R Spec vs 2013 GS 350

[EXBMWGUY]

I have been reading car mags since I was about 12 years old and that was a long, LONG time ago. Motor Trend has been dead last on my list of trusted sources and for a variety of reasons. Some of the writing in the two quotes posted illustrate my point.

Set up accordingly, the GS 350 AWD’s autobox fires off gear changes like a sharpshooter at the range. While the crisp exhaust notes created when the transmission blips the throttle on downshifts is almost as tasty as the R-Spec’s V8’s rumble.

R-spec's "rumble"? WHAT rumble? At idle or at speed you cannot hear the engine. The 5.0 is as quiet as the V-6 used in Toyota's Avalon and the GS.

And where the Hyundai wallows in turns, the Lexus remains incredibly stable, able and willing.

Wallows? What R-spec did they drive? Mine is a 2012 is it turns flat as a pancake. No wallow. No lean. Nada.

The only blemish on the Lexus’ resume is its too-light electric steering system, something the Hyundai suffers from as well.

I haven't driven a GS lately but the steering in my R-spec does not "suffer" from anything. If anything, it could be marginally quicker.

Overall, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 AWD is the better sports luxury sedan for the money. And we haven’t even mentioned its all-wheel-drive, a must-have for many Canadians in this segment.

There are plenty of Americans who live in areas where AWD is a benefit but if they feel it is a mandatory requirement then they wouldn't be looking at a RWD car in the first place. This reminds me of a Consumer Reports that did a write up on sports cars and dinged one of them for "being too difficult to get in and out of". Idiots!

That isn’t meant to imply that the R-Spec is now a bona fide luxury sports sedan. Sure, its steering is sharper and more responsive, but it still feels artificial. Any extra cornering or braking grip the Hyundai’s 19-inch rubber (one inch larger than the Lexus) may promise is washed away by its extra weight. And although you give up foul-weather driving traction with the Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive setup, understeer at the limit comes quicker than in the GS 350 AWD.

What is "artificial" steering? Either it steers or it doesn't. Apparently the guy writing this didn't ride in the other test car that had "too light" steering. These guys are going out of their way to find fault and they are not able to agree on concise descriptions. I call baloney!

A great many potential buyers live in areas where ice and snow are not issues. There is no penalty for driving an R-spec here and AWD would actually be a waste of money.

Just as the GS 350 AWD delivers a quiet cabin and luxurious ride, the R-Spec is nearly silent when cruising. There’s little wind noise and nary a peep from the road. But when you want to hustle the Hyundai, its wide and soft driver’s seat offers little support, and although its interior is nearly the match of the Lexus for fit and finish, many of the controls seem like add-ons or afterthoughts.

This paragraph would make my old English teacher turn over in her grave - multiple subjects unconnected.

The R-spec is indeed quiet with even less road noise than my previous ultra-quiet Avalon. No vibration. No squeaks. No rattles.

I've never considered the GS a sports sedan and I doubt its driver seats are anything close to a Recaro. You want to hurl either of these cars around the track you would be wise to replace the drivers seat with something made for the purpose. Myself, I would hate to have to wrench myself in and out of a more enveloping seat every time I take the car somewhere. As it is, the seat is comfortable and offers enough support for daily driving off the track. I see no shortcoming here. Cheap shot city.

Nice of the author to throw the R-spec a bone with its comparison to the Lexus fit and finish but I would put the R-spec's fit and finish up against any other car in its class. You could argue endlessly about the design and placement of the dash and controls but I see nothing about the interior that looks like an "add-on". Could there be improvements? Yes. The seat heater controls in the rear could be re-located to a position less likely to be turned on accidentally and the dash buttons could be white-lit instead of the more difficult to see blue back light. But these are refinements, not shortcomings.

Luxurious, the Hyundai is. But sporty? Meh, not so much.

Motor Trend still operates at its usual low level of expertise (tied, I'm sure, to advertising buys). Thanks, but if I want to read total fantasy I'll pick up a copy of the National Inquirer next time I pass through the checkout line.

Agree with everything here - except, well . . . the clock in my R-Spec was snatched from a Toys for Tots bin. But it's more accurate than most Rolex watches!

 

[427435]

I understand that AWD is the current rage and must-have-thing so nobody can one up you.

To me, and I live and drive in Minnesota year around, AWD is just more cost, more things to fail, and lower mpg. I haven't been in deep snow yet, but I have driven a couple of hours in light snow and sleet. The R-spec with its Continental tires handled things fine.

 

[Cut-Throat]

I understand that AWD is the current rage and must-have-thing so nobody can one up you.

To me, and I live and drive in Minnesota year around, AWD is just more cost, more things to fail, and lower mpg. I haven't been in deep snow yet, but I have driven a couple of hours in light snow and sleet. The R-spec with its Continental tires handled things fine.

