AWD for next Hyundai Genesis
All-paw 'HTRAC' system confirmed for all-new Hyundai Genesis sedan in late 2013Hyundai has confirmed its next-generation premium sedan, the Genesis, will be available with all-wheel drive for the first time when it launches in Korea later this year. Currently it is only available as a rear-wheel drive proposition.
Dubbed HTRAC, the new all-wheel drive system marks a first for the Korean car-maker's passenger vehicle line in the new Genesis, which can split power between the front and rear axles electronically to provide "greater stability on slippery roads and in corners", says the company.
The move reflects increasing demand in cold-climate regions -- such as Europe and northern America -- for all-wheel drive passenger cars. Even performance car brands such as AMG have begun offering AWD versions of their most popular models.
The redesigned second-generation Genesis had been expected to make it global debut at the Detroit motor show in January 2014, but with the launch now confirmed for Korea by the end of this year it’s possible Hyundai will reveal its all-new Genesis coupe at Detroit.
It remains to be seen whether the two-door Genesis will be offered with HTRAC but it would be a logical outcome, particularly as Hyundai has said it has plans to fit the system to more of its vehicles to "strengthen its premium, high-tech brand image".
Another likely candidate for the new HTRAC system is Hyundai's rumoured small Genesis sedan, which is designed to rival the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS series.
The new AWD system was tested at the Yeongam F1 circuit in Korea, on the Nürburgring in Germany and in "severe winter tests in Europe," said Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman and head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Centre.
"We expect our customers to feel world-class safety and driving performance in the all-new Genesis equipped with the HTRAC system," he said.
It's unclear if the new system will use torque vectoring to split power between left and right rear wheels, but Hyundai has confirmed the HTRAC system will have several switchable driving modes for a "sophisticated and tailored driving experience".
The new Genesis sedan has been confirmed for right-hand drive production, which means it could be sold locally but Hyundai Australia is yet to give it the green light. It has confirmed the sporty Genesis coupe will be sold in Australia by 2015.
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