Hyundai is calling the RKSport-massaged 2009 Hyundai Genesis a concept, but you can expect to see its 460-hp supercharged V8 in a production car in the near future.
The company's press conference bristled with engineers, including head of powertrain John Juriga. He spoke to us about what went into the concept. "This is not just a supercharger bolted to the existing engine," he said.
Indeed, this represents a comprehensive rework of Hyundai's 4.6-liter "Tau" V8. It includes new head and intake manifold castings integrating an IHI twin-screw supercharger, and a cylinder deactivation system. This system, like other such systems in production, allows the V8 to operate in V4 mode to save fuel. John continued, "We saw an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy while simulating the FTP cycle," which is used by the EPA to determine the fuel economy numbers on a window sticker.
Hyundai reckons this Genesis reaches 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 108 mph, while returning 18/27 city/hwy mpg.
They also hint that it's "suitable for sports cars," too. Bring it on.
Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor
orangutan says:
02:33 PM, 11/ 4/08
Do want.
estreka says:
07:15 PM, 11/ 4/08
^ Ditto.
ardaproes says:
12:29 AM, 11/ 5/08
Saw one of these today, thought it was a lexus or 7 series
ateixeira says:
11:11 AM, 11/ 5/08
Nice, but tell us more about the suspension upgrades - because the stock Genesis is too soft.