I'm with you on this!.......I liked my RWD 99 GS300, when I got my AWD GS350, yeah it could go in snow, but the other 350 days a year, it wasn't driving as nice as my RWD Car....

AWD on the Genesis will be a mistake.

 

[YEH]

I don't know why people are so worked up over AWD in the 2G Genesis; it will be an option, not standard.

And yes, RWD + snow tires is better than AWD + all-season, but the market in the snow-belt calls for AWD-equipped RWD sedans.

 

[RickyBobby]

The new GS has been hailed best in class and sportiest in class in many reviews. Clearly the R-spec will out-gun it with its fantastic V-8. The GS F-sport is a really incredible drive and has an optional rear steer that turns the rear wheels in the direction of the vehicle.

Also note how quickly the aftermarket has responded to the GS as its an enthusiasts car.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/26/2013-lexus-gs-350-f-sport-review/

After a week in the driver's seat, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport left us very impressed – so much so that we're now wondering if this particular enthusiast-tuned GS is a better sport sedan than the benchmark BMW 535i. Those are strong considerations, but the third-generation Japanese contender delivers quicker acceleration, more grip and a much more engaging driving experience. The BMW 5 Series is a fine automobile, but it appears that Lexus has finally managed to raise the all-important sport sedan bar just a bit higher.

 

[yosafbridge]

The R spec has 100hp over the GS350 F-Sport yet is almost one second slower on the Motortrend handling circuit.

R spec : MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
GS350 F-Sport : MT FIGURE EIGHT 25.4 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...size_luxury_sedans/viewall.html#ixzz2Lcc0NkIc

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1107_2012_hyundai_genesis_5_0_r_spec_test/#ixzz2LcbvhFPV

No matter what the OP's driving experience was, that's pretty convincing evidence that the R spec is a poorer handling car than the Lexus.

Is the R spec better value if measured according to hp/dollar ratio? Sure

Is it a better handling/driving car. Not according to current evidence/reviews.

 

[landtuna]

The one thing that affects skidpad performance more than any other is tires. I didn't read the MT articles (because, as I've said before I don't find their testing or reviews worth reading) so I don't know if they tried equal type tires on both vehicles or not. At any rate, a difference of less than one second is potentially insignificant and does not necessarily denote a "poorer handling car".

That said, although a number of journalists have attempted to place the Genny in the large-dollar sports sedan category I do not. It is a very fast and capable car to be sure but it is too heavy and carries too much luxury equipment to be solidly in the sports sedan class.

It does have a significant amount of luxo-class refinement, a kick-ass amount of power (beating even that of the famous mid-60's 426 CID hemi's that were the benchmark of HP for so long), and rear wheel drive. Considering that all this is available for less than $50K means a significant value in my book and Lexus (or BMW or MB) can keep their 9/10's of a second on the skidpad. Those other cars can please note the R-spec below my belt buckle.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

^ Yep, nuff said!

 

[YEH]

The R spec has 100hp over the GS350 F-Sport yet is almost one second slower on the Motortrend handling circuit.

R spec : MT FIGURE EIGHT 26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
GS350 F-Sport : MT FIGURE EIGHT 25.4 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...size_luxury_sedans/viewall.html#ixzz2Lcc0NkIc

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1107_2012_hyundai_genesis_5_0_r_spec_test/#ixzz2LcbvhFPV

No matter what the OP's driving experience was, that's pretty convincing evidence that the R spec is a poorer handling car than the Lexus.

Is the R spec better value if measured according to hp/dollar ratio? Sure

Is it a better handling/driving car. Not according to current evidence/reviews.

The Genesis handles more like the previous gen GS (which Lexus engineers had admitted was no match for the 5 Series, at least the E60 5er) and is a good 6 inches longer than the GS - since it wasn't developed to be a sports sedan and instead, more of a luxo-cruiser w/ a bit of "sport" since that's what the KDM prefers.

The 2G Genesis is being developed w/ the world market (included Europe) in mind - so the 2G Genesis will have more of a "Euro-flavor" when it comes to driving dynamics (which is why Hyundai Europe is having a heavy hand in the development of the 2G Genesis).

Nonetheless, while the 2G Genesis will be sportier, it looks like it will remain on the larger end of the midsize segment which will handicap it against the smaller competition (would've liked to see Hyundai lop off 3-4 inches in length while maintaining greater rear passenger space than the competition).

Right now, the R-Spec in comparison to the GS is akin to a comparison of the Mustang GT to the FR-S. The FR-S being smaller is better at attacking the curves, but the for some, the GT will feel "sportier" b/c of all the additional power.

While the GS has gotten pretty good reviews, the Euro publications have not been as enamored with the GS (maybe Euro-bias?).

