The sophisticated Hyundai Genesis will get some notable enhancements for the 2012 model year, as Hyundai continues to improve its award-winning sports sedan to stay ahead of the competition.

The changes include further refinements to the Genesis’ exterior, which gets a fresh, more aggressive face, thanks to a new front fascia that incorporates larger intake openings, completely redesigned front head lights—now with LED accents—and daytime running lights. The rocker panels have been resculpted as well, while the side window surrounds are now accented with a brushed aluminum finish that heightens the athletic appearance of the Genesis. Hyundai designers also fine-tuned the rear of the car, where redesigned tail lights and new, dual asymmetrical exhaust tips help accent a revised bumper fascia.

The Genesis’ sportier look is backed up by improved performance, too. The hi-po Genesis 5.0 R-Spec model boasts a powerful new 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 429 hp and 376 lb.-ft. of torque, yet it also achieves nearly the same EPA ratings as the Genesis 4.6, with its smaller, 4.6-liter V8. The former posts an EPA line of 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway, and the latter—leveraging a robust 385 hp and 333 lb.-ft. of torque—goes 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway. The Genesis 4.6, along with the Genesis 3.8, also get recalibrated suspensions for an improved balance between road feel and ride comfort, as well as upgraded brake systems with larger rotors.

In addition, the Genesis 3.8 adds a larger rear stabilizer bar to reduce body roll, and its engine—Hyundai’s responsive 3.8-liter V6—now integrates gasoline direct injection (GDI). This technology significantly improves horsepower (now 333 hp), torque (increased to 291 lb.-ft.) and fuel efficiency (raised to 29 mpg highway).

All engines are now mated to Hyundai’s advanced eight-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual-shifting functionality, and not only does this new transmission improve acceleration and deliver smoother shifts, but it also increases fuel efficiency by approximately 6 percent as compared to the Genesis’ previous six-speed automatic.

Starting prices for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis family:

• Genesis 3.8—$34,200
• Genesis 4.6—$44,500
• Genesis 5.0 R-Spec—46,500

And all are on sale now at your local Hyundai dealership.

If you’re fond of driving (and putting, too), a visit to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama is a little slice of paradise here on earth, encompassing 11 sites and nearly 470 holes of championship-caliber play. And it turns out that if you’re fond of that other kind of driving—the kind that involves four wheels—the trip can be just as heavenly. Especially if you’ve got the keys to a Hyundai Genesis in your golf bag.

That’s something the editors at Car and Driver found out recently when they took to the Jones trail to see how the Genesis 3.8 stacks up against three key rivals—the Ford Taurus Limited, Buick LaCrosse CXS and Lexus ES350—in a comparison of V6 sedans priced under $40,000. Unfortunately for that trio, however, it wasn’t much of a comparison.

From the very first tee, as the magazine’s scribes note, “only one car, the Genesis, rides atop a platform conceived specifically for it—that is, for a luxury sedan rather than for a whole clan of variously badged family sedans.”

The Hyundai also got kudos for its all-around performance, besting the other sedans in lateral grip, responsiveness, brake feel, stopping distance and both 0-60 and quarter-mile times. Further, while giving a well-earned shout-out to the V8-powered Genesis in their long-term fleet, Car and Driver editors came away ready to recommend the V6 model being tested here for its ability to put up an EPA line of 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined. While the Genesis is a relatively new offering from Hyundai and there may not be many available as used cars, Fredericksburg Hyundai can help locate new or used models.

Also notable: The rear seats of the Genesis were just as comfortable as those in the bigger Taurus, courtesy of the Hyundai’s longer wheel base, and the Genesis also matched the Lexus in terms of in-cabin ergonomics. As the Car and Driver story points out, there’s another advantage, too: The Genesis continues its automaker’s long tradition of “shaming the competition with more features and amenities at no extra cost.”

In other words, if you really want to drive in style today—whether it’s on the fairway or on the highway—be sure to swing by Hyundai Of Charlotte or your local Hyundai dealership to check out the Hyundai Genesis 3.8 first.

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The Hyundai Genesis sedan has impressed countless auto journalists and consumers alike thanks to its surprisingly level of luxury, technology, and powerful engines. To highlight the engineering efforts that have gone into the new Genesis sedan, Hyundai now features a video of engineers deconstructing the Genesis on the vehicle’s microsite.

Lasting about 37 seconds, the video resolves into an interactive section where visitors to the website can access additional details regarding the Hyundai Genesis’ engineering, including specific systems such as driveline, suspension and steering, interior, and electrical.

