Next Hyundai Genesis to get HTRAC all-wheel drive

Fri, 18 Oct 2013

Hyundai's Genesis sedan has been quite the sales success since it first launched in 2008 as a 2009 model, but its rear-wheel drive nature has limited its sales appeal in cold-weather states versus competitors like Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have offered all-wheel drive in their lineups for years now. We've been hearing that Hyundai has had plans to remedy this shortfall for some years now, and we finally have official confirmation that four-corners-driven traction is coming for the second-generation Genesis.

Dubbed "HTRAC," Hyundai isn't saying much about the new system, other than noting it will offer "select driving modes for a sophisticated and tailored driving experience" and that it will also electronically control the torque split between the car's front and rear axles. HTRAC was developed all over the world, including on the Nürburgring and on Korea's Yeongam Formula One circuit, as well as winter testing in Europe. Oh, and in case you didn't already figure it out for yourself, the "H" in the name stands for "Hyundai" and "TRAC" is short for "Traction."

No word yet on when the system will become available, but Hyundai promises that the second-generation Genesis will make its world debut in its home market later this year. Although no official images or further details have been revealed yet, an undisguised look at the 2015 sedan came to light yesterday, suggesting a reveal is imminent.

Hyundai Motor To Introduce 'HTRAC' AWD System
With All-New Genesis

- Hyundai Motor unveils the name of its all-wheel drive sub-brand 'HTRAC'

- The next-generation Genesis to be the first Hyundai model to adopt the
system, with more to follow

Oct. 17, 2013 – Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, today announced that its 'HTRAC' all-wheel drive system will be made available for the first time on the all-new Genesis, the second generation of Hyundai's first premium rear-wheel drive sedan set to make its world debut in its home market later this year.

The 'H' stands for 'Hyundai' indicating its brand heritage, and 'TRAC' is a shortened form of the word 'Traction,' which represents technical attributes of the all-wheel drive system. The advanced HTRAC system electronically controls torque split between the front and rear axles depending on road and driving conditions, offering greater stability on slippery roads and in corners.

"Hyundai Motor's HTRAC system has secured best-in-class durability and driving performance through strict tests carried out in various locations worldwide, including the famed Nürburgring in Germany, the Yeongam F1 circuit in Korea and in severe winter tests in Europe," said Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman and head of Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Center. "We expect our customers to feel world-class safety and driving performance in the all-new Genesis equipped with the HTRAC system."

Unlike mechanical AWD system with limited torque split between front and rear wheels, Hyundai's HTRAC system allows drivers to select driving modes for a sophisticated and tailored driving experience.

Starting with the second-generation Genesis, Hyundai plans to apply the HTRAC system to more of its models and aims to strengthen its premium, high-tech brand image by continuing brand efforts such as featuring the HTRAC badge on the trunk lid of the Genesis.

By Chris Paukert