear stabilizer has been increased on the V6 by one more millimeter (V8 was already larger), presumably for the same reason (softer springs).

Regarding the BMW, I realize that it is at least as firm as the Genesis, but handles bumps, etc, better than the Genesis (a point that I have made several dozen times over the last 2 1/2 years). As to why Hyundai can't just do what BMW does, I don't know if it is a matter of cost, or a matter of expertise (probably both). I guess we may find out more when people have a chance to test drive the 2012 Genesis, which Hyundai claims has a more comfortable ride.

One interesting thing that some of you relative newbies may not realize, is that the North American Genesis suspension is designed and tuned at the their test and design center in Southern California, not in Korea. The Korean models have either an adjustable air suspension, or a traditional spring/shock suspension that is much softer than the North American spring/shock configuration. Much of the hard core North American auto press has definite bias towards very firm suspensions, even if they would not buy one that firm for themselves (especially if they were married). But with the new R-Spec Genesis in 2012, maybe Hyundai will no longer be under pressure to have such a firm suspension on their mainstream Genesis models.