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By Keith Griffin Feb 18 2014 - 8:55pm

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

Recently, I posted 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.
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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. No serious buyer would consider it a luxury sports sedan if it was mated to the 3.8-liter V6 only.

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 V6 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.

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Comments

JD wrote on February 19, 2014 - 5:08am
Hey, you made a mistake and called the 3.8 litre a V8: "Look at the numbers. The 3.8-liter V8 produces 311 horsepower" this should be "...The 3.8-liter V6..." Best regards! :)
Keith Griffin wrote on February 19, 2014 - 6:13am
Thanks for catching that!
Tom Pass wrote on February 19, 2014 - 5:41pm
No 5.0 AWD, no deal! Ridiculous that it is standard in Canada and not even an option south of the border. Wake up Hyundai!!
Don Hendrix wrote on March 12, 2014 - 12:07pm
I have the 2013 R-Spec which is a great car. Looking forward to the 2015 but I find it ludicrous that, like the heated steering wheel, the HTRAC will be offered in Canada but not in the USA? Wake up Hyundai!!
Fathkhah Rahim wrote on September 7, 2014 - 2:53pm
v8 2015 is very nice car if have 4WD in this car i would like to buy tow.
K Z Neal wrote on December 28, 2015 - 4:25pm
I am a current Hyundai Genesis owner. 1st generation. I would get the new generation if it offered the v8 awd version here in the United States. We have regions that get snow also.The v8 awd version should at least be a option in the United States. Make it happen Hyundai!