Genesis News: Genesis Plans On Performance Models, But Isn't Sure Which Model Should Be First

[William Maley]

With Hyundai and Kia working on their own performance lineups, it should come as a no surprise that Genesis is planning a line of high-performance vehicles. But Car and Driver reports that Genesis isn't sure what model should get the treatment first.

 

“On the Genesis lineup, the whole thing is still in discussion. Before [the lineup is] fixed, we’re not making any decisions on performance cars—the lineup needs to be clear, and it’s still moving and fluid,” said Albert Biermann, Hyundai-Kia’s head of performance development.

 

One type of vehicle that has been thrown out are SUVs. Biermann explained that stricter fuel economy and emission standards have put the question as to whether these high-performance vehicles will stick around in the coming years. Also, he doesn't see a market for these vehicles.

 

Not helping matters is trying to figure out what would power these high-performance models: a internal combustion engine or hybrid powertrain.

 

“The road map for the next three or four years is clear, but at some point you have to make sure that, with future mobility and all the emissions targets, that you have the technology out there. A lot of discussion is going on about the timing of switching away from pure internal combustion to hybrid or plug-in hybrid. That’s the same for the high-performance applications,” said Biermann.

 

Car and Driver doesn't have a guess as to what could be the first Genesis vehicle to get amped up, but we bet the upcoming G70 is a safe possibility.

 

Source: Car and Driver

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[cp-the-nerd]

They need to start with the basics: powertrain and handling. Those have been the consistent shortfalls of Kia/Hyundai products. Their best RWD cars are solidly 5-10 years behind in those respects. They only seem to know how to build wallowing luxo barges that punch below their weight in acceleration. Anyone cross shopping products in the $40-70k range will find better alternatives.

 

With that said, the Genesis brand has potential. They seem to be coming into their own with design and interiors, and they have a compelling turbo V6 available soon. They're a brand worth watching.

[smk4565]

The G80 would make the most sense since it is already in production, and they just need to turbocharge the 5.0 V8. 

 

A turbo V6 for the G70 or whatever the Genesis Coupe becomes would make sense, the Genesis Coupe should get the 5.0 V8 because then they can sell it to Mustang fans that love 5.0 badging.

[cp-the-nerd]

The gen coupe should have gotten the V8 when they refreshed it years ago.