In keeping with its 5.0-liter V8 sibling, the Hyundai Genesis 3.8-liter Lambda engine will receive direct injection (GDI) technology, boosting its output 15 percent from 290 to 333 horsepower, an impressive gain of 43 horsepower with no increase in displacement. In addition, peak torque rises from 264 lb.-ft. to 291 lb.-ft., a generous increase of 27 lb.-ft. from the same 3.8 liters. Compression ratio increases from 10.4:1 to 11.5:1 for greater thermal efficiency. This new direct-injected Lambda V6 produces a higher specific output (87.6 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors.

The 3.8-liter engine retains all of the premium technologies that have made it outstanding since the launch of Genesis: Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), variable induction, all aluminum block and heads, steel timing chain, and iridium-tipped spark plugs. Besides the generous horsepower and torque gains, direct injection technology produces a significant reduction in emissions through a 40 percent reduction in catalyst light-off time. Further, a variable vane oil pump has been fitted to precisely match oil pressure with engine lubrication requirements for increased efficiency at all engine speeds. As a result, 3.8-liter GDI fuel economy increases over seven percent from 27 mpg to 29 mpg on the highway.

All 3.8-liter engines will be coupled to an in-house-developed eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC and precisely calibrated gear ratios for an overall transmission efficiency gain of six percent. These two additional ratios serve to achieve competing objectives of acceleration and economy without compromise.