2015 Hyundai Genesis V8 vs V6

[Sal Collaziano]

Perhaps it's just politically correct for most of the media to suggest the V6 is the model you should buy...

 

[ksoze]

Perhaps it's just politically correct for most of the media to suggest the V6 is the model you should buy...

I wonder if they were subtly barraged with info that gently lead them there - including the oft stated fact from the reviews of the very low planned uptake for the V8. Maybe someone who was there for the presentations that precluded the drives would know.

 

[Mark_888]

Perhaps it's just politically correct for most of the media to suggest the V6 is the model you should buy...

I don't think so. Auto reviewers are much more interested in good handling than the average R-Spec owner on this forum, who seems to be mainly concerned about straight ahead speed.

 

[Midnightsun]

I don't think so. Auto reviewers are much more interested in good handling than the average R-Spec owner on this forum, who seems to be mainly concerned about straight ahead speed.

Heck, why don't you just get one with a big 4 cylinder then.

 

[jtreadway]

I don't think so. Auto reviewers are much more interested in good handling than the average R-Spec owner on this forum, who seems to be mainly concerned about straight ahead speed.

Why are folks bashing the R-Spec? I don't know what defines the "average" R-Spec owner, but I think the R-Spec handles far better in the curves than the regular Genesis. The standard Genesis suspension is quite nice and comfortable, but it does wallow around a bit when pushed through the corners at speed. The R-Spec stays planted quite well, although the ride on the R-Spec is definitely a bit on the harsh side if the road gets bumpy. But on a curvy road with decent surface conditions the R-Spec will fly. The steering is a bit sluggish at speed, so one just has to not push it past 8-tenths or it can get a little squirrely. If I had more money I'd buy an M7, but I don't. So the 2013 R-Spec works just fine, straight or curves. IMHO.

 

[Mark_888]

Heck, why don't you just get one with a big 4 cylinder then.

If you get a V12, I will get a 4 banger.

 

[Mark_888]

Why are folks bashing the R-Spec? I don't know what defines the "average" R-Spec owner, but I think the R-Spec handles far better in the curves than the regular Genesis. The standard Genesis suspension is quite nice and comfortable, but it does wallow around a bit when pushed through the corners at speed. The R-Spec stays planted quite well, although the ride on the R-Spec is definitely a bit on the harsh side if the road gets bumpy. But on a curvy road with decent surface conditions the R-Spec will fly. The steering is a bit sluggish at speed, so one just has to not push it past 8-tenths or it can get a little squirrely. If I had more money I'd buy an M7, but I don't. So the 2013 R-Spec works just fine, straight or curves. IMHO.

I am not bashing the R-Spec or its owners. I am just saying that different people have different priorities. Auto reviewers tend to rate handling very highly, and if a V6 engine has sufficient power, and if going to V8 takes away from handling, then they might recommend the V6. As far as the reviewers of the 2015 I have seen, they all said that the 2015 V6 has a firmer ride than the 2015 V8 with adjustable suspension, unless the V8 adjustment was set to sport mode, and in that case there were some undesirable features relating to shift points they did not particular like. Read the reviews.

Personally, I have a 2009 V6 which I absolutely guarantee you was stiffer than any Genesis Sedan R-Spec, although I upgraded the suspension to 2010/2011 specs and it is now about the same as a R-Spec in terms of firmness and handling. However, my V6 has a 52-48 F/R weight distribution and the 2009-2011 V8 had a 54-46 F/R weight distribution, which is getting close to some FWD drive cars. So my V6 is far more nimble than an R-Spec and is at least 200 lbs lighter, although obviously not as fast as the V8 from 50-100 MPH. That suits me fine, because I don't do any of the following:

• street race,
• do donuts,
• burn rubber (on purpose), or
• go more than 7 MPH beyond the speed limit.

 

[Gunkk]

I agree that reviewers tend to emphasise handing over straight forward acceleration. The funny thing is, that there are exactly ZERO curves in my commute.

So the pleasure I get from my daily driver is in straight ahead PULL. And for that the V8 is perfect. I'd much rather stay with a v8 and ditch the stock tires for a set of Pilot Super Sports to improve handling dynamics, then give up the giddy up!

