Hyundai's 4.6L Tau V8 - Ward's announces 10 Best Engines for 2010

[TJPark01]

2010 winners and the applications tested: Only 1 V8 on the list...
* 2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)
* 3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)
* 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (BMW 335d)
* 2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)
* 3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)
* 2.4L Ecotec DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Equinox)
* 4.6L Tau DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)
* 2.5L Turbocharged DOHC H-4 (Subaru Legacy 2.5GT)
* 1.8L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Toyota Prius)
* 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI)

"Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. also reclaims a spot among this year’s winners with its 4.6L Tau V-8, the only 8-cyl. engine to make the cut in 2010. In the Genesis sedan, the Tau continues to dazzle with its combination of silky, smooth power delivery, aggressive tip-in, satisfying exhaust note and admirable fuel economy.
In a luxury sedan with a base price of $40,300, this 375-hp V-8 remains a great value and gains 10 hp in early 2010."
Full Article: Wards
Full Article Autoblog

 

[ASHDUMP]

Glad to see a V8 represented!!! Its even better that its under the hood of the Genesis!

 

[YEH]

Don't be surprised if the 2.4 Theta II DI engine eventually joins the Tau on the list.

 

[TJPark01]

Don't be surprised if the 2.4 Theta II DI engine eventually joins the Tau on the list.

Impressive on paper so far. I wonder if they can run 87 octane in the car. If you can run 87 octane and get 200 bhp from a normally aspirated 4, that is impressive engineering feat and worthy of the Ward's distinction.

 

[leomartin6]

Good to see that ...

 

[Dimitry]

I think it will continue to stay there for a while. Hyundai said that they want to make improvements to the Tau every year, I have looked through most of the competitor cars, and it is a leading engine.

Can't wait for them to hit it with DI...Might just get another Tau

 

[jwaters943]

Impressive on paper so far. I wonder if they can run 87 octane in the car. If you can run 87 octane and get 200 bhp from a normally aspirated 4, that is impressive engineering feat and worthy of the Ward's distinction.

Yes you can.

Even the upcoming GDI 2.0T w/ 274hp is designed to run on regular.

If the Lambda V6 does get GDI and 350hp for 2011, and the Tau gets boosted to 400hp+ I think we may see at least 3 Hyundai engines on the Wards list next year. Who would have thought a few years ago Hyundai would be included in this list and Honda Motor Company would not. The times they are a changing!

 

[sherrod]

This is a well deserved award. The V8 Tau engine is world class by any standard.

Every day I'm impressed with its smooth power. It almost feels like a powerful electric motor propelling the car. About 20 years ago I owned a Toyota Supra with a beautiful in-line 6 engine. That is the only other engine I've experienced that comes close to the Tau.

 

[borregoguy]

This was (one of several) reasons that I bought my Borrego Lmt. I love this engine as well as the rest of the vehicle, but "the proof of the pudding" is if these engines are capable of lasting 200K+ miles. I plan to keep mine and find out.
Robert V
09 Borrego Limited (2X4)

 

[Bocatrip]

This was (one of several) reasons that I bought my Borrego Lmt. I love this engine as well as the rest of the vehicle, but "the proof of the pudding" is if these engines are capable of lasting 200K+ miles. I plan to keep mine and find out.
Robert V
09 Borrego Limited (2X4)

That should be the next post....How many miles do you have on your Genesis?

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[Bocatrip]

This was (one of several) reasons that I bought my Borrego Lmt. I love this engine as well as the rest of the vehicle, but "the proof of the pudding" is if these engines are capable of lasting 200K+ miles. I plan to keep mine and find out.
Robert V
09 Borrego Limited (2X4)

I have the same concern. The V6 is a proven engine, but the Tau V8 has not been around long enough to establish overall reliability.

 

[DavidNJ]

The new DI engines are good. The port injection Tau engines are just not high tech.

Compare them to Jaguars 5.0 DI V8. Nearly the same size, and same power (Jaguar is 385hp@6500rpm), the Jaguar has a much fatter power curve (peak torque is 380ft-lb vs 333 ft-lib, both at 3500 rpm) and its higher static compression/expansion ratios (11.5 vs 10.4) should make it more efficient.

P.S., at 3500rpm hp is 257 compared to 222.

 

[scottdk]

The new DI engines are good. The port injection Tau engines are just not high tech.

Compare them to Jaguars 5.0 DI V8. Nearly the same size, and same power (Jaguar is 385hp@6500rpm), the Jaguar has a much fatter power curve (peak torque is 380ft-lb vs 333 ft-lib, both at 3500 rpm) and its higher static compression/expansion ratios (11.5 vs 10.4) should make it more efficient.

P.S., at 3500rpm hp is 257 compared to 222.

I think higher torqe numbers are to be expected in a V8 that is a 5L vs. a 4.6L. This is possibly why Hyundai has rumored to have a 5L in the Genesis one day, possibly a DI 5L. Time will tell.

 

[TJPark01]

The new DI engines are good. The port injection Tau engines are just not high tech.

