Hyundai Genesis Receives Important Upgrades for 2012

The Hyundai Genesis is no longer the flagship sedan in the Hyundai fleet, its position usurped with the introduction of the Hyundai Equus in 2010. That news doesn’t disturb Genesis owners who are satisfied with the big sedan’s room, abundant luxurious appointments and outstanding value. Besides, if they want more, they can plunk down an additional $15-20,000 for an Equus.

Refreshed Genesis

Hyundai isn’t resting on its laurels with the Genesis, choosing to introduce an important mid-cycle refresh for 2012. Exterior changes include a new grille as part of a more aggressive front fascia, featuring larger intake openings and redesigned headlamps. Daytime running lights, updated rocker panels and new taillights are among the noticeable exterior changes slated for 2012.

Perhaps the most significant change for the Hyundai Genesis sedan is what enthusiasts will find under the hood. Both engines return, but a 5.0-liter V-8 engine will join the 3.8-liter V-6 and 4.6-liter V-8 engines to round out the powerplant offerings. All three engines will be paired with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, an in-house designed unit with manual shifting option.

Fuel Efficiency

Hyundai says that the 3.8-liter engine will see improvements to performance with a slight increase in highway fuel economy. Indeed, the current V-6 engine is EPA rated at 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway in the Hyundai Genesis sedan, with estimates of 18 city, 29 highway for the 2012 model. The smaller V-8 is expected to enjoy a 1 mpg increase in highway mileage itself.

Horsepower for the V-6 will increase from 290 to 333 and torque from 264 to 291 foot-pounds, representing a 15 percent improvement in power. The 4.6-liter V-8, which had previously enjoyed a performance increase in 2010, will see its horsepower increase to 385, up from 375 horsepower.

Range Topper

The most power, however, will be derived from a beefy 5.0-liter V-8, rated at 429 horsepower, becoming the most powerful Hyundai engine ever built. That engine will be part of a new R-Spec package featuring special calibrations to the suspension, steering and transmission. In addition, this model will be outfitted with 19-inch machine finished alloy wheels and dark chrome headlamp inserts.

The changes Hyundai is introducing with the Genesis sedan are keeping in line with the company’s philosophy to offer cutting-edge design and technology, segment leading fuel economy and world-class value. Hyundai has already committed to updating the Azera sedan for 2012 and will be releasing the Veloster coupe in the same model year. Read the rest of this entry »

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Best Hyundai Equus Features

Hyundai EquusThe Hyundai Motor Company operates worldwide and sells some of the cheapest and most expensive cars all under the same trustworthy brand name. So what is currently the company’s most expensive car? The Hyundai Equus is currently the most expensive car sold by the company with starting price of $58,000. We have taken a look at the Equus and decided what we think are the cars most impressive features.

By far I think the cars best feature is its stunningly good looks. Hyundai makes some good look cars but the Equus is simply at another level as far as styling goes. The front end design features on the car include a large grill, an Equus specific symbol, and a very modern state of the art headlight system which adds to the styling of the car. Rather than a Hyundai, the car looks like a high end sedan that challenges other manufacturers for the best styled car. Anyone driving around in this car should rest assured that people are admiring the cars looks as they drive by. The first time I saw this car on the road I didn’t know what it was and immediately began researching the car on the internet; it simply captivated me.

My next favorite feature of the Equus is the rear seating which looks more like something you would expect from a Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Instead of having a long bench with three seats, Hyundai opted for a two premium seat setup with a large center console in the middle. The center console includes a refrigerator for those long journeys and an independently controlled entertainment system. The best part is that the seats have an extension for leg support. Read the rest of this entry »

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