Refreshing or Revolting: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Writer

Hyundai is refining a successful formula with the 2012 Genesis sedan. The full-size four-door has already made a splash in the U.S. market, so for the 2012 model year, the Genesis receives a minor refresh.

What hasn't changed significantly is the badgeless grille. Perhaps it's still too early for Hyundai to feel comfortable putting its "H" badge on the front of luxury sedans that can be priced well above $40,000. Hyundai has fitted the 2012 Genesis with revised headlights that incorporate LED light pipes.

There's new brushed aluminum trim around the side windows and the exhaust tips have been reshaped. The taillights are new and reminds us of the Infiniti M sedan. Take a look at the Genesis sedan concept in the gallery below and you'll see that Hyundai is simply bringing the production car closer to the concept version.

There aren't too many changes inside, suggesting Hyundai spent more of its development money on the new 429-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 -- fine by us. Do you think Hyundai has made the right tweaks to the Genesis sedan for the 2012 model year? And how do you think the two production cars compare to the original Genesis sedan concept? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Last week, the 2012 Honda Civic proved to be one of our most popular Refreshing or Revolting entries ever.

"I wouldn't say refreshing or revolting as much as I would say...nothing. They played it way too safe with this one," wrotejbob.

A few comments centered on the quality of the photos more than the 2012 Civic itself: "Once again Honda releases some of the worst possible press photos for an important launch, further aggravating their fanbase and giving the haters a well-deserved laugh," wrotehorrible pics.

Nickthought the 2012 Civic looks slightly refreshing but is waiting to see the car in person, noting the photos "just look awkward."

Photos of the2012 Hyundai Genesissedan are on the left,2011 Hyundai Genesissedan photos are in the center, andHyundai Genesis sedan conceptphotos are on the right.

I’ve come a long way since I drove sugar packets across restaurant tables as a kid, pretending they were cars. With more than 17 years of experience, I'm passionate about demystifying the new car market for shoppers and enthusiasts. My expertise comes from thoughtfully reviewing countless vehicles across the automotive spectrum. The greatest thrill I get isn’t just from behind the wheel of an exotic car but from a well-executed car that’s affordable, entertaining, and well-made. Since about the time I learned to walk I’ve been fascinated by cars of all shapes and sizes, but it wasn’t until I struggled through a summer high school class at the Pasadena Art Center College of Design that I realized writing was my ticket into the automotive industry. My drive to high school was magical, taking me through a beautiful and winding canyon; I've never lost the excited feeling some 16-year-olds get when they first set out on the road. The automotive industry, singing, and writing have always been my passions, but because no one seeks a writer who sings about the automotive industry, I honed my writing and editing skills at UC Irvine (zot zot!), serving as an editor of the official campus newspaper and writing stories as a literary journalism major. At USC, I developed a much greater appreciation for broadcast journalists and became acquainted with copy editing rules such as why the Oxford comma is so important. Though my beloved 1996 Audi A4 didn’t survive my college years, my career with MotorTrend did. I started at the company in 2007 building articles for motorcycle magazines, soon transitioning to writing news posts for MotorTrend’s budding online department. I spent some valuable time in the copy editing department, as an online news director, and as a senior production editor. Today, MotorTrend keeps me busy as the Buyer's Guide Director. Not everyone has a career centered on one of their passions, and I remind myself all the time how lucky I am.

Read More

Share

You May Also Like

Related MotorTrend Content: Rules | Videos | Terms Of Use 2 | Hot Rod Power Tour West 2024 Promo | Mecum | Bitchin Rides