Vehicle Spotlight: The Genesis GV80

Genesis is going for a home run with the GV80. With their 3-sedan lineup loaded up at the bases, the Korean automaker is set to knock expectations out of the park with their flagship GV80 luxury crossover.

Welcoming the 2019 Genesis G70

Genesis’ first true luxury sport sedan has finally touched down on our side of the pond, joining bigger brothers the G80 and G90. The G70 is offered in no less than six variations, ranging from an Advanced trim featuring the model’s base turbocharged 2.0-litre 252-horsepower engine to the top-of-the-line Sport boasting a 3.3-litre twin-turbo 365 horsepower mill.

Driver-focused

The car was first announced last fall and now as the delivery date draws near, additional information has been made available. Genesis says the G70 will deliver “confidence-inspiring agility” thanks to multi-link independent suspension set up to balance comfort and handling. The hood and other components are also crafted out of aluminum to cut the weight down (1,673 kilograms for Canadian spec) and increase nimbleness.

Stepping into the cabin, occupants will notice a deep seating position designed to keep a low centre of gravity. An optional mechanical limited-slip differential distributes torque to the appropriate wheel when built-in sensors detect a loss of traction.  All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control are standard, and customers of the 2.0Ts can opt for a slick six-speed manual gearbox and rear rear-wheel drive.

Tailored performance

Once on the road, drivers have at their disposal control over various vehicle dynamics to suit various moods and/or whatever environment they may be facing. Powertrain response, steering feel, engine sound, front/rear bias, and even suspension dampening and automatic side bolster adjustment (3.3T Sport only) are all customizable.

The higher grades benefit from additional performance and cosmetic upgrades such as large 350-millimetre vented brake rotors and Brembo calipers, 19-inch alloy wheels and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Like the other products in the lineup, the Genesis G70 may be ordered through the brand’s online purchase platform and home delivered via the Genesis at Home concierge service.

New York International Auto Show 2018 round-up

 

Even though the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) takes place at the tail end of the show circuit, it is nevertheless a must-see event for any consumer slash car enthusiast. Established in 1900, the more than a century-old spectacle now takes over four floors in the beautiful downtown Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre with nearly 1,000 cars and trucks on display this year. Read on for three particularly interesting reveals from NYIAS 2018.

genesis essentia concept

Genesis Essentia Concept

People got a taste of what could be a future Genesis high-performance battery electric vehicle when the upscale brand revealed the Essentia Concept, a zero-emissions gran-touring coupe. This EV is guaranteed to turn heads with its low-slung carbon fibre body, flashy butterfly doors and Genesis Quad Lights, which are razor thin, flush mounted laser optical head and tail lamps. A high-density battery pack and multiple electric motors help the Essentia get from 0 to 100 km/h in a flat 3.0 seconds.

2019 toyota rav 4 front

2019 Toyota RAV4

The best-selling vehicle in Toyota’s lineup receives a complete overhaul for the upcoming model year. Wearing the latest signature face revolving around a bold hexagonal grille, the once diminutive SUV is no longer gaining 30 millimetres in wheelbase length, 10 millimetres in width and an extra half-inch in ground clearance.

2019 Toyota Rav4 side

The RAV4 will be sold in two 2.5-litre four-cylinder flavours, both utilizing new Dynamic Force Engine tuning. One runs on pure gasoline, mated to an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission, and the other is a hybrid driven by a continuously variable transmission. The Japanese automaker is also debuting an available Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive system on the platform significantly improving traction in different environments.

classic mini electric concept

Classic MINI Electric                                                                                               

The BMW Group had one of the most fun world premieres at NYIAS: a fully electric powerplant stuffed into a classic MINI shell. The unique amalgamation is a way of celebrating a commitment to preserving its heritage, and to set the scene for the MINI 3 Door EV due out next year, coinciding with the nameplate’s 60th anniversary. The one-off restoration features dazzling red paint, a contrast white top and yellow MINI Electric badging similar to those on the plug-in Countryman.

Introducing 2018 Genesis G80 and G80 Sport

2018 Genesis G80 and G80 Sport

2018 Genesis G80 front
The front of the 2018 Genesis G80, the upcoming second car by the country’s newest luxury automotive brand to go on sale.

Hyundai’s upscale sister brand Genesis has finally launched in Canada, with the flagship G90 executive sedan serving as the first official offering. The next model that will be introduced to customers later this year is the mid-size G80.

There are some exterior similarities shared between the two vehicles for sure, for example the huge hexagonal grille that dominates the front end, but the G80 features unique details as well.

2018 Genesis G80 vs G90

The Bi-Xenon headlight housings are “fuller” and more angular than the ones found on its bigger brother, and a sporty blacked out strip runs along the width of the front bumper. Around back, the LED taillights wrap-around the rear quarter panels and are like more elegant versions of something you’d find on a Hyundai Sonata.

2018 Genesis G80 interior

Simplicity is the key to the G80’s spacious interior, designed with keeping controls intuitive and giving the cabin an open feel. Gadget lovers will appreciate the fact that extra storage pockets and cubbies have been added to ensure space for all of a modern-day driver’s stuff. For bigger items, the trunk has a capacity of 433 litres.

2018 Genesis G80 Sport 3.3T engine

A total of three engines are available, all paired to eight-speed automatic transmissions: a 3.8-litre V6, making 365 horsepower; a 420 hp V8, which is the same as the one found in the G90, and just recently announced, a 365 hp, 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 packaged with a Sport edition of the car. HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard across every grade.

2018 Genesis G80 front

The G80 Sport wears a more aggressive front bumper boasting three large lower air intakes and copper-coloured accents. Other additions include 19-inch alloy wheels, bigger front and rear brakes, carbon fibre interior trim and leather sport seats and steering wheel. Under the skin, there is an adaptive suspension system to keep body roll to a minimum.

Look for the 2018 Genesis G80 to arrive this spring.