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2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Gets 5.0-Liter V8

Hyundai has enjoyed some degree of market success with its Genesis luxury sedan, but the South Korean carmaker is not contempt with resting on its laurels and is now introducing its biggest engine to the 2012 model year that will debut during the Chicago Auto Show.

In the all-new R-Spec trim level, a powerful all-new direct-injected 5.0-liter V8 that is also destined for the larger Equus. This unit produces the most power out of all the engines ever installed in a Hyundai, 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. All that grunt will flow through a new eight-speed automatic transmission that was developed by Hyundai engineers.

This new transmission adds the additional ratios to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness and transmission efficiency by 6 percent over the former six-speed. According to Hyundai, this new eight-speed transmission is the first offered by a non-luxury branded manufacturer.

In addition to more power, the top-of-the-range model will offer unique headlights with dark chrome inserts for a more distinctive front appearance, plus new bodging on the rear deck. The trim level will only be offered in conjunction with three sport-oriented exterior colors: Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic. Meanwhile, all interiors will sport black leather all-round.

The new auto-box will help the R-Spec model achieve estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon on highways and 16 mpg around town.

In line with its bigger sibling, the Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine will receive direct injection (GDI) technology, boosting its output 15 percent from 290 to 333 horsepower. In addition to the extra 43 horses, peak torque rises from 264 lb-ft to 291 lb-ft, an increase of 27 lb-ft.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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