Next Hyundai Equus, Genesis and Genesis Coupe to get AWD

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery​

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.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus


Next Hyundai Equus, Genesis and Genesis Coupe to get AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[pmonag]

I have been waiting for the announcement of AWD since the Genesis was introduced. This greatly increases the likelihood that my next car will be a Genesis AWD. I live in Canada and shopped the Genesis against my current Audi A4. The availability of AWD makes this car a legitimate contender against other luxury brands, all of which offer AWD availability. Congratulations to Hyundai for broadening the appeal of an already attractive package!