2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec 5.0L V8 Review: Big Bang for the Buck

Compared to the rivals, the executive types may find a bargain in the 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec - and the 5.0L V8 produces a healthy 429 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque.

Large luxury sedans have always been regarded as a status symbol, but unfortunately, many of these premium automobiles deliver a very unsatisfying driving experience. When Hyundai introduced the Genesis sedan for the 2009 model year it represented the Korean company’s first product aimed directly at the luxury car segment of the North American automotive market.

While the well-equipped Genesis proved to be a pleasant car to drive, its overall handling prowess and lack of visceral grunt left many enthusiast drivers feeling cold, even when fitted with the company’s award-winning 4.6-liter Tau V8 engine.

Luckily the product planners at the Korean auto giant recognized the need to spice up the big sedan and a plan was quickly put into place. The Genesis R-Spec was born. And, of course, now Genesis is its own luxury brand.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Review
2012 Genesis R-Spec. Photo: Hyundai

Performance & Handling: A Smooth and Composed 429 Horsepower Genesis Sedan

The Hyundai Genesis R-Spec is a new offering for 2012, and as the most potent Genesis model, it should appeal to those consumers looking for a luxurious sedan that is also fun to drive.

Under the hood of this Korean full-size sedan, you will find a very smooth, 32-valve, double overhead cam, 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces a healthy 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This is more than enough power to hustle this relatively large car from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds (5.3 seconds, to be exact).

A V8 that’s surprisingly fuel-efficient?

The Tau engine features Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). This engineering marvel is both powerful and fuel-efficient and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This ultra-smooth transmission has been designed to make the most efficient use of the car’s power whether the driver is seeking to maximize fuel efficiency or induce a surge of adrenaline through his or her system.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Review
2012 Genesis R-Spec. Photo: Hyundai

For those drivers who appreciate the ability to make their own gear selections manual operation is possible using the console shifter, but surprisingly, no steering wheel paddles are on the menu.

If you’re considering a newer model, we also reviewed the 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Tech model powered by the V6.

How does the V8-powered Genesis 4-door handle on everyday roads?

Acceleration is strong and linear, but some buyers might find the muted engine and exhaust note less aggressive than they desire. Under hard acceleration, you notice a slight rise in the hood as the car settles back on its haunches, but the car feels very stable and planted to the road surface.

I was impressed with how easy it was to execute smooth, crisp turns without unsettling the car’s balance. The level of agility engineered into such a large car is surprising…

I found the car’s ride to be very smooth and composed, even when traveling over rough road surfaces. The suspension was stiff enough to transmit subtle nuances to the driver through the seat and steering wheel, and the well-insulated cabin managed to keep external noises to a minimum.

I had the opportunity to transport a wide array of esteemed passengers during my test period with the car, and all seemed to relish the tranquil environment as they enjoyed the leather-clad opulence that is the R-Spec’s cabin.

Once alone and out on the open road, I got the chance to test the handling dynamics of the R-Spec on some of my favourite back roads. I was impressed with how easy it was to execute smooth, crisp turns without unsettling the car’s balance.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Review
2012 Genesis R-Spec. Photo: Hyundai

The level of agility engineered into such a large car is surprising, but the sport-tuned suspension and precise steering allowed me to execute flawless cornering maneuvers over and over.

Thicker front and rear stabilizer bars and specially calibrated shocks and springs make the body roll virtually nonexistent, and the car followed the line I selected with a level of precision usually reserved for sports cars.

Hyundai Genesis R-Spec 5.0L styling and interior impressions

The car has a very elegant shape carefully crafted to help cheat the wind, but its styling fails to set itself apart from that of its competitors. In fact, the car looks more like a hybrid mix of styling elements garnered from BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz designs than something original.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Review
2012 Genesis R-Spec interior. Photo: Hyundai

The look is pleasing, but not distinctive. The car’s wide stance is enhanced by the sculpted nose and tail, both highlighted by long, slender lighting units and chrome trim. Big, 19-inch machined alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber and twin exhaust outlets hint at the Genesis specs performance potential.