 

[EXBMWGUY]

^

 

[larry'sown]

Whatever slight advantage the 3.8 may have in balance is overcome with CDC.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Mark_888]

I agree that reviewers tend to emphasise handing over straight forward acceleration. The funny thing is, that there are exactly ZERO curves in my commute.

So the pleasure I get from my daily driver is in straight ahead PULL. And for that the V8 is perfect. I'd much rather stay with a v8 and ditch the stock tires for a set of Pilot Super Sports to improve handling dynamics, then give up the giddy up!

It's refreshing to see someone be honest about this, and not try to claim that a car with a heavy V8 engine is going to handle better than the V6.

 

[Mark_888]

Whatever slight advantage the 3.8 may have in balance is overcome with CDC.

The continuous damping control (CDC) provides for adjustable stiffness settings, and is optional on the V8 (only comes with V8 Ultimate Package). According to most auto reviews of the 2015 Genesis that have been posted on this forum, the CDC sport mode setting is about equivalent to the normal non-CDC setting on the V6. Therefore, the V8 even with CDC is not going to be as nimble as the V6. Suspension tuning cannot overcome all the disadvantages of the being front heavy, else BMW would make FWD cars.

 

[Midnightsun]

I have read a few reviews where they say the engines were tweaked. Seems like the V6 was changed to produce better passing power and now will be less aggressive off line. Read the V6 was now 7.0, 0-60 which is not exactly very strong on acceleration. Guess we will find out when they actually do some real testing on both models.

 

[jtreadway]

I am not bashing the R-Spec or its owners. I am just saying that different people have different priorities. Auto reviewers tend to rate handling very highly, and if a V6 engine has sufficient power, and if going to V8 takes away from handling, then they might recommend the V6. As far as the reviewers of the 2015 I have seen, they all said that the 2015 V6 has a firmer ride than the 2015 V8 with adjustable suspension, unless the V8 adjustment was set to sport mode, and in that case there were some undesirable features relating to shift points they did not particular like. Read the reviews.

Personally, I have a 2009 V6 which I absolutely guarantee you was stiffer than any Genesis Sedan R-Spec, although I upgraded the suspension to 2010/2011 specs and it is now about the same as a R-Spec in terms of firmness and handling. However, my V6 has a 52-48 F/R weight distribution and the 2012-2014 V8 has a 56-44 F/R weight distribution, which is getting close to some FWD drive cars. So my V6 is far more nimble than an R-Spec and is at least 200 lbs lighter, although obviously not as fast as the V8 from 50-100 MPH. That suits me fine, because I don't do any of the following:

• street race,
• do donuts,
• burn rubber (on purpose), or
• go more than 7 MPH beyond the speed limit.

Just because I like a lively discussion , my research (Wikipedia) indicates that the 3.8 liter Genesis has a weight distribution of 52/48, and the 5.0 of 53/47. Hardly a game changer that is going to make the non-RSpec "far more nimble", IMHO. Also, when factoring in the better suspension of the R-Spec, the beefier sway bars, the way more powerful engine, the much better brakes, and the larger tires of the R-Spec, I think all of that easily overcomes a 200 lb weight differential (that's basically a passenger) and a minor weight distribution variance.

It sounds like you actually did upgrade your 09 Genesis with the suspension from an 10/11 R-Spec, so how is yours stiffer than any R-Spec? Wouldn't it basically be the same as the R-Spec?

Anyway, we both like our cars and as long as we enjoy driving them, that is what matters. :>

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I agree that reviewers tend to emphasise handing over straight forward acceleration. The funny thing is, that there are exactly ZERO curves in my commute.

So the pleasure I get from my daily driver is in straight ahead PULL. And for that the V8 is perfect. I'd much rather stay with a v8 and ditch the stock tires for a set of Pilot Super Sports to improve handling dynamics, then give up the giddy up!

I'm in the same exact boat. And I've said it many times before. I have no windy roads in my area. There's no "well, as soon as he turns a corner..." around me. All it is, is straight line acceleration. All I need is a car that handles "well" - not "exceptionally well". Besides, I have a 600hp 3100lb 2000 Audi S4 that handles just fine when I feel the urge to corner - somewhere...

