Genesis injects its G80 sedan with a dose of performance to lure enthusiasts

By Ronan Glon November 16, 2016

Hyundai’s newly formed Genesis division has shown it knows how to build a true luxury car with the G90. The brand is now out to prove it can dabble in sports sedans, too, by launching a more muscular version of the G80 named simply Sport.

Introduced during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the G80 Sport is powered by a new, twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. The six-cylinder generates 365 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm thanks in part to direct fuel-injection, though performance figures are still under wraps as of writing. The only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic that has been tweaked for use in the Sport model.

Genesis has fitted bigger brakes on the rear axle to keep the power in check, and upgraded the suspension to provide a firmer, sportier ride. On paper, the Sport is markedly more engaging to drive than the G80.

1 of 4

2018 Genesis G80 Sport — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2018 G80 Sport — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2018 G80 Sport — Image used with permission by copyright holder

2018 genesis g80 sport news specs pictures performance — Image used with permission by copyright holder

It doesn’t take a well-trained eye to tell the Sport apart from the standard G80. Up front, it receives a model-specific bumper with aggressive-looking air dams, mesh inserts in the grille, and dark chrome trim. Out back, the G80 Sport gets an air diffuser built into the rear bumper and four exhaust tips. 19-inch alloy wheels add a finishing touch to the look.

The performance theme continues in the cabin with leather-upholstered bucket seats for the front passengers and real carbon fiber trim on the dashboard. The driver also benefits from a thick-rimmed steering wheel and sport pedals. Like all variants of the G80, the Sport is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The 2018 Genesis G80 Sport will begin to arrive in showrooms next spring, and pricing information will be published in the weeks leading up to its on-sale date. Hyundai’s sport-focused sedan is aimed right at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series, and the Volvo S90.

Editors' Recommendations

2020 Karma Revero GTS adds performance to go with its sleek looks

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.