429-hp from Sophisticated 5.0-liter V-8

Hyundai has been doing a great job of filling in the gaps as it continues to grow a record setting pace.? First it was the quality, then styling and now they are taking a big leap forward in performance with the introduction of their most powerful V-8 powertrain to date.

Just introduced at the Chicago Auto Show is the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec sedan, which is powered by a new 5.0-liter, 429-hp, version of the award winning Tau V-8 engine.

Included in the R-Spec model are unique 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, optional Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires, along with a sport tuned suspension and steering.

This new V-8 still offers all of the premium engine technology from the 4.6-liter V-8, including Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction diamond-like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets. Even with these impressive power increases, 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). As an additional point of interest, this same 5.0-liter Tau V-8 with eight-speed transmission will replace the current 4.6-liter V8 as the standard powertrain in the 2012 Hyundai Equus premium luxury sedan, on sale this summer.

The Tau 5.0-liter V-8 is 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? manual shift capability. This new eight-speed transmission is the first offered by a non-luxury branded manufacturer.

The base Genesis sedan engine is a 3.8-liter V-6, which has been increased from 290- to 333-hp along with an increase in fuel economy to 29 mpg highway.? The standard 4.6-liter V-8 has also been upgraded from 375- to 385-hp with the fuel economy also improve to 26 mpg highway.