 

[Glashub]

Oh God! Why can't people on this forum have an honest and fair conversation about the pros and cons of the Genesis? The GS is a superior vehicle as it should be. I have 385 HP. I never get to use all of the HP here in LA.

The Acura is more fun to drive and offers a better ride/handling mix. The Genny gives some great tech that isn't offered by Acura. But the Genesis is not a great handling car. And please stop comparing to the 2005 BMW's/MB, etc. that most people around here used to own.

It seems R-spec owners will go to any length to justify their purchase....the hallmark of the insecure imo.

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[Potty_Pants]

Oh God! Why can't people on this forum have an honest and fair conversation about the pros and cons of the Genesis? The GS is a superior vehicle as it should be. I have 385 HP. I never get to use all of the HP here in LA.

The Acura is more fun to drive and offers a better ride/handling mix. The Genny gives some great tech that isn't offered by Acura. But the Genesis is not a great handling car. And please stop comparing to the 2005 BMW's/MB, etc. that most people around here used to own.

It seems R-spec owners will go to any length to justify their purchase....the hallmark of the insecure imo.

Actually.............

it's bigger then i like... slower then i like... eats more gas then i like

but then again......

it doesnt break, it doesnt squeek, it doesnt vibrate, and doest cost a 2nd morgage to maintain.

It's got the same tech my bmw had that was 5 years old and a couple extra buttons and enhancements... but basically the same options.

now all that being said... you know how many people ask me what my car is .... and they all are impressed. nobody asked about the bmw and I'm glad i dont have the stigmata to deal with.

ppp


p.s. if i had known about the traction control i prob would have purchased an EQUUS or CTS-V.

 

[Cut-Throat]

but then again......

it doesnt break, it doesnt squeek, it doesnt vibrate, and doest cost a 2nd morgage to maintain.

This is what is important to me. When I'm driving my car and it doesn't rattle and squeek ALL the time is far more critical than trying to take a corner at 90 mph. In fact I don't try to take corners at 90 mph anyway.

Also when I am doing my 1800 mile road trip next week and I comfortable going down the freeway listening to nothing but the radio, I could car a less how the car is 'handling'...Whatever 'handling' means. I am not a NASCAR Driver, nor would I ever want to be.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

It seems R-spec owners will go to any length to justify their purchase....the hallmark of the insecure imo.

There are absurd conclusions here. First of all, those of us who have driven high performance cars know the compromises people put up with driving them. We have made decisions about spending our $$ to avoid certain things. This is far from being insecure. Being insecure is acting like all the Beverly Hills spoiled frat boys who have to live up to all the car culture lies living in LA that say you MUST drive a name plate car. That is different than being a car enthusiast or a car purist who knows how to keep their mouth shut about other people's car choices.

Having lived in LA for 30 years, I know there is relief from this attitude. And BTW, I figured out how to use plenty of my Corvette rental's capability in December when I was there.

 

[Hammer578]

Well said.

 

[xlittlejohnx]

The GS is a far superior car, but the Genesis compares well. The Genesis excels with its V8, exterior design, and of course price. You can pretty much steal a 2012 these days if the have one left at the dealer. We actually owned a first generation GS that we had for so many years and it just wouldn't die. We decided to let go of it a few months ago and it sold the first weekend we posted it on craigs. We don't put many miles on our cars, so we end up with a bunch at one time rather frequently. The build quality on a Lexus is far superior. I also have a GX470 for exactly that reason.
We had a 2011 tech package 4.6, but it had electronic issues. We replaced it with 2012 same equipment. We leased our car, but we are seriously considering buying it at lease end. The Genesis seems to have a very durable drivetrain. I drive the car pretty hard sometimes and it has turned out to be a really enjoyable driver. The engine is amazing! Just for kicks we plan to take it to Summit Point for some track time this spring. The suspension certainly won't be impressive on the track, but its not designed for it anyway.
The interior on a Genesis is nice, but not even close to the quality of a Lexus or any of the German rivals. I would even take a VW interior over the Genesis interior. Also, has anyone noticed how weak the air conditioned seat is? It's a small thing, but a feature I value.
When it's all said and done, the Genesis costs so much less than GS. I decided the Genesis was the right option at the moment and I'm more than satisfied! Also, the R-Spec wasn't much more and I wish I had opted for it.

 

[marty5marty]

I just bought it because I'm korean and buying a lexus ( japanese car ) would disgrace my country and family..... JK! haha

Nah i seriously thought the genesis was an excellent choice for its price. I was originally trying to get a lexus or a benz c class...but then for the price and quality of the genesis it was a win win for me. Is the Genny perfect? nope...is the Lexus perfect? of course not...every car has its flaw. Do I regret buying it? Absolutely NOT. Debates like these reminds me of MAC vs PC.