Since reaching showrooms, the Hyundai Genesis sedan has turned many Hyundai skeptics into believers as Hyundai has proved it not only can build small, economical cars, but the automaker can also built luxury cars that excite buyers. Hyundai Fairfield anticipates that the arrival of the Equus will only continue that trend. Although Hyundai’s smaller, more affordable products are still in demand among Aurora Hyundai dealers, it’s the Genesis and Genesis Coupe that driving more consumers to showrooms.

Although Hyundai Genesis Alexandria buyers are certainly attracted to the car’s luxury, as with all Hyundai models, the Genesis also delivers an impressive warranty. This alone has been a hit with consumers that are eager to find peace of mind and value.

Feel free to visit the Genesis micro site or check out the video below.

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As always, find the latest on the Genesis coupe and sedan and much more here.

Although 2009 has been a bad year for the automotive industry in general, it hasn’t been too bad for Hyundai. Thanks to high-value cars, excellent warranties, and unbeatable incentives, Hyundai has been gaining market share while other automakers have been crippled. What also sets Hyundai apart if the praise it has received for exciting new products, particularly the automaker’s Genesis flagship.

Over the years, Hyundai has steadily improved quality, putting it on par with its Japanese competitors touts one dealer specializing in Boston certified used cars. A perfect example of how far Hyundai has come in terms of engineering and quality can be seen in the Genesis Sedan. Not only did it receive the esteemed 2009 North American Car of the Year Award, but Hyundai dealers Virginia say it has been praised by numerous publications and industry sources.

The Hyundai Genesis Sedan has been given top honors from numerous media outlets and prominent automotive groups throughout North America. From Motor Trend to J.D. Power and Associates, the Hyundai Genesis has thrilled journalists and consumers alike.

Next year, a new flagship, the Equus sedan, will take its place atop Hyundai’s lineup. If the praise the Genesis has received thus far for its luxury, quality, and value, is any indication of what can be expected when the Equus arrives, Hyundai dealers Maryland expect Hyundai to keep surprising everyone. See below for a selection of recent accolades.

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2009 North America Car of the Year

Motor Trend – America’s Top 40 New Cars

J.D. Power and Associates – Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) – Most appealing midsize premium car

J.D. Power and Associates – Vehicle Launch Index (VLI) – Highest ranked 2009 all-new or redesigned vehicle

The Car Book 2009 – Best Bet (intermediate category)

About.com – Best New Car

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – Best New Model (sedans $30,000-$45,000)

NADAguides.com – Car of the Month (April)

NADAguides.com – Top 5 Luxury Cars

NADAguides.com – Best Car Buy – Top luxury cars under $35,000

Autotropolis.com – Car of the Year

Cars.com – Car of the Year

On Wheels – Car of the Year

AutoPacific – Ideal Vehicle Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category

AutoPacific –Vehicle Satisfaction Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category

Consumer Reports – Top-Rated Vehicle (upscale sedan category)

Consumer Digest – Best Buy (luxury segment)

MyRide/Autobytel – Car of the Year

Ward’s Auto World – 10 Best Engines (4.6-liter Tau V-8)

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Canadian Car of the Year

Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Luxury Vehicle Under $50,000

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Read more news and reviews from Hyundai in the News soon.

It has become widely known that the all-new Hyundai Genesis sedan is a bold new step for Hyundai. Large, powerful, and incredibly luxurious, the 2009 Hyundai Genesis looks and feels like a true premium sedan, but with more modest price tag. As a true test of just how premium this luxury sedan is, Edmunds.com tested the Genesis against the Lexus GS 350 to see which sedan had all the right moves.

In the end, it was the Hyundai Genesis that came out on top. This of course is no surprise to New Jersey Hyundai dealers which have found that many consumers initially doubt the new Genesis until they drive it. Powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces a stunning 375 horsepower, the Genesis may have been a hair slower than the lighter GS, but it still earned a 0-60 mph time of under 6.0 seconds. Additionally, interior fit and finish is on par with the Lexus, offering a BMW I-Drive-like control for on board infotainment systems and high quality materials throughout the cabin.

The Hyundai Genesis’ exterior styling is a bit on the conservative side, but certainly is characteristic of a true luxury sedan. Washington DC Hyundai says many drivers will likely mistake it for a Lexus or Mercedes-Benz thanks to its graceful lines, LED tail lights and Xenon headlamps, and dual exhaust pipes that also sport a throaty yet slightly demure roar. At a fraction of the cost, Edmunds chose the Genesis over the Lexus, and needless to say we agree with the verdict. After all, who said luxury cars can’t exude value as well?

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Find more Hyundai videos on this blog soon.