2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to Get More Power

Hyundai shocked the world when it first announced it would build the rear-drive 300-hp Genesis Coupe, and now it appears the automaker is looking to add more oomph to its sports coupe lineup.

Since the Genesis Coupe debuted back in 2008, the horsepower wars have raged on with cars like the Ford Mustang going from 210-hp to 305-hp. Once seen as a bargain, the Genesis Coupe is a slightly less enticing package than it once was. To combat this, Hyundai will look to add more power to the Genesis two-door in 2012, along with a slight facelift.

Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines are slated to get upgrades, although exactly how extensive they will be is not yet clear. It’s not hard to speculate that the 2.0T model could gain the Sonata Turbo’s new engine, prompting a significant increase in power from 210-hp to 274-hp. That would come very close to the 3.8-liter V6′s 306-hp number, suggesting it would also have to receive a major update, be it through naturally aspirated means, forced induction, or a switch to a V8. Past reports have already indicated the company’s new 5.0-liter V8 will replace the current 3.8L V6, producing a rather significant 429-hp.

[Source: AutoGuide.com]

Hyundai Equus, Genesis To Get 429-HP 5.0L Tau V8

Hyundai has just announced that after the market launch of its new flagship Equus luxury sedan, it will offer an engine option above the planned 4.6L Tau V8. The optional engine will be a new 5.0L Tau V8, making 429-hp. That same engine will then also find its way into the Genesis luxury sedan.

With a power increase of around 45-hp with the larger engine, torque will also jump from 333 ft-lbs to 376. And aiding in both power deliver and fuel consumption is a new 8-speed automatic – although it’s not yet clear if the Genesis will also get the 8-speed box.

The move is designed to keep Hyundai’s flagship competitive with the new twin-turbo motors from BMW and Mercedes, but as most buyers won’t see the Equus as a rival to the established marques, we have to think this is more of a shot across the bow of Lexus, with the larger Genesis motor offering far more power than what Lexus equips its LS models with.

[Source: TheCarConnection]

Beijing: Hyundai Introduces New Direct Injection I4, V6 and 8-speed Automatic

Hyundai’s new Accent was the star of the companies exhibit at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, but the debut of two new engines and a new automatic transmission will have broader implications for the rest of the company’s lineup.

In addition to the 2.4L GDI four-cylinder in the Sonata (pictured above), two new gasoline direct-injection engines were unveiled at Beijing, a 1.6L four cylinder putting out 138 horsepower, a 28 horsepower bump over Hyundai’s current 1.6L four banger. The 1.6 GDI should appear in the Accent, Elantra, certain Kia models and the upcoming Veloster compact sports car. Even more enticing was the mention in a product video that the 1.6 could potentially be turbocharged and paired up with a dual-clutch gearbox, though no timeline was given for either technology.

Hyundai’s long awaited GDI version of the Lambda V6 was also previewed, although the engine was only rated at 296 horsepower, which is a few ponies less than the current Lambda makes in Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe. One can assume that there will be different variations, and that the engine will see a bump in power when it comes Stateside. Hyundai also joins Lexus in the elite 8-speed automatic club, and it’s a sure bet that the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will get the new 8-speed auto option.

With Hyundai positioning itself as a premium brand, the company has an obligation to innovate on its own, and not just play catch-up – even if they’re hot on the heels of world leaders like Lexus.

[Source: Hyundai via AutoGuide.com]

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Hyundai Unveils Direct Injected 2.4L 4-cylinder Engine

Hyundai Motor Company has officially unveiled the long anticipated 2.4L Theta GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) 4-cylinder powertrain today at the Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference in Korea. The direct-injected inline-4 is scheduled make its debut under the hood of the company's mid-size Sonata sedan early next year.

Producing an impressive 201 horsepower at 6,300rpm and 25.5 kgf.m (184 lb.ft) of torque at 4,250rpm, the GDI powerplant surpasses GM's rivalling 2.4L DI counterpart that produces 182 horsepower and 174 lb.ft of torque.

GDI has been applied to the second generation of Theta, the Theta II featuring numerous design enhancements over its predecessor including the application of a three-stage variable induction system (VIS) which improves engine ‘breathing’, automatically adjusting the volume of the air sucked into the combustion chamber to create the ‘optimal’ air-to-fuel mix under different engine load conditions.

Further performance gains were made possible by incorporating Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT), which improves engine breathing on the intake and exhaust sides for better fuel economy and lower emissions. Depending on engine load and speed, DCVVT can extend or shorten the duration of the valve opening and closing for more power and lower emissions. The DCVVT system is governed by a new steel chain with an innovative roller and tooth designed for silent operation and durability.

According to Hyundai, the automaker spent over 170 billion Won (US$146.4 million) in research and development of the GDI powertrain over a span of 46 months. The new engine complies with ULEV-2 (ultra-low emission vehicle) and PZEV (partial zero emission vehicle) standards. GDI application will subsequently be expanded across the gasoline engine family and applied to other Hyundai models.

[Source: Yonhap News via Hyundai]