Are All Hyundai Genesis Rear Wheel Drive?

Hyundai produces and sells the Hyundai Genesis, a full-size luxury sedan with executive four doors, five passenger seats, and either rear- or all-wheel drive. Hyundai Genesis made its debut in 2008 and continued to sell it under the G80 nameplate until Genesis split off as a separate company in 2017. The Genesis was scheduled to cost $533 million to produce and was first displayed at the 2007 New York International Auto Show in concept form. Hyundai started promoting the Genesis of the first generation as a “luxury sports sedan” in 2008, with the exception of Europe. The 2014 North American International Auto Show and the Toronto Auto Show were the next stops for the second generation Genesis (model DH), which made its debut in November 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. It is promoted globally. On November 4th, 2015, Hyundai formally established Genesis Motor as its own luxury subsidiary. Following notable success in the luxury sector and strong consumer demand for the Genesis name, the company made the transition into a stand-alone, luxury brand.

South Korean Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Motor Company’s rear-wheel drive sports coupe, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, made its debut on October 13, 2008, in the Korean market. It is the first rear-wheel-drive sports coupe from Hyundai, and the Genesis luxury sedan is built on the same fundamental chassis.

On February 26, 2009, the Genesis Coupe made its debut in American showrooms as a 2010 model. The Genesis Coupe was created, according to acting president and CEO of Hyundai USA John Krafcik, “to give a driving experience that challenges automobiles like the Infiniti G37.”

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe eventually went out of production in 2016 despite Genesis Motors’ introduction as a stand-alone luxury brand.

Genesis, Strongest in Snow: 75% of Vehicles Were Four-Wheel-Drive

Most luxury cars employ rear-wheel drive. The increased riding comfort and driving performance is the main justification. The front wheels of a normal all-wheel-drive car are in charge of both steering and propulsion. As a result, the front wheel’s load is put under more stress, which negatively affects steering performance. On the other hand, because some of the driving-related components are placed behind the body, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle has an advantage in establishing an optimal front and rear weight distribution. Additionally, because the front wheel just handles driving and the rear wheel only handles steering, the driving performance is more steady and nimble. Due to the dynamic load exerted on the rear when the vehicle accelerates from a typical road surface, rear-wheel drive is also preferable while starting and accelerating compared to front-wheel drive.

When a rear-wheel-drive vehicle finds a slick icy road, the narrative changes. It is especially vulnerable uphill and coated with snow. With all-wheel drive, the front wheels, which have a low center of gravity, do the driving, allowing for a little increase in traction on slick surfaces. Additionally, there is less likelihood that the car body will shake side to side because the front wheel is utilized to guide the vehicle. The driving position and the load placed on the front of the body, such as the engine and drivetrain, make up for the tire’s lack of traction on sloping snow-covered roads.

However, when compared to front-wheel drive, the load placed on the rear wheel, which is where the driving force is delivered, is considerably less with rear-wheel drive. Additionally, the vehicle cannot adequately accelerate if the wheels spin on slippery roads. Therefore, it is impossible to obtain the dynamic load on the rear wheels that is transferred rearward during acceleration on a dry road surface. Therefore, the tire will always find it challenging to move uphill and spin around, regardless of how much the newest technology is employed to convey driving power.

Additionally, because the rear-wheel drive vehicle’s driving shaft and steering shaft are not connected, the body of the vehicle is less stable and can only be stabilized to a certain extent (front wheel). The front wheel, which serves as the steering shaft, does not receive power, making it challenging to turn the sliding car in the intended direction of movement. Because of the sudden, heavy snowfall in early January, rear-wheel-drive cars were occasionally stranded on the road in downtown Seoul where they were unable to drive properly. This problem is made much worse by the fact that many rear-wheel-drive high-end brand vehicles use summer tires, which have a rapid reduction in friction on snowy roads.

Overview

The Genesis is another one of Hyundai’s vehicles that are worth seriously considering; it offers an appealing bargain in the mid-size luxury segment. A 311-hp V-6 engine with rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is an option. A 420-hp V-8 with rear-drive is available if you need more power; an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on all. It has good driving manners thanks to a Lotus-tuned suspension. The Genesis is attractive inside and out, and the seats are supportive.

standard HTRAC from the factory for the 2015 Genesis

As a result, we found ourselves in the driver’s seat of a large sedan with the most generous outward dimensions in its class that handles 10 times more confidently on snow and ice than the rear-wheel drive model from the previous generation. One “lap” on our “closed circuit” with the older model was all it took to demonstrate the 2015 Genesis’ unmistakable advantage. The HTRAC system was created by Hyundai and Magna, the company that makes parts for the brand’s rear-wheel drive sedans (Equus, Genesis). It electronically balances torque between the front and back axles. The driving mode system of the Genesis partially regulates it. The system may transfer 90% of engine torque to the front axle on slick surfaces or 100% of torque to the rear wheels when traveling at a high speed. In Normal mode, 60% of the torque is sent to the rear and 40% to the front. Hyundai’s HTRAC has a more straightforward design and engages after a delay of 30 thousandths of a second compared to Mercedes-4Matic Benz’s and Audi’s quattro, which are both equipped with a full-time central differential. The system is practically undetectable in everyday driving, and when Sport mode is engaged, the Genesis maintains conventional rear-wheel drive handling.

You get energizing performance when accelerating thanks to the 3.8-liter V6’s 311 horsepower and 293 lb-ft of torque and the eight-speed automated gearbox. During our test drive, we measured an average fuel consumption rate of well over 12 liters per 100 kilometers, but it was during a snowstorm. In terms of handling, the car has a tendency to understeer, which is characteristic of large sedans with all-wheel drive, despite the steering being generally crisp. The brake pedal was also squishy on several occasions, which didn’t exactly give me confidence. However, these characteristics only become apparent when the car is pushed under challenging driving circumstances. Its handling should be completely predictable at a regular rate. We loved the updated design of the passenger cabin and the effectiveness of the heated and defrosting seats. I liked the wood accents and extensive list of factory-required features. Despite being offered at the price of a small luxury car, this could enable the Genesis compete against mid-size luxury sedans.

The Genesis adds all-wheel drive as another selling point to entice purchasers of premium sedans. However, this is the same category of consumers who are susceptible to irrational arguments, such as brand image. In this regard, Hyundai still faces a formidable challenge that may require more than just all-wheel drive to overcome.

Review of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe from a professional

The standard V-6 engine in the four-seat Hyundai Genesis Coupe can be paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. It competes with sporty vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang and features rear-wheel drive.

The 3.8 Base, 3.8 R-Spec, and 3.8 Ultimate trim versions of the Genesis Coupe all have a 348-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine. All trims come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but the Base and Ultimate have an eight-speed automatic as an option.

  • 3.8-liter V-6 with 348 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
  • a manual six-speed transmission
  • backwards-wheel drive
  • LED taillights and running lights
  • Cloth furniture
  • climate control that is automatic
  • Telescoping and tilting steering wheel
  • Push-button start and keyless entry
  • Front airbags, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system are required in every new vehicle.

Does Genesis have front or rear wheels?

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis has five seats, V6 and V8 engines, and rear-wheel drive. The 2009 model year saw the last redesign of the Genesis sedan. With updated styling, new direct-injection engines, and a new 8-speed automatic transmission, Genesis saw a significant makeover for 2012.

Genesis has all four wheels.

The Genesis GV70 and Genesis GV80 both have all-wheel drive as a choice when compared to the other SUVs in the Genesis series. While the Genesis GV80 features rear-wheel drive as standard on its basic model, the Genesis GV70 offers it as a feature on every trim.