Eight Is *More* Than Enough for Genesis, Apparently

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

We’re talking cylinders here, not model count. Genesis could certainly make use of more than three models — the fledgling brand’s two planned crossovers can’t come soon enough.

But back to engines. Currently, the Genesis lineup offers a 5.0-liter V8 option in both the G80 midsize and G90 full-size sedans, with a twin-turbo 3.3-liter serving as the models’ entry-level mill. However, Genesis now claims the Tau V8’s days are numbered.

Making 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, the Tau V8’s pulling power comes close to that of the 3.3L — the two differ by only 7 lb-ft, with the advantage going to the larger engine. However, displacement comes at a cost, and not just in terms of pricing. Fuel economy suffers with the V8, and its lifespan apparently now has an end date.

Speaking to Car and Driver, Genesis CEO Manfred Fitzgerald said the next-generation G80 appearing later this year won’t offer a V8 option.

“The G80 range will be topped off by the V6,” he said, adding, “We will have a brand-new G80 coming out this September in Korea and subsequently on global markets. With that car, you will see the next evolution of our design language.”

The G90 sedan received a refresh for 2019, and a full redesign of the model (assuming the slow-selling yet extremely competent sedan has a future at all) won’t occur anytime soon. Expect the G90 to continue onwards with an optional V8 for the remainder of this generation, but not beyond. No upgrades are planned for the Tau mill.

“We really have to pay close attention to markets and legislation and hedge our bets,” Fitzgerald said. “Don’t expect another evolution of the V8.”

This means Genesis’ upcoming GV80 crossover, which borrows its architecture from the G80 sedan, will probably eschew V8 propulsion right from the outset. The GV80 is expected to appear late this year or early next.

Engines aren’t the brand’s biggest concern right now — dealers are. After the brand switched to a carefully selected, standalone dealer presence in the United States, sales suffered. This stemmed from Genesis’ decision to sell down existing 2018 models last year in order to launch new dealers with only 2019 inventory in stock.

April’s U.S. sales tally of 1,605 vehicles was the brand’s best showing since January of 2018. Of that volume, 844 units were the new-for-2019 G70 compact sedan.

[Image: Genesis]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Jkross22 Jkross22 on May 21, 2019

    There is a mpg difference of 1 for city and 1 for highway between the 3.3 turbo motor and the V8.

  • Jeff S Jeff S on May 22, 2019

    @Dead Weight--Hyundai and Kia are both the underdogs and both actually care and want to be taken serious. GM is on a cost cutting spree and cares little about what they make. My opinion is GM management is less interested in maintaining GM as a viable company and more interested in selling it off to the Chinese and getting their golden parachutes. I don't like to think that will happen but I believe that is what is actually happening. This pains me having owned many GM vehicles myself and my parents and grandparents owning them as well. Ford seems to be headed in this direction as well. The best advice is to buy the best vehicle that suits your needs regardless of brand and origin.

  • Arthur Dailey Good. Whatever upsets the Chinese government is fine with me. And yes they are probably monitoring this thread/site.
  • Jalop1991 WTO--the BBB of the international trade world.
  • Dukeisduke If this is really a supplier issue (Dana-Spicer? American Axle?), Kia should step up and say they're going to repair the vehicles (the electronic parking brake change is a temporary fix) and lean on or sue the supplier to force them to reimburse Kia Motors for the cost of the recall.Neglecting the shaft repairs are just going to make for some expensive repairs for the owners down the road.
  • MaintenanceCosts But we were all told that Joe Biden does whatever China commands him to!
  • Rick T. If we really cared that much about climate change, shouldn't we letting in as many EV's as possible as cheaply as possible?
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