2015 3.8 vs 5.0??

[Mark_888]

Also, writers for magazines typically talk to the mfg. rep before, during and after the test drive and will emphasize or minimize what the rep wants. These tests are good for sizing up the specs but the verbiage is always subject to interpretation and frequently is nothing more than one man's (woman's) opinion to be taken lightly or seriously, according to your own bias.

Much like movie reviews, if you find a reviewer who likes what you like, they are always spot on and one that doesn't like your favorites doesn't know what they are talking about.

That may be true for some media, but I don't agree about Car and Driver who are known to be on the sporty edge of automobile preferences, and they don't take orders from manufacturers. When they don't like something, they speak their mind.

Further, Car and Driver does not like soft cushy suspensions. They appreciated the "sport" mode on the adjustable suspension of the V8 Ultimate, but didn't like the fact that it was automatically linked to the sport transmission shift mode. So on balance, they preferred the slightly tighter suspension on the V6 (tighter when compared to the V8 normal mode). Several other reviewers said the same thing when the 2015 was first reviewed in mid 2014.

 

[ksoze]

I am quite sure that some do prefer the optional continuous damping control suspension because it is so forgiving. But the point is that in normal mode, it is soft and cushy, and not German-like (more like a Caddy). In sport mode, it shifted too slow as the shift mode and suspension stiffness are linked and cannot be separated.

That may be the reason they dropped it for 2016.

The NORMAL mode of the V8 is not overly soft. It is also not BMW like, but closer to BMW than many luxury sedans. The SPORT mode provides a more firm ride, but no where BMW M stiff. Would be nice to separately control the CDS engagement and transmission shift points separately, but it is fine.

I personally find the CDS worthwhile, as it gives a nice uneventful ride in NORMAL and clearly changes pretty dramatically in SPORT mode. Considering the cars weight and bulk and it's target audience, it does pretty well. The CDS removal in 2016 as a feature is likely representative of how the V8 has met with minimal sales (compared to the V6) and its buying audience not caring if the car has a harder ride option.

 

[Mark_888]

The CDS removal in 2016 as a feature is likely representative of how the V8 has met with minimal sales (compared to the V6) and its buying audience not caring if the car has a harder ride option.

Car and Driver (and other reviewers) made the point that the V6 normal is "firmer" than the V8 Ultimate in normal mode. And since the V8 "sport" mode has some undesired shifting characteristics (at least undesired enough to not use it for daily driving), the V6 suspension is for most practical purposes a bit firmer than the V8 ultimate. So people who like a somewhat firmer ride will like the V6 better, not to mention the V6 is more nimble in the handling arena.

 

[ksoze]

Car and Driver (and other reviewers) made the point that the V6 normal is "firmer" than the V8 Ultimate in normal mode.

I have not seen that - I did see where C&D felt the V6 was "sprightlier", which could be attributed the the weight difference, where as the V8 had "spirited zing". The V8 made up some ground spec wise however with shorter stopping distances, near same skidpad roadholding and a sizable 0-60 and rolling start acceleration advantage.

Anyway you cut it, both are superb cars and when you find yourself with one someday, I am sure the decision will be a well-researched and sound one.

 

[Nikgen]

I have not seen that - I did see where C&D felt the V6 was "sprightlier", which could be attributed the the weight difference, where as the V8 had "spirited zing". The V8 made up some ground spec wise however with shorter stopping distances, near same skidpad roadholding and a sizable 0-60 and rolling start acceleration advantage.

Anyway you cut it, both are superb cars and when you find yourself with one someday, I am sure the decision will be a well-researched and sound one.

Agreed - all great cars that offer something a little different depending on your priorities - and an awesome value. I just hope that the creation of Genesis Motors improves the dealer/service experience with techs that really know the cars inside and out!

 

[Mark_888]

I have not seen that - I did see where C&D felt the V6 was "sprightlier", which could be attributed the the weight difference, where as the V8 had "spirited zing".

Here is quote from Car and Driver:

The top-trim V-8 Ultimate model comes with electronic dampers, but we prefer the conventional shocks on the V-6 car. In their standard setting, the adjustable dampers are tuned to be softer than the fixed-rate units [on the V6] and some side-to-side wobble is felt [on the V8] when the road dips and pitches. Sport mode firms them up for body control on par with that of the six-cylinder car, but also forces the transmission to shift earlier and hold lower gears.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-hyundai-genesis-sedan-first-drive-review​

 

[Huddleston]

So just buy the v8 with no electronic dampeners.... Like me

 

[Mark_888]

So just buy the v8 with no electronic dampeners.... Like me

Good idea. That may be what Hyundai thought when they decided to not even offer the electronic dampeners in 2016 (apparently). That is how this discussion got started, trying to figure out why they no longer have it.

