Genesis is preparing for its next big attempt to crack the European market, this time built on the back of a new high-performing hybrid powertrain. It will appear first in this updated GV70, before spreading to other Genesis models, meaning the premium Korean brand will then offer both hybrid and electric vehicle options across multiple models.
The new hybrid-powered GV70 will feature the same body as the existing electric variant, but with a fresh grille, new front and rear bumpers, wheels, and trim elements. However, its major updates will be under the hood, where Genesis will fit a brand-new hybrid powertrain that will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
The system is based on a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s joined by two electric motors. The first small e-motor will be the car’s starter motor and alternator, similar to a 48V mild-hybrid system, but a second, more powerful e-motor will provide drive to the wheels.
View Price on AmazonThis set-up has allowed Genesis’ engineers to optimize the gasoline engine’s operating band. Much like new-age hybrid systems in high-performance cars, this will fill in the performance gaps of the engine with electric power, while also reducing load.
Peak power is rated at 329 horsepower, with torque at a sturdy 460 lb-ft. When fitted to the larger three-row Hyundai Palisade SUV, it’s capable of around 40 miles per gallon on the combined cycle. This might not sound particularly great, but it’s a 45 percent improvement over a similarly powerful non-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine currently used in overseas markets.
Genesis has had a slow start in the UK and Europe, and this has generally been the fault of the powertrain options rather than the cars themselves. At first, the brand’s pure-gasoline engines weren’t suited to our requirements, and while electric vehicle options have arrived since, they aren’t as competitive as European rivals.
However, with the brand in the process of fitting new hybrid powertrains and continually tweaking its electric vehicle options, now could be the time for Genesis to find its feet in the UK and Europe.
Source: autoexpress.co.uk
