2012 Hyundai Genesis at 2011 Chicago Auto Show

• Competes with: Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon
• Looks like: The most significant changes are concealed by sheet metal
• Drivetrain: 333-hp, 3.8-liter V-6; 385-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 or 429-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: 2011

Hyundai’s Genesis full-size sedan has provided the driving experience of a high-end luxury car for a fraction of the price since its debut for the 2009 model year. For 2012, the Genesis gets a host of midcycle changes, the most significant of which is a new performance-oriented 5.0 R-Spec trim level that’s powered by a 429-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8.
 
The Genesis has offered a powerful 4.6-liter V-8 since its debut, but the new 5.0-liter V-8 is stronger still, making an extra 44 hp. The new V-8 will only be available in the 5.0 R-Spec, which also features larger front and rear stabilizer bars, special 19-inch alloy wheels and optional summer performance tires.
 
Hyundai has also significantly increased the horsepower of the Genesis’ base 3.8-liter V-6 by equipping the engine with direct injection. Previously rated at 290 hp, the V-6 now makes 333 hp.

For 2012, all three of the Genesis’ available engines team with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Replacing the prior six-speed automatic, the new eight-speed auto contributes, in part, to a 2-mpg improvement in the V-6 Genesis’ highway gas mileage — it’s now rated at 29 mpg — despite the engine’s 43-hp increase in horsepower. The 4.6-liter V-8 gains 1 mpg on the highway with this transmission and is now rated at 17/26 mpg city/highway. The new 5.0-liter V-8, meanwhile, gets an estimated 16/25 mpg.
 
In addition to the mechanical changes, the 2012 Genesis sedan receives some mild exterior styling tweaks. They include a wider opening in the lower front bumper, a slightly different look to the grille, and new headlights with LEDs (on R-Spec models, the headlights have dark chrome accents). The taillights have a new look, too, and the car gains power-folding side mirrors.
 
We’ve liked the Genesis sedan since its debut, when we gave it our Car of the Year award. The changes for 2012 are incremental, but that’s alright because the car didn’t have any glaring issues that needed to be addressed. That’s not to say that the 5.0-liter V-8 isn’t a welcome addition, because it could make the Genesis the perfect sleeper.