Genesis doesn't want N versions, but G70 manual coming

Genesis has ruled out offering future N versions of any of its models as it slowly establishes itself as a luxury brand in its own right.

Originally, it was thought the Hyundai N sub-brand, headed by ex-BMW M boss Albert Biermann, might help the premium car-maker branch out and go head-to-head with fellow premium sub-brands like BMW M and Mercedes-AMG but, according to Genesis vice-president Manifred Fitzgerald, that's not going to happen.

"I'm not a big fan of anything like that for our premium luxury brand because we have enough on our hands right now establishing ourselves as a brand, let alone trying to introduce another sub-brand," he told motoring.com.au at last week's New York motor show.

Instead, Fitzgerald says Genesis will focus on getting the basics right before thinking about branching out into other areas.

That said, the stressed the premium Korean car-maker would still offer buyers the engines with the highest performance in the Hyundai Group and that enthusiasts wouldn't go neglected.

During the discussion with assembled Australian journalists Fitzgerald said he wanted the forthcoming 2018 Genesis G70 to be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.

"Yes, I know there are talks right now, so I'll do my best. I think it's going to be cool. I drove it and it's a lot of fun," said the Genesis boss.

Until now, it was thought the manual transmission had been ruled out for the Australian market due to a lack of availability in right-hand drive.

In the US, the manual has already been confirmed for the 190kW/353Nm 2.0-litre rear-wheel drive G70.

It's not known whether a manual option will be offered in Australia, where the Genesis brand will be launched by mid-year, with both the 2.0-litre engine and the far more powerful 272kW/520Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6.