

2024.05.24 GENESIS
As consumer preferences increasingly lean towards vehicles with distinct, dynamic coupe styles, the interest in such designs has grown rapidly. Traditionally, coupes are designed to enhance the driving sensation and performance, but nowadays, even a unique design alone can be a selling point. This trend has increased the prevalence of coupe-style models across sedans and SUVs.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe, the brand's first coupe-style SUV, was launched amidst high expectations. Based on the high-quality design of the pre-released GV80 Coupe concept model, its sleek and unique style has captivated consumer interest. However, the real allure of the GV80 Coupe lies beneath the hood, in the powerful powertrain: the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine, combined with a 48V mild hybrid system.
Initially introduced in Genesis's flagship sedan, the G90, the basic configuration of the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine remains the same. However, while the G90’s engine setting is focused on smooth and comfortable ride quality, the GV80 Coupe's engine is tuned for enhanced performance, rapid response, and acceleration. It was developed from the start to be a dynamic performance-oriented SUV, aligning with the coupe genre.a
The 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine builds on the existing V6 3.5 Turbo engine by incorporating a 48V mild hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) and a 48V electric supercharger to improve power assistance, reduce turbo lag at low speeds, enhance responsiveness, and increase fuel efficiency. The turbocharger's capacity has been increased to boost maximum output, and the cooling performance and responsiveness have been enhanced with a larger water-cooled intercooler. The 48V MHSG not only assists in power but also charges the 48V lithium battery during regenerative braking, serving roles as a generator and starter motor.
A key feature is the addition of an electric supercharger powered by 48V to implement a two-stage boosting system, ensuring responsiveness at low engine RPMs. Normally, turbochargers use exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which then drives a compressor wheel to compress air into the engine, increasing output. However, increasing the turbocharger's capacity can delay this compression, leading to turbo lag when the engine is under heavy load or at low RPMs.
The 48V electric supercharger addresses these drawbacks by operating at RPMs below 1,750, compressing air behind the compressor wheel and supplying it to the engine, enhancing low-end output and reducing turbo lag. At higher RPMs, where the turbocharger alone is sufficient for boosting, the air bypasses the electric supercharger and goes directly to the engine intake manifold.
The mechanical bypass valve controls the air flow, operating based on a spring set to open and close the air path based on a specific pressure difference before and after the valve. This prevents sudden changes in air supply to the engine during the transition of the 48V electric supercharger operation. While a typical 12V electric supercharger in conventional combustion engines may not provide sufficient air to impact output, a 48V high-voltage system can contribute significantly more power. Moreover, unlike conventional mechanical superchargers that use engine power and reduce efficiency, the 48V electric supercharger is driven by an electric motor, avoiding these inefficiencies.
The 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine not only increases maximum power and torque compared to the standard 3.5 Turbo engine but also alters the way power is delivered. This difference is evident when comparing torque and power graphs of both engines. Although both engines reach peak torque at 1,300 RPM, the 3.5 Turbo engine shows a sharp increase in torque leading to subtle changes in output. In contrast, the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine, with the assistance of the 48V system from low RPMs, reaches peak torque more smoothly, and the torque decline after 4,500 RPM is more gradual.
Additionally, the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine in the GV80 Coupe has been refined to increase the operational speed of the electric supercharger and the initial responsiveness of the 48V MHSG during acceleration, tailored for a sporty performance-oriented SUV.
The GV80 Coupe's 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger model provides the joy of driving a high-performance coupe SUV based on a powerful powertrain.
The changes in the GV80 Coupe with the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine extend beyond power delivery. Various enhancements have been made across the vehicle to provide driving pleasure and dynamic performance, with the Sport Plus driving mode being an example.
Switching to Sport Plus mode actively controls output and torque, provides a pushing feel when shifting up, and rev-matching when shifting down, offering a more exhilarating driving experience. Launch control is also added to maximize acceleration from a standstill.
Newly developed logic ensures that the 48V electric supercharger and MHSG operate up to their limits, providing immediate acceleration response when the driver demands it, with the electric supercharger quickly reaching maximum performance.
Enhanced engine performance has also refined the vehicle's driving dynamics. Tuning adjustments to the dampers support the vehicle's structure, reducing rolling and pitching, and steering system adjustments improve handling intuitiveness. The distinct exhaust sound of the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger model, enhancing the thrilling driving sensation, is another key feature.
The 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine, equipped in the GV80 Coupe, brings not only improved fuel efficiency but also reduced CO₂ emissions. This is thanks to the versatile functionalities of the 48V MHSG (Mild Hybrid Starter & Generator) that assists from engine start-up to driving and stopping. Initially, the 48V MHSG acts as a starter motor, turning the engine's crankshaft at start-up. It offers stronger output than conventional starter motors, which enhances start-up reliability and reduces vibration and noise since it is connected to the engine and belt.
It assists the engine's drivetrain during high-power demands or acceleration, contributing to improved acceleration response and efficiency. During steady driving, it uses the power from the 48V lithium battery to supply the needed energy to the drivetrain system. During deceleration, the 48V MHSG performs regenerative braking, collecting energy back into the 48V battery. In inertial driving when the accelerator pedal is not pressed until the car stops, the system cuts off fuel injection to the engine, halting its operation to enhance efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions through an Extended ISG (Idle Stop & Go) function—a more advanced concept than the conventional ISG which only operates when the car is stopped.
Thus, with various interventions by the MHSG enhancing power and efficiency, the GV80 Coupe with the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger engine boasts higher output and better fuel efficiency compared to the same specification 3.5 Turbo model, while also emitting less CO₂. For a model equipped with 22-inch wheels, the combined fuel efficiency is higher by 0.3 km/L (an improvement of 3.85%), and CO₂ emissions are reduced by 8g (a reduction of 3.64%).
Additionally, the GV80 Coupe 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger model achieves visual differentiation expressing its uniqueness. Visible changes include the GV80 Coupe's exclusive 'Double Layered G-Matrix' pattern on the radiator grille, the molding on the front and the DLO (side window) molding, and the use of dark chrome material on the door/fender garnish. The darkened materials emphasize the dynamic presence of a high-performance coupe SUV.
Moreover, specific to the 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger model are red-colored monoblock 4P front calipers and dual twin-type rear mufflers that emphasize the characteristics of a high-performance internal combustion engine. Inside, when the Sport Plus mode is selected, a high-performance gauge appears on the 27-inch OLED display, decorated in a striking red color, displaying critical sports driving information like oil temperature, torque, and turbo boost pressure.
Thus, the GV80 Coupe 3.5 Turbo 48V Electric Supercharger model is filled with performance-enhancing and emotionally engaging features that differentiate it from other GV80 lineups. Its superior efficiency and reduced carbon emissions align with the trend towards more environmentally friendly performance in internal combustion engines, offering a technological benefit that somewhat alleviates the burden for owners desiring a luxury high-performance coupe SUV. The true value of the Genesis-designed and technologically refined GV80 Coupe is introduced through a following test drive review.
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