AWD all around for next Genesis, Equus

[Sayantsi]

Hot off the presses:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/24/next-hyundai-equus-genesis-and-genesis-coupe-to-get-awd/

In case you hadn't noticed, Hyundai is quickly moving up the ranks of automakers by pushing the boundaries of the classes in which its vehicles compete. Exhibit A was the Genesis sedan, which was quickly followed by the Genesis Coupe and now the Equus luxury sedan. But the Korean automaker isn't content to rest on its rear-wheel-drive laurels.

John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, has confirmed to us that the next generation of the Genesis (in both Coupe and sedan forms) and Equus will get optional all-wheel drive. All three machines share a similar platform, and when the architecture gets updated within the next couple of years, space for the all-wheel-drive components will be baked in.

At this point, we don't have any word on powertrains for the next-gen rear- and all-wheel-drive Hyundais, but the automaker's latest 5.0-liter V8 seems like a safe bet for both the Genesis and the Equus. Naturally, we'd love to see the big V8 in the Genesis Coupe as well, especially since Hyundai says the sport coupe will go upmarket (from Mustang to M3 fighter, perhaps?) for its next trip 'round the block.

 

[moose66]

A monster V8 and AWD? Hyundai must not be concerned about the fast approaching gov't mandated MPG rules. Seems like it would be tough to meet the higher MPG's standards with a powerful V8 and AWD. I guess they can enjoy it while they can.

 

[jkohn]

A monster V8 and AWD? Hyundai must not be concerned about the fast approaching gov't mandated MPG rules. Seems like it would be tough to meet the higher MPG's standards with a powerful V8 and AWD. I guess they can enjoy it while they can.

But unless the new standards are different, they're based on fleet averages. Add up all the Gesesis Coupes/Sedans and Eqquis they could ever hope to sell, and that's still a drop in the bucket compared to all the 4-cylinder Sonatas and Elantras they'll sell.

 

[Mark_888]

But unless the new standards are different, they're based on fleet averages. Add up all the Gesesis Coupes/Sedans and Eqquis they could ever hope to sell, and that's still a drop in the bucket compared to all the 4-cylinder Sonatas and Elantras they'll sell.

If it gets to be a problem, they will just raise prices of the big cars until the product mix is in balance for CAFE.

For the US market, the Genesis and Equus are still seen as "building the brand image" rather than high volume sellers. The goal is to get potential Civic/Corolla and Accord/Camry buyers to at least look at the Hyundai offerings. They have made a lot of progress in this regard, but still have a ways to go.