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Normal, Eco, Sport & Snow

ckon

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May 3, 2010
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Location
SE Michigan
Genesis Model Year
2021
Genesis Model Type
Genesis GV80
Has anyone discovered a detailed description of the differences and changes that take place in the 2015 Genesis when selecting drive modes? The owner's manual isn't much help.

I've read everything I can find on the subject but can't find anything comprehensive on what's altered in the car when changing modes. I've seen nothing at all regarding the Snow mode and there's not much at all re: the other modes. Shift points and steering changes are fairly obvious, but I'd like a little more detail. I know there are suspension changes in the 5.0 but even the 3.8 feels more planted in Sport. Any suggestions on sources for more info? TIA.
 
Here is info from the Hyundai website:

http://hyundainews.com/us/en-us/2015/Genesis/Overview.aspx

Here is more info from another Hyundai website:

INTELLIGENT DRIVE MODE

Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow modes alter steering, transmission, throttle, and suspension to give you control tailored to each environment and condition. In Normal mode, HTRAC actively optimizes torque flow, to achieve maximum traction, regardless of the road condition. In Sport mode, HTRAC can transfer as much as 90% of the torque to the rear wheels for a more fun-to-drive experience on dry pavement.

Read more here:

https://www.hyundaigenesis.com/features/driving-dynamics

Found this on the net:

“The ride quality is also good in both cars, but it's definitely better in the 5.0 with optional adaptive shock absorbers, a new addition to the model. The suspension's firmness setting changes only with the overall driving mode of Normal, Eco or Sport. These modes also affect the transmission behavior, accelerator response and power-steering assist level.”

Here is another report on it from back in 2013 when it was being initially reviewed:

http://jeremysaysyes.com/dealer/2015-hyundai-genesis-first-drive-on-edmunds-com/
 
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Thank you for the time you spent getting those references - I really appreciate it. I've seen just about all of those and still haven't seen any reference to what Snow mode alters. Sport mode is pretty obvious as the car seems to plant itself when in the Sport mode - I think most of that is a change in steering and gearing. Eco is also pretty obvious because of the gear changes.

I don't remember any references to adjustable suspension in the specs list for the car but reports refer to suspension changes in the various driving modes. I know 5.0 suspension adjusts in the different modes but I don't see where that's possible in the 3.8 unless I'm really missing something. I guess I'd like to see a complete matrix of all of the changes in the different modes but that probably aint gonna happen.:) Thanx again for your help.
 
My guess, based on driving from a stopped position in Snow mode, is that the car starts in 2nd or 3rd gear so there is less chance of wheel spinning on ice/snow. Other than that, I'd also like to understand the details
 
My guess, based on driving from a stopped position in Snow mode, is that the car starts in 2nd or 3rd gear so there is less chance of wheel spinning on ice/snow. Other than that, I'd also like to understand the details

That's interesting - I hadn't thought of that. Funny that it's not mentioned anywhere that I can find.
 
Here's what I found in an Equus thread about snow mode (I assume these are pretty similar):

[CanukV6]: On snow or icy surfaces when moving away from a stop I would recommend selecting 'Manual' mode on the transmission and starting in 2nd gear. As soon as you start moving bump it up to 3rd. Starting in a higher gear reduces the chances of wheel-spin and helps get the car moving. Once underway just go back to Auto mode.

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]: Yep, did that in my '11. But the '14 does that for you in SnowMode, also utilizing ESC and ABS. Truly they got this right. To the point that I don't think AWD is needed.
Fwiw, we're in historic snowfalls here so this opinion is from experience. Perfect timing for me!

From that I assume it skips 1st gear plus uses ESC and ABS somehow...
 
Thank you for the time you spent getting those references - I really appreciate it. I've seen just about all of those and still haven't seen any reference to what Snow mode alters. Sport mode is pretty obvious as the car seems to plant itself when in the Sport mode - I think most of that is a change in steering and gearing. Eco is also pretty obvious because of the gear changes.

I don't remember any references to adjustable suspension in the specs list for the car but reports refer to suspension changes in the various driving modes. I know 5.0 suspension adjusts in the different modes but I don't see where that's possible in the 3.8 unless I'm really missing something. I guess I'd like to see a complete matrix of all of the changes in the different modes but that probably aint gonna happen.:) Thanx again for your help.

I just emailed my contacts at HMA the following question. When I get a response, I will post it.

Good morning,

I have a question from fellow Genesisowners.com forum regarding the different drive modes. Who can I contact to give me a detailed breakdown as to what happens to the car in each of the 4 drive modes. (ECO, Normal, Sport & Snow). What changes are happening to the car in each mode. Is there differences from the 3.8 vs the 5.0 models.

Sincerely,
Jeff
 
Good idea! :)
 
Just got off the phone with HMA and here is what they said regarding the different drive modes.

ECO - Lower shift points and lower RPM
Normal - Middle of the road between Sport and ECO
Sport - Higher shift points and sharper throttle response
Snow - Starts off in 2nd gear, reduced torque, traction control with no yawl.

He stated that the only version that has any changes to the suspension is the 5.0 Ultimate package with its Continuously Damping Control (CDC) suspension changes. When I mentioned that I wouldn't need the snow mode here in Florida he stated that you most certainty can use it when the first rains come and it mixes with the oils in the road. Very good point I thought.

Hope this helps. He wouldn't get into any more specific information than that.
 
Thanx for making the contact.
 
Just got off the phone with HMA and here is what they said regarding the different drive modes.

ECO - Lower shift points and lower RPM
Normal - Middle of the road between Sport and ECO
Sport - Higher shift points and sharper throttle response
Snow - Starts off in 2nd gear, reduced torque, traction control with no yawl.

I agree with everything else, but I definitely have the impression that the steering response tightens up in Sport. Has anyone else experienced this?
 
In my experience, the cornering is better in sport mode, but I'm in an HTRAC so I attribute that to the 90/10 initial torque split. I can get on the gas to help it steer out of the corner.
 
In my experience, the cornering is better in sport mode, but I'm in an HTRAC so I attribute that to the 90/10 initial torque split. I can get on the gas to help it steer out of the corner.

Yup! :)
 
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