American-inspired
You are probably reading into this subtitle and thinking that the car handles best in a straight line, and it does. Even with the R-Spec-specific sport suspension, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis prefers hauling ass with as little steering wheel inputs as possible.
This is a good thing, as the steering feels disconnected with little if any tangible feedback from the front tires. There's also a delayed response from the electro-hydraulic system, which is unique to the R-Spec. I think some tuning is in order.
The car's specs don't lie. The Tau V8 is a massive powerhouse. The 1,884-kg (4,145-lb) sedan will shoot to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds; that's 0.1 second faster than a convertible automatic Chevrolet Camaro SS. What is immensely satisfying about this car is its utterly unflappable smoothness once under way. Through the use of acoustic glass, tonnes of sound-deadening materials and a seamlessly operating transmission, the Genesis not so much glides as it hovers along.
You may have noticed “once under way” in the previous paragraph. That's because the transmission has the unhealthy habit of dropping into 1st gear when performing a rolling stop. I've never encountered another car hell-bent on doing so instead of holding second and not shuddering its passengers.
Uppercut
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec is a one-two punch that could knock the competition out. Thing is, it's still Korean, pricy and not American, and so the Charger R/T, Chrysler 300S V8 and 300C will always outsell the Genesis.
I don't think this bothers Hyundai one bit. The R-Spec simply serves to demonstrate that Hyundai can if it wants to. How many manufacturers can say that? Looking for a hot-looking V8 sedan? Make sure to stop by your local Hyundai dealer for a glance at this one!
You are probably reading into this subtitle and thinking that the car handles best in a straight line, and it does. Even with the R-Spec-specific sport suspension, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis prefers hauling ass with as little steering wheel inputs as possible.
This is a good thing, as the steering feels disconnected with little if any tangible feedback from the front tires. There's also a delayed response from the electro-hydraulic system, which is unique to the R-Spec. I think some tuning is in order.
The car's specs don't lie. The Tau V8 is a massive powerhouse. The 1,884-kg (4,145-lb) sedan will shoot to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds; that's 0.1 second faster than a convertible automatic Chevrolet Camaro SS. What is immensely satisfying about this car is its utterly unflappable smoothness once under way. Through the use of acoustic glass, tonnes of sound-deadening materials and a seamlessly operating transmission, the Genesis not so much glides as it hovers along.
You may have noticed “once under way” in the previous paragraph. That's because the transmission has the unhealthy habit of dropping into 1st gear when performing a rolling stop. I've never encountered another car hell-bent on doing so instead of holding second and not shuddering its passengers.
Uppercut
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec is a one-two punch that could knock the competition out. Thing is, it's still Korean, pricy and not American, and so the Charger R/T, Chrysler 300S V8 and 300C will always outsell the Genesis.
I don't think this bothers Hyundai one bit. The R-Spec simply serves to demonstrate that Hyundai can if it wants to. How many manufacturers can say that? Looking for a hot-looking V8 sedan? Make sure to stop by your local Hyundai dealer for a glance at this one!
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| The new 5.0 R-Spec raises the car to a very sporty looking 4-door people mover. (Photo: Hyundai) |
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