Compare them to Jaguars 5.0 DI V8. Nearly the same size, and same power (Jaguar is 385hp@6500rpm), the Jaguar has a much fatter power curve (peak torque is 380ft-lb vs 333 ft-lib, both at 3500 rpm) and its higher static compression/expansion ratios (11.5 vs 10.4) should make it more efficient.

P.S., at 3500rpm hp is 257 compared to 222.

You're comparing a 40k Hyundai to a 90k Jaguar.

 

[DavidNJ]

No, a $55k Jaguar. And price isn't an issue in engine technology. Audi has a DI V8 in the same price range, and that is the range of the Equus with the Hyundai engine and were the Genesis competes using price to offset dealer network and image.

If the Jaguar had the CATS suspension it would probably be my first choice having an as nice or nicer interior, stylish exterior, all the features of an Equus, and a fold down rear seat. However, CATS is only on the supercharged versions, and without CATS the ride is unacceptable.

The only interesting Hyundai engines are the DI unit in the Sonata. That is not only an interesting engine (contemporary, but nothing wild in any of its three forms: normal, turbo, and Atkinson) not one that blows your socks off. Its price competitors are behind in technology though, and the Hyundai decision to design a 190" family sedan around a 4cylinder is bold.

 

[Bocatrip]

Have there been any issues with Engine failure for the V8. I've seen just a few posts on other forums with regards to internal engine issues (valve train)that required significant warranty work. Is that pretty much the exception to the rule with this car?

 

[TJPark01]

Have there been any issues with Engine failure for the V8. I've seen just a few posts on other forums with regards to internal engine issues (valve train)that required significant warranty work. Is that pretty much the exception to the rule with this car?

None that I know of. However the Jaguar XF with the sweet 5.0 V8 (which by the way starts at 61k) that DavidNJ mentions has already been recalled.
2010 Jaguar XF Recalled

 

[DavidNJ]

None that I know of. However the Jaguar XF with the sweet 5.0 V8 (which by the way starts at 61k) that DavidNJ mentions has already been recalled.
2010 Jaguar XF Recalled

The Jaguar problem is in the fuel tank, your link.

The price is $57,000 for the XF Premium, it is $61,000 for the Premium with the Portfolio Package which adds some interior upgrades and 20" wheels. The $57k includes fully adjustable and ventilated passenger seat and a fold down rear seat; it is better equipped than a fully equipped Genesis V8. It is available for about $3k off list. The Genesis is available for $5+k off list and starts about $10k less.

The Jaguar is the same price as the V6 Infiniti M37 with similar equipment.

 

[TJPark01]

The Jaguar problem is in the fuel tank, your link.

The price is $57,000 for the XF Premium, it is $61,000 for the Premium with the Portfolio Package which adds some interior upgrades and 20" wheels. The $57k includes fully adjustable and ventilated passenger seat and a fold down rear seat; it is better equipped than a fully equipped Genesis V8. It is available for about $3k off list. The Genesis is available for $5+k off list and starts about $10k less.

The Jaguar is the same price as the V6 Infiniti M37 with similar equipment.

You don't buy an engine, you buy a car. An engine can certainly sell a car but it's not a purchase in and of itself. Yes the recall problem is in the fuel system, but anyone who follows the auto industry knows Jaguars have a horrible reliability history. It's certainly gotten better for sure. Regardless, my point is that you're not comparing apples to apples, the Jag is much more expensive.
Just because the Tau is not a DI engine, doesn't mean it's not high tech. I guess it depends what you definition of high tech is. Sure it lacks, DI, cylinder deactivation, & turbo charging. But...it runs regular fuel, & it's in a car that's attainable, that seems high tech to me. A guy in a Prius can say, you car idles at a stop light that's low tech.

 

[DavidNJ]

2010, virtually every car can run on regular fuel. The ECM using knock sensor feedback adjusts the timing. Whether is advantageous is a bigger issue. At 10.4:1 compression, it isn't black and white.

The V8 is interesting. It appears Hyundai shifts it at 6200-6300 rpm way below the power peak and redline. A curious design decision. If it was a transmission issue it would be torque related and not affect the upper gears.

The Jag and the Hyundai are direct competitors. The regular XF is available under $50k and is a viable alternative. The XF is the low end at the Jaguar dealer. While not considered mainstream, it is considered a Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus equivalent. The sales and service experience reflect a dealer who sells cars from $50-100k.

At Hyundai, the Genesis, and soon the Equus, are the high end. The bulk of sales come under $25k, even under $20k. The Genesis/Equus are a small sideline, not their mainstream business. My local dealer sold out of 2011 Sonatas and had the showroom filled with 2010 models marked thousands off. The sales and service experience is different.

The price and sales experience could attract Avalon/Maxima/ES350/G37 buyers. WSJ was comparing it to a Lincoln and Buick.

However, the basic car is very comparable to the Jaguar. In other threads people here are considering the Infiniti M37. The Jaguar probably should be considered a direct, less reliable, more full featured alternative.