Overall interior build quality and long-term durability

The car has a very spacious cabin that at first seems to equal that of its closest rivals when it comes to overall quality and fit-and-finish, but I did have one of the interior vents unexpectedly pop out at one point when I opened the driver’s door. 

It simply snapped back in place, but it did leave me suspect about the car’s overall build quality and long-term durability. The various panels, trim pieces, woods, and plastics, however, seemed of high quality and were very well executed.

The leather seating is taut but comfy, and the seats proved supportive in all positions. The overall design and layout of the passenger space are pleasing to the eye and touch and I found all switchgear, gauges, and controls to be easy to find and intuitive to use.

The various panels, trim pieces, woods and plastics however, seemed of high quality and were very well executed.

Outward visibility is exceptional as the car’s greenhouse features extra large windows and narrow roof pillars. The hood falls quickly out of the driver’s view and both the side and rear-view mirrors effectively abolish blind spots.

Equipment

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Review

The standard Genesis sedan comes equipped with an extensive array of comfort, convenience, and safety features, but the upgrade for the R-Spec package will set you back a further $13,500 CAD.

Apart from the potent V8 engine and silky transmission the R-Spec package this premium adds adaptive HID headlights, the aforementioned 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, adaptive cruise control, Hyundai’s Lane Departure Warning System, and front and rear parking sensors. 

An eight-inch, touch-screen Driver Information System supports navigation, a backup camera, and a multimedia controller. Audiophiles will appreciate the 528-watt, 17-speaker Lexicon sound system which supports AM/FM and XM broadcast signals as well as DVDs, CDs, and MP3s. A power-operated rear sunshade, heated steering wheel, and cooled driver seat complete the comfort entries.

Takeaway: The Genesis R-Spec 5.0L’s good and bad points

The Genesis R-Spec represents a great first effort for Hyundai in the luxury performance category, but I must admit that there is still lots of room for improvement if the car is to earn its place among the top contenders in this category.

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec front view on driveway
2012 Genesis R-Spec. Photo: Hyundai

While competitively equipped and loaded with a full complement of safety features, there still needs to be further refinement across the board for this car to leap past its long list of German and Japanese rivals.

One shortcoming of note is the transmission. While it delivers crisp and smooth gear changes I would expect it to react a little more quickly in this application as the R-Spec is being marketed as a sport-minded automobile.

This criticism aside, the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec is a very capable automobile that delivers the near-perfect mix of luxury and performance demanded by picky executive types. When cross-shopped against its many rivals it becomes immediately evident that the car is a relative bargain as well.

Pros

  • This package is a bargain when compared to its rivals
  • Hyundai is tops when it comes to reliability
  • Fantastic suspension delivers tack sharp handling and a smooth ride

Cons

  • Muted exhaust and engine note detracts from performance label
  • Transmission could be snappier.  And where are the paddles?
  • Exterior styling is too familiar

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Specs & Images

  • Base price (MSRP): $46,500 USD, $53,499 CAD
  • Price as tested:$55,359 CAD (Includes:  $100 A/C tax; $1,760 freight)
  • Type:  5-passenger, 4-door,  full-size sedan
  • Layout: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
  • Engine: 5.0-litre V8, DOHC, 32 valves
  • Horsepower:  429 @ 6,400 rpm
  • Torque (lb-ft):  376  @ 5,000 rpm
  • Transmission:  8-speed automatic with manual shifting capabilities
  • Brakes (Front/rear): Disc / Disc
  • Curb weight: 1,884kg ( lbs)
  • Passenger Volume: 3,098 L
  • Cargo Volume: 450 L
  • Fuel consumption (L/100km):           
  • City- 13.1 (22 mpg) / Hwy- 8.1 (35 mpg)
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Author:
Russell Purcell
Russell Purcellhttps://www.flickr.com/people/autoexposurecanada/
Russell Purcell is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer based in Vancouver, B.C. His passion for automobiles was sparked at the tender age of six, when a family friend gave the wide-eyed first grader a ride to school in a track prepared Porsche 911 RSR. He continues to fan the flames by building an impressive library of automotive related books as well as a vast collection of interesting automobilia and motoring artefacts. Russell is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and is active on Twitter as RoadTestRuss.