Why 2015 Hyundai Genesis Doesn't Need V8 All-Wheel Drive

[News Man]

Recently Keith Griffin, TorqueNews.com's Hyundai reporter published a story about the 2015 Hyundai Genesis and 5 reasons love for it will spike. One of the items mentioned was its multi-mode all-wheel-drive availability because true sports sedans now need all-wheel-drive capability. Well that inspired comments along the line that the new Hyundai Genesis was going to need all-wheel drive on the 5.0-liter model or it was dead to them.

Here is why no serious buyer would consider the 2015 Hyundai Genesis a luxury sports sedan if it was mated to the 3.8-liter V6 only, Griffing concludes.

Jim Trainor, one of Hyundai's hard working PR guys, told me, "We are launching the 5.0 V8 with rear-drive only this Spring. We are studying the potential for a performance-focused 5.0 V8 with HTRAC AWD after launch. While such a model is still under study, we think there may be market demand for such a model. Stay tuned."

So, if you want a V8 with AWD start a letter writing campaign to Hyundai. Well, at least call your local dealer because it will be the dealers who ultimately determine if demand is there.
But that got me thinking. Why bother? Just drive the V6 AWD and be deliriously happy with your lot in life.

Someone who has driven the V6 AWD model (a person I seriously envy and whose opinion I trust) told me it is spectacular. "There is no reason for anyone to think they are 'settling' on the V6. It’s extremely quick and powerful and the upgrades … made to the suspension and steering are significant."

Look at the numbers. The 3.8-liter V8 produces 311 horsepower. That's more than the Lexus GS 350, Mercedes E350 and BMW 535i. It blows away the Cadillac CTS and Audi A6. Who's whining about the lack of power in those sports sedans? Only the seriously delusional if you ask me.

Plus, there are no specs out yet to back me up on this but the weight balance is bound to be better in the V6 model. Better weight distribution has to mean a better handling, more responsive car.

 

[Kamkaze]

Will not buy the car period if it isn't avail in a 5.0 with awd

 

[EXBMWGUY]

^ Agree totally. Saying what the article says is like saying we truly don't know or understand what we like, and are incapable of deciding in our own due to our inherently lower intelligence. Buck off.

 

[tompass]

Agree also. What I do not understand is their reluctance to make the 5.0 AWD available for US market.

 

[Mark_888]

agree also. What i do not understand is their reluctance to make the 5.0 awd available for us market.

cafe.

 

[tompass]

CAFE meaning primarily MPG?

 

[Mark_888]

CAFE meaning primarily MPG?

Yes. Even back in 2012 Hyundai basically said you don't need a V8 unless you want a performance model (R-Spec).

 

[tompass]

I am looking forward to seeing some performance tests of the V6.

 

[pusaterkm]

Will not buy the car period if it isn't avail in a 5.0 with awd

Ditto. I was ready to trade my 2011 4.6 in for the 2015 as soon as it hit show rooms.But I wanted V8 and AWD. Now I have to wait to see if they build any that way.

 

[tompass]

They are certainly building them but not for the US market. I contacted a Canadian dealer in Niagara Falls and bottom line is that if I purchased the 5.0 AWD there, not only would have to go through the whole customs thing but will also have to have warranty work done in Canada. Not going to work... Also been researching performance numbers of 4.6 compared to 2013 3.8 and they are fairly close. Easier to come out of a 4.6 and go to a 3.8 than it would be to come out of a 5.0. Still holding out for 5.0.

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[pusaterkm]

Had new car fever and needed to buy something... since no 5.0 Genny with HTRAC this year I bought a 2014 Cadillac SRX. I traded in the 2011 Toyota Venza. SRX is a great vehicle, got the Crystal Red with chrome wheels, two tone brown and parchment interior. Beautiful inside and out. CUE system with Nav is sweet. Very impressed with Cadillac. Hyundai better have the 5.0 AWD for me next spring or I might end up in the twin turbo CTS or XTS.

 

[drpearso]

Had new car fever and needed to buy something... since no 5.0 Genny with HTRAC this year I bought a 2014 Cadillac SRX. I traded in the 2011 Toyota Venza. SRX is a great vehicle, got the Crystal Red with chrome wheels, two tone brown and parchment interior. Beautiful inside and out. CUE system with Nav is sweet. Very impressed with Cadillac. Hyundai better have the 5.0 AWD for me next spring or I might end up in the twin turbo CTS or XTS.

Get the twin turbo CTS. It has rear wheel drive.

 

[drpearso]

They are certainly building them but not for the US market. I contacted a Canadian dealer in Niagara Falls and bottom line is that if I purchased the 5.0 AWD there, not only would have to go through the whole customs thing but will also have to have warranty work done in Canada. Not going to work... Also been researching performance numbers of 4.6 compared to 2013 3.8 and they are fairly close. Easier to come out of a 4.6 and go to a 3.8 than it would be to come out of a 5.0. Still holding out for 5.0.

I did the same research comparing the 5.0 and the 3.8, in addition to my 3.9L V8 Lincoln LS. By the numbers the 3.8 looks great, but once I drove the 3.8 it just did not have the pull that a V8 does even if the V6 3.8 has higher HP. I'd much rather have the lower HP 3.9 V8 than the higher HP 3.8 V6. I tested them over and over again since I was convinced the V6 3.8 should perform as much as I needed, but the V8's just feel much stronger/better.

 

[tompass]

I will test drive the new 3.8 AWD and see how it feels but if it does not float my boat, I will buy something else.

 

[pusaterkm]

Has any body else seen the interior dimensions for the new Genny? Did it really lose 3 inches of rear leg room? That will be a show stopper for me.

 

[kev4]

Will not buy the car period if it isn't avail in a 5.0 with awd

Buy one in Canada. The 5.0 AWD is coming to Canada. Make the trip, take your $1.10 dollar north and get a great deal and get what you want. 5.0 l is the only way to go.