Hyundai Considering Turbocharged V6 Says Powertrain Boss

With the debut of a new 5.0-liter Tau V8 in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec and rumors that it will find its way under the hood of the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai isn't necessarily committed to eight-cylinders. That's not surprising as the industry moves towards forced induction options like turbocharging and supercharging in order to deliver ideal power levels with reduced fuel consumption.

At a recent product preview and engineering tech session at Hyundai Motor America's technical center in Ann Arbor, MI, powertrain boss John Juriga admitted that a turbocharged version of the company's 3.8-liter V6 (offered in both the Genesis coupe and sedan) is a possibility for the future. "The 3.8 is a contender for turbocharging for some high-output applications," he said. In fact, Juriga did one better, going on to comment that such an engine already exists and is undergoing testing. Speaking with AutoGuide, Jurega qualified that statement, commenting that the Hyundai engineering team is constantly exploring new engine options and that the existence of a prototype is no guarantee that such an engine will make it into production.

Expanding on Juriga's comments, HMA CEO John Krafcik indicated that the Korean automaker is currently at a crossroads as to its future engine plans for its high-performance and premium models. Krafcik referenced the brand's two SEMA Show Genesis Coupe concept cars, one powered by a 5.0-liter V8, the other by a supercharged 3.8-liter V6. The two cars, he explains, were built to generate feedback, to see which method of power delivery is preferred, with the more traditional high-displacement V8 versus the forced induction option.

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