 

[jimb100]

That may be true for some media, but I don't agree about Car and Driver who are known to be on the sporty edge of automobile preferences, and they don't take orders from manufacturers. When they don't like something, they speak their mind.

Further, Car and Driver does not like soft cushy suspensions. They appreciated the "sport" mode on the adjustable suspension of the V8 Ultimate, but didn't like the fact that it was automatically linked to the sport transmission shift mode. So on balance, they preferred the slightly tighter suspension on the V6 (tighter when compared to the V8 normal mode). Several other reviewers said the same thing when the 2015 was first reviewed in mid 2014.

Didn't Car and Driver once compare the Pontiac GTO to the Ferrari GTO and favor the Pontiac?

 

[Nikgen]

Didn't Car and Driver once compare the Pontiac GTO to the Ferrari GTO and favor the Pontiac?

Not exactly - they did a hypothetical story in 1964 but the Ferrari clearly bested the Pontiac in a real test in 1984:

http://m.caranddriver.com/reviews/gto-vs-gto-road-test

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[amartz]

In increasing radius turns the CDC suspension compensates for the added pressure on the front inside wheel

I'm guessing you meant to say, "decreasing radius".

 

[jimb100]

I'm guessing you meant to say, "decreasing radius".

Sorry, my mistake, I meant to write decreasing radius.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

you would have to compare the 5.0 to the lexus ls460, infiniti m56, audi a8, benz s class....its literally half the cost. thats like getting a benz s class with 40k to spend on gas. its all relative

Why would you compare the Genesis to the LS, A8 and S-Class when there's the GS, A6/S6 and E-Class?

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Automotive reviewers and enthusiasts in general are almost always going to prefer a stiffer suspension than a softer one. Reviewers these days - nearly 100%. They all gushed about the stiff suspension in the Genesis but most Genesis buyers complained enough that Hyundai had to soften things up a few years later. Hyundai knew what they had to do to get the "good press". But that had to change to keep selling the car...

I believe Lexus was so successful, and most specifically more so than Infiniti, because they filled a hole left by Cadillac as they started chasing after BMW with stiffer handling cars. Infiniti went after BMW and you see where THAT got THEM. Cadillac, after ALL these years, is just beginning to align itself with BMW - but they still have a long road ahead of them.

I think it would be smart for Genesis to grab the customers that Cadillac, and now even Lexus has/is abandoning by chasing after BMW - a brand who has also started getting softer as that's where the bulk of customers are...

 

[lobsenza]

Does anyone know of a comparison between the stopping distances between the 3.8 RWD, the 3.8 AWD, and the 5.0? The only differences between the 2 versions of the 3.8 should be weight. The 5.0 has added weight combined with larger brakes.

 

[Nikgen]

Does anyone know of a comparison between the stopping distances between the 3.8 RWD, the 3.8 AWD, and the 5.0? The only differences between the 2 versions of the 3.8 should be weight. The 5.0 has added weight combined with larger brakes.

Car and Driver had 167 feet from 70 mph for the 5.0 and 172 feet for the 3.8 AWD.

 

[lobsenza]

That is very interesting. If anyone knows of a comparison that includes the 3.8 RWD, it would be interesting to include it.

 

[Mark_888]

Car and Driver had 167 feet from 70 mph for the 5.0 and 172 feet for the 3.8 AWD.

Due to the fact that most magazines are, or on the verge of, going bankrupt, my understanding is that in many cases they estimate those numbers these days, instead of actual tests. But not sure about Car and Driver.

 

[Nikgen]

Due to the fact that most magazines are, or on the verge of, going bankrupt, my understanding is that in many cases they estimate those numbers these days, instead of actual tests. But not sure about Car and Driver.

Those were listed as instrumented tests.

 

[Genentec]

im comparing the 5.0 v8.

I guess you can compare it to the e class v8, but im talking +400 horse power comparables.

anything in the +400 power range will easily cost upwards of 60k dollars.

Why would you compare the Genesis to the LS, A8 and S-Class when there's the GS, A6/S6 and E-Class?