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Hyundais Genesis sedan is much improved for 2012, yet its position in the market wont change one bit. The Genesis will continue to give engineers and product planners at Mercedes-Benz and Lexus fits, thanks to the sedans upgraded V-6 engine, revised suspension tuning, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- not to mention the 429-h

orsepower R-Spec model.

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is prepa

red to battle competitors from above, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and, more directly, the Chrysler 300C. Whether you choose the V-6 or one of the two V-8 models, the Genesis uses a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Expect the powertrain lineup to continue with minimal changes, which means buyers will be able to select from either the 4.6-liter Tau V-8 with 380 horsepower or the 3.8-liter Lambda V-6 with 305 horsepower on tap. New engines are possible, including a 265 horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 already sold overseas and a new 5.0-liter V-8 range topper with more than 400 horsepower. This latter unit has already been confirmed for the 2011 Hyundai Equus flagsh

ip, and the same Tau V-8 has been confirmed for the Genesis Sedan by Hyundai staff.

Powered by a 5.0-liter Tau V-8 engine rated at 429 horsepower, the Genes

is 5.0 R-Spec Sedan is the new range-topper in the Genesis line. It shares its engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with the 2012 Equus sedan, due on sale this summer.