2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec review

When we last took a look at Hyundai's Genesis, it was from behind the wheel of a 2009 Genesis 4.6 model, not long after the model's launch. We were impressed by the navigation system and the refinement of the automaker's first real foray into the luxury sedan market. But that was three years ago and time waits for no car, so its unfortunate that the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec hasn't changed much since that first encounter.

However, there's the small matter of that new, larger, and more powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine and the sport-tuned R-Spec suspension package to attend to. The R-Spec package makes a night-and-day difference in the performance of the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec'scornering and stopping abilities, so it was with a good deal of excitement that I settled into the "ultra premium" leather driver's seat to see if this big, black sedan could back up the performance claim of that bright, red "R."

Tech specs

Model	2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0
Trim	R-Spec
Powertrain	5.0-liter, direct-injected V-8, eight-speed automatic transmission, RWD
EPA fuel economy	16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg
Observed fuel economy	n/a
Navigation	Standard, flash-memory-based, SiriusXM NavTraffic
Bluetooth phone support	Yes
Disc player	Six-disc, in-dash DVD changer
MP3 player support	Standard analog 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB connection, optional iPod connection
Other digital audio	SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio
Audio system	Lexicon 17-speaker premium audio standard
Driver aids	Lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear camera with proximity sensor, adaptive cruise control
Base price	$46,500
Price as tested	$47,410