Upgraded Hyundai Genesis Sedan Gets New AWD Platform

The Hyundai Motor Co. 2015 Genesis luxury sedan rides on an all-new chassis designed to support powertrain upgrades that include an optional all-wheel-drive system.

The new car's 118.5-inch wheelbase is three inches longer than the previous Genesis, but overall vehicle length is almost identical. The model's 107 cu ft of interior passenger room surpasses all competitors in its segment, according to the company.

The stiffer Genesis platform features a greater use of high-strength steel and aluminum (including cast aluminum front strut towers) to enhance suspension response and reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Suspension travel has been increased compared with the previous-generation model.

The base $39,000 Genesis weighs about 4,100 lbs and is powered by a 3.8-liter, 311-hp V-6 that drives the rear wheels. An optional awd system can shift as much as 100% of the engine's torque to the front wheels on demand. The system uses a computer-controlled clutch, which reduces parasitic drag by disengaging the front axle when awd isn't necessary. Torque distribution characteristics can be adjusted manually to suit driving conditions.

The new model provides significantly more standard content than the outgoing car, including an 8-inch navigation screen with rearview camera, hill hold feature, power folding outside mirrors, nine airbags, HD radio, a telescoping steering wheel and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

A 5.0-liter, 420-hp V-8 engine is optional in the $52,500 top-of-the-line model. Standard equipment includes front and rear park assist, high-beam assist, automatic emergency braking, a haptic steering wheel, lane keeping assist and lane departure warning.

The two all-aluminum powerplant choices feature direct gasoline injection and variable valve timing. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows manual shifting with steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

All-electric, rack-mounted steering is standard in the 2015 Genesis. The system incorporates a variable pitch gear that changes the steering ratio as the steering angle increases.