We’ve previously heard that the Hyundai Genesis sedan will get an 8-speed automatic transmission and now its confirmed. According to Lee Hyun-Soon, head of r&d for Hyundai and Kia, the 8-speed automatic will be offered in the Genesis sedan when it is refreshed in the 2011 model year.

Speaking to Automotive News at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Lee said that the Korean automaker is developing the new transaxle in-house. He said that the Kia Borrego SUV may also get the 8-speed in the future.

“This new transmission is for our rear-drive vehicles,” Lee said. “It will improve fuel economy by almost 2 percent. It gives better acceleration” and better noise, vibration and handling performance.”

Hyundai’s Genesis and Kia’s Borrego both use a 6-speed automatic transmission that was also developed in-house. Lee said that Hyundai is aiming to develop all future transmission itself. The redesign Santa Fe, which will arrive later this year, will also get the new 6-speed automatic.

Hyundai Genesis: