Road Test: 2018 Genesis G80 Sport
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Genesis
Specifications:
Price: $62,000 (MSRP)
Engine: 3.3L twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V6
Trans: 8-speed auto with manual shifting mode
Power: 365 hp@ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 376 lb-ft @ 1,300 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,658 lbs./ 2,113 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 13.8/9.7
New for 2018: Genesis have added the G80 Sport to their lineup for 2018 after having launched as a brand separate from Hyundai in North America for the 2017 model year. The Sport model adds a new level of performance for the G80 lineup which up until now was considered more of a cruiser than a performance car. The sport version uses the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 engine found in the larger G90 sedan and features a more aggressive design that looks much more athletic than a regular G80.
Segment Competitors: Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Skinny: The G80 Sport is the Genesis brand’s first sports sedan and is based on the Hyundai Genesis that became the Genesis G80 when the brand was launched on its own. The G80 Sport offers a luxurious, yet aggressive appearance and backs that up with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pushes out great low-end torque that propels the heavy sedan forward quickly. Although it may not be quite as nimble or have the prestige that some of its competitors do, it does just about everything else as good and may even be a bit of a cheaper option.
Pros: Love the overall look and found it even got a few second looks. Pretty much anytime you have a twin-turbocharged engine and AWD system you’re bound to have some fun.
Cons: If you’re not careful with your lead foot, you may see the fuel gauge dip a little bit faster than you’d like, but hey, if you’re having fun does it matter?
The Verdict: It’s easy to see where Hyundai is going by launching the Genesis as its own brand. As wrong as they may be, there is a large percentage of people who would have a hard time purchasing a car in the $60,000+ range with a Hyundai badge on the front probably due in large part to some of the early Hyundai models that were, let’s say the very opposite of luxurious. By launching this brand, they have made it clear they are going after the luxury market and while they likely won’t be able to completely dethrone some of the German counterparts, they will still build very comparable cars that will definitely pull some buyers away from the top dogs.
