Genesis Shows Off Its Sporty Side With 2018 G80 3.3T Sport: Comments

[William Maley]

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Genesis is rolling out more improvements for the G80 at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The big news is the introduction of the 2018 G80 3.3T Sport. This will slot between the base 3.8L V6 and top 5.0L V8 models. Under the hood is a 3.3L Biturbo V6 used in the larger G90 sedan. Output is rated at 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a sport-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission and the choice of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Other mechanical changes include a continuous damping control system for the suspension to improve ride and handling characteristics, and larger rear brakes with ventilated discs.

The exterior has been sharpened with new lower front and rear fascias, dark chrome crosshatch grille with a copper-colored trim surround, and a set of 19-inch dark alloy wheels. The Sport gets two exclusive colors; Polar Ice and Sevilla Red. For the interior, Genesis has added leather sport seats, a thicker rim for the steering wheel, aluminum pedals, carbon fiber trim, and a microfiber suede headliner.

Genesis isn't stopping there. The 2018 G80 3.8 and 5.0 models will get a light exterior refresh which is comprised of updated front bumper and grille, and new alloy wheels. Inside, there will be new aluminum and wood finshes. Also, all models will feature wireless charging for your devices, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The 2018 G80 lineup will arrive at Genesis dealers next spring.

Source: Genesis
Press Release is on Page 2

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GENESIS DEBUTS 2018 G80 SPORT TRIM WITH 3.3-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE STYLING

• Three refined engine options: 5.0-liter V8,3.8-liter V6 and all-new 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6
• New 3.3T Sport trim delivers dynamic performance, sport styling and ultimate comfort and convenience with class-leading features
• Added safety features for 2018 provide segment-leading standardized suite of safety technology unrivaled in the mid-luxury segment

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 15, 2016 – Genesis today introduced the all-new 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport trim, which will be on display at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. The G80 3.3T Sport builds on the refined performance of the popular Genesis G80 and adds a powerful new 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine plus unique sport performance upgrades delivering improved driving dynamics and sport agility. In addition, distinctive styling elements and features visually differentiate the new 3.3T Sport from the rest of the enhanced Genesis G80 model line-up. The 2018 Genesis G80 is scheduled to arrive in the Spring of 2017.

2018 GENESIS G80 3.3T SPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Powered by a new 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine and sport-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission with shift-by-wire technology
  • Horsepower: 365 @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 376 @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
• Continuous Damping Control suspension for enhanced vehicle dynamics and superior ride quality
• Distinctive sport designed exterior with dark chrome trim and Genesis signature copper-colored accents
• Leather sport seats and steering wheel with copper contrast stitching
• Genuine carbon fiber interior trim and aluminum sport pedals
• Unique 19-inch dark alloy wheels
• Two exclusive colors: Polar Ice & Sevilla Red
• Well-equipped standard safety technology and convenience features* including:
  • 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation system with DIS multi-media controller
  • Multi-view camera
  • Full LED headlights with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL)
  • Lexicon® Premium Sound System with 17 speakers includes QuantumLogic® Surround Sound and Clari-Fi® music restoration technology
  • Wireless device charging (Qi standard)

*New features available on 3.8 and standard on 5.0 models

“The G80 3.3T Sport reflects our continual commitment to provide drivers with compelling vehicles that meet their individual needs,” said Erwin Raphael, general manager of Genesis in the U.S. “By extending the G80 model line-up beyond the 3.8 and 5.0-liter engines, the 3.3T Sport expands G80’s range of pure performance capability and competitiveness within the mid-luxury sedan segment.”

The G80 Sport is powered by a 3.3-liter direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine boasting 365 horsepower, and is paired with a sport-tuned version of the same eight-speed automatic transmission equipped on both the 3.8 and 5.0 models. New shift-by-wire technology is standard on the Sport. In addition, the G80 3.3T Sport features an upgraded suspension system with continuous damping control to provide superior vehicle dynamics and ride compliance. An augmented rear brake set-up with ventilated rear discs brings the Sport to a halt to complete this confident and exhilarating driving performance package.

Exclusive sport exterior enhancements and Genesis signature copper-colored styling elements visually distinguish the 3.3T Sport from the other G80 trims and purvey its performance credentials. The G80 Sport features a bold, cross-hatch design dark chrome grille, sport rocker moldings and unique lower front and rear fascia designs for an aggressive sport appearance. Large 19-inch dark alloy wheels plus additional dark satin trim details accent the vehicle’s exterior design. The sport details continue inside the cabin where the driver is presented with sport pedals and a thick, sport-designed steering wheel. Generously bolstered sport seats with contrast stitching embrace the driver, and are offered in either black or gray leather. A rich, black microfiber suede headliner and genuine carbon fiber interior trim finish the cabin’s interior environment.

Two exclusive colors are available on the G80 3.3T Sport, Polar Ice and Sevilla Red, in addition to Casablanca White, Caspian Black and Himalayan Gray.

All 2018 Genesis G80s benefit from the latest in multimedia and connectivity technology, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ support plus available wireless device charging. Both the G80 3.8 and 5.0 also receive an exterior freshening that features a redesigned front bumper with a refreshed grille and new rear undercover. A new, standard 18-inch alloy wheel design on the 3.8 adds a modern update to the vehicle’s sleek side profile appearance. On the inside, well-designed interior enhancements and high-grade materials including genuine aluminum and new matte-wood finishes refresh the G80’s luxurious interior cabin.

018 GENESIS G80 HIGHLIGHTS (3.8 and 5.0):

• Updated 8-speed automatic transmission with available shift-by-wire technology (standard on 5.0 model)
• Refreshed exterior design: headlights, lower front grille, front and rear fascia
• New, standard 18-inch wheel design
• Interior enhancements including new instrument cluster, shift knob, rearview mirror, analog clock and premium speaker design
• New available genuine matte wood finishes: Paldao and Sapale wood
• Modern aluminum trim pattern
• Standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ plus additional front USB charge port
• Added Pedestrian Detection and Driver Attention Alert as standard safety technology
• Superior in-cabin noise levels and comfort with improved NVH enhancements

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[Drew Dowdell]

These are looking very attractive these days.  Lexus better watch out and Benz better keep an eye in it's rear view mirror. 

[G. David Felt]

Totally agree with Drew's comments, I think all the luxury makers better keep an eye on the Genesis line. I believe they are going to make a point that will steal sales away from other brands.

[smk4565]

I think the powertrains are solid and there is value in the Genesis brad for sure.  However I feel like they want from ripping off Mercedes and Infiniti styling with the 2009 Genesis, to now just ripping off more current Mercedes and Infiniti design for the new car, and they put a huge Audi grille on it.  I think if they had a unique design language that was stunning they would be a lot more compelling.  I still get a luxury car knock off feel from these cars.

[surreal1272]

16 hours ago, smk4565 said:

I think the powertrains are solid and there is value in the Genesis brad for sure.  However I feel like they want from ripping off Mercedes and Infiniti styling with the 2009 Genesis, to now just ripping off more current Mercedes and Infiniti design for the new car, and they put a huge Audi grille on it.  I think if they had a unique design language that was stunning they would be a lot more compelling.  I still get a luxury car knock off feel from these cars.

All carmakers borrow design cues from other brands, including Benz.