Hyundai’s Tau V8 – normally found in the V8 version of the Genesis luxury sedan – usually pumps out a respectable 284kW, but a new prototype version revealed by Hyundai has boosted that figure significantly.

Bolting on a unique supercharger system has upped the 4.6 litre V8’s power to a healthy 343kW (460hp), with a goodly 589Nm (435lb-ft) of torque thrown into the mix.

The supercharger’s intake sits to the rear of the engine, with charged air entering the intercooler before heading up into a split plenum, feeding the rear-mounted throttle.

Hyundai says its supercharged mill is merely a study on what the Tau V8 can do, and has no plans on the cards for the engine.  If nothing else, it shows that Hyundai is in the game to win it, and not just along for the ride.

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