Sunday, July 24, 2016

Genesis G80

What was once called the second-generation Hyundai Genesis is now called the Genesis G80, the second vehicle under Hyundai's newly-established Genesis Motors luxury brand that started last year with the flagship EQ900 saloon. Slotted below the EQ900, the G80 is a direct competitor to the likes of BMW's 5-Series, Audi's A6, and Benz's E-Class.

2017 Genesis G80
2017 Genesis G80

When the second-generation Hyundai Genesis launched three years ago, Hyundai wanted to bring their Fluidic Sculpture design to the next level by maintaining its original essence while delivering different elements to our new design language such as simple and harmonious design, modern Hyundai look, and rich visuotactile color. For the brand new G80, it still has the similar Genesis cues three years ago, but with some few tweaks to differentiate it from the old Hyundai Genesis it used to be called upon before the foundation of the Genesis Motors brand we know today.

2017 Genesis G80 interior
2017 Genesis G80 interior
Not much little change has been given on the inside, except for the gear lever and the upgraded software implemented on its hard drive. Like the previous model, the Genesis G80 has a more premium interior that others can expect from its European rivals. Hyundai accomplished it by delivering a well-tailored interior design specifications for all materials and mater craftsmanship-level finish to further improve its premium image. Form its TFT LCD Cluster, Lexicon Surround Sound System with 17-speakers, Smart Trunk System, and many other convenient features, the G80 is a Korean premium saloon that has the same magnitude as the Europeans when it comes to conveniences and comfort.

2017 Genesis G80

Under the hood, the G80 still offers two V6 petrol engines available such as the V6 3.3 Lambda and the V6 3.8 Lambda engine. The 3.3L V6 engine produces 282PS of power, 35.4kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.6km/L while the 3.8L V6 engine produces 315PS of power, 40.5kg-m of torque, and fuel economy of 9.2km/L. By autumn, there will be a G80 Sport model, packed with the similar 3.3L V6 T-GDi engine from the EQ900, which produces 370PS of power output. They're both mated with a revised 8-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter.

The G80 also comes with an optional HTRAC all-wheel drive system, which electronically controls torque split between the axles depending on which driving conditions the driver is on, providing a well-stabled ride on slippery conditions and allows the driver to select different driving modes,

As a technologically-advanced saloon, the G80 comes with an array of safety tech such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, Active Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Driver Attention Alert, to Smart High Beam Assist and Around View Monitor.

The G80 starts from 48,100,000 to 71,700,000 Korean Won and that puts in the similar price bracket as its European rivals from its class.

The EQ900 and the G80 are just the start because by next year, Genesis' take on BMW's 3-Series and MB's C-Class, inspired by the New York concept, will be launched, with a luxury crossover and a replacement to the Genesis Coupe will come out later and all Genesis models will be launched within the end of the decade.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

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