Now, all this talk about the V8 would have you thinking the 3.8L is just the loser of the bunch, well, you'd be thinking wrong. The Lambda 3.8L V6 with the same Dual-CVVT and GDI fittings is nothing to scoff at. With 333 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, the base Genesis has a nice amount of pull and can keep up with the R-Spec nicely in the twisties (trust me). It might not have the grunt of a V8, but you'll have just as much fun behind the wheel. It also comes equipped with the same 8-speed auto transmission, also sans paddle shifters.
Now, I have to touch on the addition of the GDI briefly. I won't get all technical on you, but this is a first for Hyundai and basically what the GDI does is increase power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions at the same time. You may have spotted the GDI badge on another Korean automaker already, and I believe it's a trend that will spread as it seems to do the job it claims to do quite nicely.
Since the Genesis is an upscale Hyundai, that means the price is upscale as well. The base 3.8L model starts at $38,999, while the R-Spec jumps all the way to $53,499 and the V8 engine is only available in that trim level. While the numbers may seem a bit high for a Hyundai, if you actually look at what you're getting (power, amenities, driveability), it's not a bad deal at all, and one that places the new Genesis in a competitive market it's set to take on as best it can.
As I cruised along a long, open stretch of perfectly level and smooth tarmac in the middle of the Valley of Fire in the Nevada desert behind the wheel of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, I felt as if I was leaving any stereotype I'd ever had about Hyundai in the dunes behind me. The future of Hyundai vehicles looks to be rising like the temperature on the dash of the car.
Now, I have to touch on the addition of the GDI briefly. I won't get all technical on you, but this is a first for Hyundai and basically what the GDI does is increase power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions at the same time. You may have spotted the GDI badge on another Korean automaker already, and I believe it's a trend that will spread as it seems to do the job it claims to do quite nicely.
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| This is a first for Hyundai and basically what the GDI does is increase power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions at the same time. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone/Auto123.com) |
Since the Genesis is an upscale Hyundai, that means the price is upscale as well. The base 3.8L model starts at $38,999, while the R-Spec jumps all the way to $53,499 and the V8 engine is only available in that trim level. While the numbers may seem a bit high for a Hyundai, if you actually look at what you're getting (power, amenities, driveability), it's not a bad deal at all, and one that places the new Genesis in a competitive market it's set to take on as best it can.
As I cruised along a long, open stretch of perfectly level and smooth tarmac in the middle of the Valley of Fire in the Nevada desert behind the wheel of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, I felt as if I was leaving any stereotype I'd ever had about Hyundai in the dunes behind me. The future of Hyundai vehicles looks to be rising like the temperature on the dash of the car.
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