Hyundai Genesis may get supercharger, direct injection

At to the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today, John Krafcik, Hyundai’s vice president of product development, said that he expects 20 percent of buyers to choose the 4.6 liter V8 version of the upcoming Hyundai Genesis. Krafcik said that while cylinder deactivation technology or gasoline direct injection won’t be available at launch, those features could be added later.

Hyundai engineers have designed the 4.6 liter V8 to accept those fuel-saving technologies as well as a supercharger, for added performance. Krafcik said Hyundai is expecting the Genesis to elevate the auto maker’s engineering image and status.

“The benchmark cars were the BMW 5 series, Mercedes-Benz E class and Lexus GS,” he says.

Hyundai expects the Genesis to appeal to value-conscious, performance-oriented drivers who don’t want to pay thousands extra for a prestige badge.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Gallery:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, Hyundai[/tags]