Hyundai Genesis' Tau V8 could grow to five liters, or beyond

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan has only been on sale for a month, but the automaker is already considering upgrading the current 4.6-liter V8 with a 5.0-liter version. Hyundai's North American product chief, John Krafcik, told MotorTrend that the Tau V8 could be stroked up to 5.5-liters, but the ideal displacement to keep fuel economy on par with power is an even five liters.

The plan is to increase the displacement of the V8, as well as adding direct-injection to Hyundai and Kia's range of fours, sixes and eights over the next few years. It's a move that several automakers have already adopted and Hyundai's decision to increase its V8's displacement will only happen if it can keep output the same or better while retaining the 4.6-liter's fuel economy.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8



[Source: MotorTrend]

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[jwaters943]

If Hyundai was able to get 390-400 hp/350-360 ft-lbs out of a Direct-Inject 5.0l V8 w/ highway fuel-economy on par (or only 1 mpg less) than the current 3.8l V6, I would likely upgrade in a few years!

Then again, if they add Direct-Injection to the V6 (which they are planning), and are able to get 310-320 hp out of it along w/ a 1-2mpg improvement in fuel economy I might just stick w/ the six. With another 30 hp, the lighter V6 Genesis would likely be capable of sub 6 second 0-60 times which is more than adequate for a luxury sedan IMO.

 

[BigElm]

I would love to see DI in the V8. I can't see how they won't be able to keep the current rated MPG's with a DI 5.0L engine pushing at least 390HP. Mmmmmmmm

 

[stimr2]

More power and better fuel efficiency. What else could you ask for?

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I'm sure they've had all this planned for awhile now. The Genesis as it is is good enough to get lots of attention. Then, just as that attention starts wearing down - they improve the car with mid-design performance upgrades and a freshening of the design...

 

[Michael_S]

Then again, if they add Direct-Injection to the V6 (which they are planning), and are able to get 310-320 hp out of it along w/ a 1-2mpg improvement in fuel economy I might just stick w/ the six. With another 30 hp, the lighter V6 Genesis would likely be capable of sub 6 second 0-60 times which is more than adequate for a luxury sedan IMO.

GM's direct injection V6 makes 304 horsepower from 3.6 liters. Toyota's direct injection V6 makes 306 horsepower from 3.5 liters.

Considering that the Hyundai V6 is 3.8 liters, musters 290 horsepower, and is expected to hit 310 in the upcoming Genesis coupe, I would easily expect 330 horsepower in direct injected form.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

GM's direct injection V6 makes 304 horsepower from 3.6 liters. Toyota's direct injection V6 makes 306 horsepower from 3.5 liters.

Considering that the Hyundai V6 is 3.8 liters, musters 290 horsepower, and is expected to hit 310 in the upcoming Genesis coupe, I would easily expect 330 horsepower in direct injected form.

I agree. It's impressive what Hyundai has done with the 3.6 liter v6 without direct injection..

 

[Sal Collaziano]

GM's direct injection V6 makes 304 horsepower from 3.6 liters. Toyota's direct injection V6 makes 306 horsepower from 3.5 liters.

Considering that the Hyundai V6 is 3.8 liters, musters 290 horsepower, and is expected to hit 310 in the upcoming Genesis coupe, I would easily expect 330 horsepower in direct injected form.

I agree. It's impressive what Hyundai has done with the 3.6 liter v6 without direct injection..

 

[Michael_S]

I agree. It's impressive what Hyundai has done with the 3.6 liter v6 without direct injection..

Allow me to nitpick. Hyundai's V6 in the Genesis is 3.8 liters, not 3.6.

290 horsepower is good, but not exceptional. As far as I can tell Nissan currently has the title for the most powerful non-direct-injection V6s. You can get 306 horsepower in a non-direct injection 3.5 liter V6 in the Infiniti G35 sedan, or 330 horsepower in a non-direct injection 3.7 liter V6 in the Infiniti G37 coupe. For model year 2009 or 2010 (I don't remember which) the 3.7 liter, 330 horsepower engine becomes standard on the G sedan too.

A friend of mine had a 2004 or 2005 G35 coupe with the manual transmission, and I thought it was a fantastic car. But even under light acceleration and mostly highway driving, he rarely got even 20 miles per gallon. I easily do better in my not at all aerodynamic 4400 pound minivan!

 

[GenFan]

A friend of mine had a 2004 or 2005 G35 coupe with the manual transmission, and I thought it was a fantastic car. But even under light acceleration and mostly highway driving, he rarely got even 20 miles per gallon. I easily do better in my not at all aerodynamic 4400 pound minivan!

Didn't Michael_S just violate some sort of forum membership rule by admitting he owns a minivan?!

Just Kidding!

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