Even with the COVID-19 pandemic on, Genesis (Hyundai Motor’s luxury division) has not postponed one of the major activities it would have planned long before the pandemic started: the launch of its all-new G80 executive sedan. The original plan may have been to have the global debut in America but since that is not practical or appropriate anymore, the company did its world premiere online.
The new G80 enters it third generation with this model that is the centrepiece of the Genesis range. This time, its athletic and elegant characteristics represent the clearest interpretation yet of the brand identity.
On the side is the Parabolic Line, a design feature which begins at the front Quad Lamp and gradually runs lower to the rear through the top of the doo. Inspired by the elegant look of several venerable classic cars, this elegant line is counter-balanced by athletic ‘power lines’ emphasizing the strength of fender volume and the upfitted 20-inch wheels.
In addition, the chrome trim beginning from behind the front wheels stretches out along at the bottom of the door, crosses the side sills and swells upwards to the rear, strengthening forward visual motion.
Panoramic ambience
Within the spacious cabin, the steering wheel and sleek, thin air vents run across the passenger compartment splitting it into the panoramic area above and the control area below. The number of hard buttons and switches was intentionally kept to a minimum, both for aesthetic purposes and ease of use.
In the panoramic area, a heads-up display, 12.3-inch cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment system display necessary information while driving. The control area is equipped with an intuitive suite of interfaces to allow management of the various systems easily and safely.
The 12.3-inch 3D cluster recognizes the driver’s eyes and provides various driving information and can also be converted to 2D screens on the driver’s preference. The driver’s seat is equipped with an ergo motion seat function featuring seven air cells, which enables optimum seating for each driving mode and reduces fatigue via a stretching mode and automatic posture correction functions.
Solid foundation with powertrain innovations
The new G80 sits on a brand-exclusive, third-generation, rear-wheel drive platform with a design that lowers the body and the centre of gravity. This new platform makes possible a wider cabin while improving driving stability.
The use of lightweight materials was as extensive as possible, with aluminium used for about 19% of the bodyshell. This helps to reduce the overall weight by 125 kgs, compared to the previous generation, increasing fuel efficiency and performance.
Engineered for world markets
Three engine options are available, depending on the market – a 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (304 ps/422 Nm); 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 (380 ps/530 Nm); and a 4-cylinder turbodiesel with a 2.2-litre displacement (210 ps/441 Nm).
Understanding that performance doesn’t mean acceleration to everybody, the Genesis engineers focussed on lowering NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Acoustic glass is utilized for the windshield and all doors and improved door sealing, new engine compartment sound insulation and resonant sound-reducing wheels ensure interior quietness. In addition, the Electronically Controlled Suspension with Road Preview enhances ride quality by reducing road impacts using information supplied through the front camera.
Advanced safety technology
In addition to the safety platform integrating communications between around 40 controllers in real-time to help ensure the right response in various scenario, the new G80 introduces state-of-the-art advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These are Highway Driving Assist II, Smart Cruise Control with Machine Learning, Pre-active Safety Seat, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist. No less than 10 airbags are located around the cabin, including a centre airbag (between the front seat occupants) that helps prevent secondary contact between occupants in a side impact.
Depending on how the pandemic situation goes, the original plan was to begin export sales and deliveries during the fourth quarter of the year. However, if suppliers and factories have extended shutdowns, the schedule may be changed.
First SUV in Genesis range targeted at North American market