I have read a few reviews where they say the engines were tweaked. Seems like the V6 was changed to produce better passing power and now will be less aggressive off line. Read the V6 was now 7.0, 0-60 which is not exactly very strong on acceleration. Guess we will find out when they actually do some real testing on both models.

0-60 in 7.0 seconds is sad and slow. But that's just my opinion - and you know what they say about those...

 

[Aquineas]

It's refreshing to see someone be honest about this, and not try to claim that a car with a heavy V8 engine is going to handle better than the V6.

It would appear as though most people don't push their cars far enough in the handling department that the alleged V6 vs. V8 handling differential would be noticed. I don't know about you, but I haven't taken either of my V8s to a slalom or on an autocross. The Genesis is after all a luxo-cruiser, and no one is about to confuse it with a Porsche, whether that be in V6 or V8 form. So a relevant question would be, assuming for a moment that there really is a big handling difference between the V8 and the V6, which feature will be more useful in each individual's driving environments. That's something we all must answer for ourselves. I've noticed that you specifically tend to marginalize the acceleration differences and emphasize the alleged handling differences. While we all play that game to an extent (after all, we seek to reinforce our own decisions), the truth is that they're obviously close acceleration and handling that many people view them as interchangeable.

 

[scottdk]

Besides, I have a 600hp 3100lb 2000 Audi S4 that handles just fine when I feel the urge to corner - somewhere...

Any videos?

 

[Mark_888]

Just because I like a lively discussion , my research (Wikipedia) indicates that the 3.8 liter Genesis has a weight distribution of 52/48, and the 5.0 of 53/47. Hardly a game changer that is going to make the non-RSpec "far more nimble", IMHO. Also, when factoring in the better suspension of the R-Spec, the beefier sway bars, the way more powerful engine, the much better brakes, and the larger tires of the R-Spec, I think all of that easily overcomes a 200 lb weight differential (that's basically a passenger) and a minor weight distribution variance.

It sounds like you actually did upgrade your 09 Genesis with the suspension from an 10/11 R-Spec, so how is yours stiffer than any R-Spec? Wouldn't it basically be the same as the R-Spec?

Anyway, we both like our cars and as long as we enjoy driving them, that is what matters. :>

• The 2009-2011 Specs listed the 4.6 V8 as 54/46 F/R weight distribution, and the 3.8 V6 as 52/48 F/R weight distribution. These were on the Hyundai website. Unfortunately, Hyundai no longer lists the weight distribution specs on its website so not sure where the 53/47 for the R-Spec comes from or how accurate it is (or whether rounding is involved).
• In terms of F/R balance, there is a difference between adding 200 lbs in the passenger compartment, and 200 lbs over the front wheels.
• I would estimate that my 2009 with 2010/2011 suspension to be about the same as the 2012+ R-Spec, except that my car is a V6 with better weight distribution and 200 lbs lighter.
• I am just trying to explain why most of the auto reviews suggested that the V6 might be a better choice for most people. For those who want a V8, go ahead and get one. It is OK with me.

 

[tompass]

There has to be an error with reported 0-60 in 7 seconds. All reviews I have read state that the V6 performance is as good if not better than the 2014.

 

[larry'sown]

The continuous damping control (CDC) provides for adjustable stiffness settings, and is optional on the V8 (only comes with V8 Ultimate Package).

You don't say...

According to most auto reviews of the 2015 Genesis that have been posted on this forum, the CDC sport mode setting is about equivalent to the normal non-CDC setting on the V6. Therefore, the V8 even with CDC is not going to be as nimble as the V6. Suspension tuning cannot overcome all the disadvantages of the being front heavy, else BMW would make FWD cars.

Well, that's simply incorrect. The CDC in the normal setting is softer than the standard shocks and the sport setting is firmer than the standard shocks. This is primary benefit to an adjustable suspension. You can have a softer riding car for cruisimg and a firmer suspension for the twisties. This also helps with weight transfer. The slight(and make no mistake about it, it is slight) weight advantage with the V6 is mitigated with CDC.