Hyundai Genesis' Tau V8 could grow to five liters, or beyond
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.
The Hyundai Genesis sedan has only been on sale for a month, but the automaker is already considering upgrading the current 4.6-liter V8 with a 5.0-liter version. Hyundai's North American product chief, John Krafcik, told MotorTrend that the Tau V8 could be stroked up to 5.5-liters, but the ideal displacement to keep fuel economy on par with power is an even five liters.
The plan is to increase the displacement of the V8, as well as adding direct-injection to Hyundai and Kia's range of fours, sixes and eights over the next few years. It's a move that several automakers have already adopted and Hyundai's decision to increase its V8's displacement will only happen if it can keep output the same or better while retaining the 4.6-liter's fuel economy.
Gallery: Hyundai Genesis 4.6L V8
[Source: MotorTrend]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jte 5:36PM (8/22/2008)
Better ouput, yes. But why increase displacement if only to keep the same output?
"increase its V8's displacement will only happen if it can keep output the SAME or better"
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MikeW 5:54PM (8/22/2008)
The want to keep the same mileage, with a huge engine.
Direct injection & ZF's 8 speed automatic will allow that to happen.
Say a 5.0 liters of displacement (stroked from 87 to 94mm), 400hp (regular fuel) 350ft-lbs
Mike 5:38PM (8/22/2008)
I guess the domestics aren't the only ones (Toyota, Hyundai) who are willing to give up increased fuel economy for more power.
But Hyundai will be given a pass because the corporate office isn't in MI.
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Michael 5:42PM (8/22/2008)
There's no replacement for displacement.
Or is there?
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2007RC46SP2 6:01PM (8/22/2008)
Yeah, its called Boost.
Seoultrain 6:52PM (8/23/2008)
1. Boost (as above)
2. Weight loss
3. Revs
4. Hottie in the passenger seat
MikeofLA 5:58PM (8/22/2008)
replacement for displacement = Forced Induction
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mr.ed 7:06PM (8/22/2008)
There are so many kinds of engineering enhancements, it's hard to keep track, from variable valve timing to tuned intakes and exhausts to optimizing gear ratios, high efficiency tires, driveline improvements such as floating brake calipers to aerodynamic tweaks.
I don't know what the bore centers are in this engine, but I'd bet there's some extra room for bigger pistons and crank throws for longer stroke.
havoc 7:25PM (8/22/2008)
@ mr.ed
you got it right. forced induction is not the (only) answer. bore that focker, bump the compression...
8 speed autos? let it lug around at 1200 rpm @70mph.
there are many ways to increase output without turbo or sc, of course i would agree that you could add a blower as wel...
why not the LS2LS7? 1:26AM (8/23/2008)
And yet, despite the existence of forced induction, Mercedes sells 6L engines and BMW 5L and 6L. The M3 has risen from 2.5L to 5L.
It kind of looks like displacement is still holding its own quite well.
2007RC46SP2 10:34AM (8/23/2008)
"It kind of looks like displacement is still holding its own quite well."
only because it is the most economical.
tankd0g 11:03AM (8/23/2008)
If you're going to make a bloated pig of a car, might as well go with the big heavy, cheap to make engine too.
Benfolio 6:49PM (8/22/2008)
Given the similarity to V8 engine sizes of an American car maker, is Hyundai's 5.0 really going to be a 4.9 also?
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Justin 8:06PM (8/22/2008)
Forced induction and overhead cams may be be a replacement for displacement. But displacement may also be a replacement for forced induction and overhead cams.
If Hyundai can make a v8 equivalent in weight, power curve, mpg, and sound to an LS v8, then more power to them. Displacement itself is not a factor
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Marvin McConoughey 9:14PM (10/13/2008)
With five liters, Hyundai can probably meet the max torque of the LS engine (I have its torque and horsepower chart) but might have problems in getting as much torque at very low RPM, such as is used when trundling about town with small throttle movements.
I've not seen torque and horsepower curves for the Tau 4.6 V8 engine. Are they available?
BrianW 8:53PM (8/22/2008)
"Frankly, better times were expected from the Genesis considering its engine size and claimed output. But the Hyundai V8 lacks eagerness; it just sort of slowly builds speed instead of racing ahead — like the world's smoothest and quietest truck engine."
"The Lexus drank premium at the rate of 22.9 mpg, while the Hyundai slurped it up at a 17.6 mpg rate."
They weren't too impressed with the Tau V-8.
Hyundai still has a long way to go with refinement.
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jsjs 2:06AM (8/23/2008)
Gee, I can quote auto reviewers as well.
While the V-8-motivated 4.6 is the considerably quicker of the two, the 3.8 is no slouch, with 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet serving up 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.1 mph. For context, our long-term 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6L DI, Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year, provides similar stats -- 304 horsepower, 273 pound-feet, 0 to 60 in 6.3, the quarter mile in 14.8 at 95.6-but carries a base price of over $3000 more. Plus, the Genesis 3.8 sips less fuel than the direct-injected Caddy -- 18/27 versus 17/26.
With a weight-to-power ratio of 10.8 lb/hp, the Genesis trails-just barely-the Benz's 10.7, but does so with 834cc less of engine displacement. Hyundai calls it "efficient power." We just call it robust. Bottom line: The Tau has some pow! Also, note the 4.6's impressive fuel economy, which tops that of the Lexus, a car with the same size engine yet two extra gears.
The Real Deal? You bet. Through the quarter mile, the Genesis is quicker than the Hemi-powered 300C and stays door to door with the eight-speed GS 460 (though it posts a higher trap speed than the Lexus).
From 0 to 60, it's quicker than both. And despite wearing relatively narrow 235-series tires, the Hyundai delivers the highest lateral acceleration and the best 60-to-0 braking.
And I'll bet you that I would find many more who are "impressed" than those who aren't.
Rob 2:04PM (8/23/2008)
I don't own a Hyundai, but it sure would get annoying constantly having to be defensive.
iSpec 10:28AM (8/23/2008)
Consumer perception, in Hyundai's case, lags miserably. I see it every single time I take someone for a ride in my new Genesis or when my wife takes them in her Veracruz. It's a good thing we have facts and raw data to turn to which shows that the Tau and Hyundai's 3.8 are very, very competitive engines if not near the top of the industry.
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John Ward 10:45AM (8/23/2008)
I think in a few years the Tau will continue to mature, much as the Theta (I4 world engine) and Lambda (3.3L and 3.8L used in the Sonata, Azera and the Genesis) have since they were introduced. In 2009 both recieved further refinements which bumped up fuel economy and horsepower. Personally, I think the 3.8 in the Genesis is a good match and performance isn't much less, fuel economy slightly better and the starting price is $5k less. The V8 will be refined and show up in Hyundais replacement for the Equus overseas. It'll be a BMW 7 series, Mercedes S class competitor that will eventually make it to the US. The 5.0/5.5L would be a natural fit for that model.
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