2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan to start at $47,350

An eight-speed transmission, a 5.0-liter V8 and 429 hp--if you guessed Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, you'd be wrong. Does a sticker price of $47,350 with shipping costs give it away?

That's the cost of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec, which is on sale now. The 4.6-liter V8 Genesis sedan comes in at $2,000 less, while the upgraded direct-injection V6 model sits at $35,050.

The range-topping 5.0-liter model is mean and green, Hyundai says. The R-Spec engine has the highest specific output of any Hyundai engine ever produced. The 429 hp breaks down to 85.8 hp per liter. For comparison, the LS7 V8 in the Chevrolet Corvette makes 72 hp per liter.

The Genesis R-Spec is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, nearly as much as the 4.6-liter V8 version.

The eight-speed transmission was developed in-house and is now standard in all Genesis sedans. All cars will include Hyundai's Shifttronic manual shift capability.

Both the 3.8-liter V6 and the 4.6-liter V8 versions of the sedan get refinements. Adjustments to the suspension damping minimize the compromises between handling precision and ride comfort, according to Hyundai. Body roll is reduced in the V6 model by increasing the diameter of the stabilizer bar.

The exterior of the sedan was enhanced for the 2012 model year. The fascia is more aggressive with larger openings, the headlights are changed by adding LED lights, the 17-inch rims are freshened and the mirrors now incorporate puddle lights. The taillights were also redesigned, along with a better integration of the dual exhaust.

Read the full press release below:

HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES 2012 GENESIS SEDAN PRICING

New 5.0-liter V8 R-Spec Model, Enhanced Direct Injection V6 Engine and New Eight-Speed Transmission Improve Driving Dynamics and Refinement

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 05/25/2011

Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its refreshed 2012 Genesis sports sedan, starting at $34,200 for a well-equipped 333-horsepower V6 and $46,500 for the new 429-horsepower 5.0 R-Spec model. The 2012 Genesis is on sale now.

The 2012 Genesis is highlighted by exterior design improvements, new direct injection technology for its Lambda V6 engine, new eight-speed automatic transmission, and enhanced chassis tuning. In addition, a new 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine is now available exclusively with the 5.0 R-Spec model, which includes unique 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position summer performance tires, and sport-tuned transmission, suspension and steering calibrations for exhilarating vehicle dynamics.

While these powertrain upgrades are meaner, the Genesis is also greener in an era of uncertain gas prices. For example, the heart of the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec model is a new Tau V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. This new Tau V8 represents the most powerful Hyundai engine ever, with a higher specific output (85.8 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. Even with this impressive power increase, fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, nearly matching the 4.6-liter V8 (17 mpg city/26 mpg highway). In keeping with its 5.0-liter V8 sibling, the Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine will receive direct injection (GDI) technology, boosting its output 15 percent from 290 to 333 horsepower, an impressive gain of 43 horsepower with no increase in displacement. In addition, peak torque rises from 264 lb.-ft. to 291 lb.-ft., a generous increase of 27 lb.-ft. from the same 3.8 liters. This new direct-injected Lambda V6 produces a higher specific output (87.6 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated mid-luxury competitors, while 3.8-liter GDI fuel economy increases more than seven percent from 27 mpg to 29 mpg on the highway.

All Genesis models are now coupled with a new in-house eight-speed transmission. This new Hyundai-developed transmission adds two additional ratios to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness and transmission efficiency by six percent over the former six-speed. All eight-speed transmissions will include SHIFTRONIC

By Jake Lingeman