Hyundai reveals Genesis G80 Sport
More machismo for Korean luxury car as facelifted Genesis sedan breaks cover; 270kW V6 turbo firms for Oz in early 2017Hyundai's newly announced luxury brand, Genesis, has revealed a hotter new version of its inaugural large sedan in Korea today.
Essentially a facelifted version of the Hyundai Genesis, which is already available in Australia for between $60,000 and $82,000, the Genesis G80 Sport gets a more menacing new look and a more serious twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 delivering 270kW and 510Nm.
The current Genesis sold in Australia uses a 3.8-litre V6 generating 232kW/397Nm.
Genesis-branded cars (without Hyundai badges) will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2017, starting with new-look G80, and will initially be sold at Hyundai dealerships.
The G80 will be followed by a smaller mid-size sedan to rival the BMW 3 Series and then a number of luxury SUVs.
A coupe is also likely and the Genesis line-up could eventually be topped by a supercar
It's understood that the G80 'Sport' name given to this vehicle launched at the 2016 Busan motor show is reserved for the domestic Korean market at present, and it's not clear whether this specific model will be sold in Australia.
But Hyundai Australia's Public Relations General Manager, Bill Thomas, said the athletic engine is very much on the company's radar, even if the 'Sport' model with its quad exhaust pipes and aggressive body work isn't.
"We're looking at all engine options, including the twin-turbo V6," Thomas told motoring.com.au.
"Nothing is confirmed at this stage, but this six-cylinder engine looks interesting. Given the V8 torque levels and V6 efficiency, it's certainly under consideration [for the Australian market]."
Genesis is deadly serious about taking on BMW and Audi, having poached a number of high-ranking German automotive executives to lead the charge, including the bloke who ran BMW's M division, Albert Biermann.
Other bigwigs who have joined Genesis include Manfred Fitzgerald, formerly Lamborghini’s brand director, and Bentley’s previous director of design Luc Donckerwolke.
Stay tuned for more news on the Genesis brand and its vehicles, which will be officially launched in Australia in the first half of 2017.
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