2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan Facelift Gains 5.0 V8 R-Spec Variant with 429HP plus Updated GDI V6

As Hyundai continues its ascent to the top, the South Korean automaker-that-could is getting bolder every day. This time the company entered new grounds at the Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling facelifted Genesis sedan that gets a new sporty variant for the for the 2012 model year.

The new model sports the R-Spec moniker and comes with a new 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine pushing out 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm, which makes it the company's most powerful series production model ever. The V8 is mated to Hyundai's all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. While the Koreans did not release acceleration figures, Hyundai did say the car's fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The Genesis R-Spec also boasts a more aggressive chassis tuning with larger stabilizer bars, suspension tweaks, larger brakes and a different steering calibration, plus 19-inch wheels that can be fitted optionally with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires.

The sportiest member of the Genesis family receives some very subtle styling cues such as the unique headlights with dark chrome inserts, specific alloy wheel designs and the black R-Spec embroidered floor mats. The Genesis R-Spec will be offered only in three exterior colors: Black Noir, Titanium Gray, and Platinum Metallic, each with Black leather interior and an all-black leather steering wheel.

As for the rest of the Genesis range, the big news for the 2012 model year is the updated 3.8-liter V6 engine that receives direct injection (GDI) technology and several other upgrades boosting output by 15 percent, from 290 to 333 horsepower, and peak torque from 264 lb.-ft. to 291 lb.-ft. According to Hyundai, fuel economy increases over seven percent from 27 mpg to 29 mpg on the highway.

Both the 3.8-liter V6 and the 4.6-liter Tau V8 with 385HP will be offered with Hyundai's new eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps increase the V8's fuel economy over seven percent from 25 mpg to 26 mpg on the highway.

Other changes for the 2012 Genesis sedan include refinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model suspension damping calibrations, and the fitment of larger brakes, plus some modest styling revisions to the headlamps that gain LED accents and daytime running lights, front grille, bumpers, tail lamps, and exhaust tips.

[From Hyundai Press Release] 2012 Genesis Highlights

• New 5.0-liter R-Spec Direct Injection V8 performance flagship model added
  • Most powerful Hyundai engine ever with 429 horsepower
  • Unique 19-inch alloy wheel design with premium machined finish
  • Dark chrome headlamp inserts
  • Unique R-Spec sport transmission, suspension and steering calibrations
• Direct injection technology added to Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine for 15 percent improved output (333 HP), improved fuel economy and emissions
• In-house-developed eight-speed automatic transmissions for all engines
• More aggressive grille and front fascia design
• New headlight design with LED accents and daytime running lights
• Sportier rocker panel design
• Folding mirrors with integrated puddle lamps
• New, brushed aluminum finish window surround
• Redesigned rear taillights
• Redesigned rear fascia with integrated dual asymmetrical exhaust tips
• New 17-inch alloy wheel design (3.8 model)
• New interior woodgrain colors for Black, Beige and Saddle leather interiors
• New Twilight Blue Pearl exterior color (replaces Sapphire Blue Pearl)

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Breaks Cover at the Chicago Auto Show

Dodge’s rejuvenation under Fiat's umbrella continues at the Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the range-topping Charger SRT8. As with every SRT model, the highlight of the performance orientated version of the Charger is the new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 powerplant producing 465HP and 465 lb-ft (631 Nm) of torque. According to Dodge, the new engine is not only more powerful than the 6.1-liter HEMI unit it replaces, but also more frugal thanks the standard Fuel Saver technology, which cuts off four-cylinders in certain situations in order to improve fuel economy.

The HEMI is coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission that can also be operated via paddle-shifters – a first for any SRT model.

“We’re continuing the fast-paced rebuilding of Dodge as our performance brand, and the expansion of our SRT product lineup in 2012 is an important part of our rejuvenation”, said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Dodge Brand — Chrysler Group LLCs. “The new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 builds on the iconic four-door fastback coupe design of the all-new Charger and adds a much larger power band across the rpm range, along with intelligent performance attributes and safety and creature comforts for customers who are passionate about performance driving.”

The Charger SRT8 also comes with adaptive damping suspension, which can adapt to specific conditions by monitoring the vehicle speed, steering angle and speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral acceleration. The refined, fully hydraulic steering system and oversized 4-pot caliper Brembo brakes round up the technical tour de force.

On the outside, the 2012 Charger SRT8 can be recognized due to its exclusive front and rear fascias, complemented by a new rear spoiler, “racetrack” LED tail lamp and split five-spoke, 20-inch lightweight forged and polished aluminum wheels.

Inside, the SRT-exclusive steering wheel with a flattened bottom, carbon and aluminum trim pieces, plus sport seats set this car apart from the standard Charger.

The new Dodge Charger SRT8 will go on sale in the U.S. this fall as a 2012 model.

2012 DODGE CHARGER SRT8

Introduction Date: Fall 2011 as 2012 model

Engine: 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI V-8

Estimated Power: 465 bhp

Estimated Torque: 465 lb.-ft.

Estimated Handling: .88g on skidpad

Estimated Top Speed: 175 mph

Estimated 0-60 mph: High 4-second range

Estimated ¼ mile: High 12-second range

Super-Lux Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition heads to Geneva Motor Show

At next month's Geneva Salon, Land Rover will display the new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, which is claimed be the firm’s most luxurious model ever.

The highlight of the limited edition model are the two stand-alone rear seats, which are clad in specially selected natural leather and separated by an additional console incorporating an aluminum laptop table and refrigerator. Two Apple iPads, strapped to the front seat headrests, provide the high-tech touch.

The opulence continues in the boot where designers used a teak floor with metal and leather accents. The rest of the interior is dressed in different, but equally exquisite materials, such as the Oxford leather found on the door panels, dashboard and steering wheel, complemented by Kalahari wood veneers.

Available in two unique colors, Roussillon Red and Otago Stone, the Autobiography Ultimate Edition model comes with body-colored door handles, dark atlas radiator grille and side vents. Optional side steps and 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels round up the exterior appointments. Clients from selected markets will be able to specify their cars with the classic Santorini Black paintjob as well.

Power comes from either a 4.4-liter LR-TDV8 diesel or a 5.0-liter LR-V8 supercharged gasoline engine. The oil-burner churns out 313HP and an asphalt-shredding 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It can propel the heavyweight SUV from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds while consuming 9.39 lt/100 km (25.1 US mph) on the combined cycle.

The gasoline engine is capable of 510HP and 625 Nm (461 lb-ft), allowing the Range Rover to complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 5.9 seconds.

Both engines are coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Range Rover’s sophisticated Terrain Response system, complete with Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

A total of 500 Ultimate Edition models will be built, with prices to be announced individually for the 20+ markets that will receive the exclusive Range Rover later this year.

Live Photos and First Video of Chevy's Steroid Packed Camaro ZL1

The Camaro that all Chevy fans were waiting for made its way to the Windy City today for its world premiere. It may not carry the more widely recognized Z28 name-tag as Chevrolet chose to resurrect the less known ZL1 moniker from the 1969 model, but then again, this is a different beast.

Lurking behind that angry looking fascia is 6.2-liter V8 powerplant pushing out an estimated output of 550-horses and a ferocious peak torque of 550 lb.-ft. of torque (745 Nm), channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual stick shift. We've posted a more detailed preview here but if you hit the jump, you can check out live pictures from the Chicago Auto Show reveal as well as the first video of the car.