2017 Genesis G80 Won't Get Twin-Turbo V6 in North America

The 2017 Genesis G80 has been unveiled for the North American market with an impressive list of features.

Hyundai’s luxury division won’t, unfortunately, offer the twin-turbo V6 that was unveiled for the Korean market’s G80 Sport earlier this year, but North Americans will have a choice of a 5.0-liter V8 or a 3.8-liter V6. Rear-wheel drive continues to be offered as standard, while the brand’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system will be optional.

The V6 outputs 311 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 293 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, while the V8 gets 420 hp and 383 lb-ft. Both direct-injection engines will be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Genesis expects the V6 with AWD to return 19 mpg combined and the V8 with AWD to get 18 mpg combined.

Genesis has made some structural enhancements as well, and says its platform is stiffer in torsional and bending rigidity than a BMW 5 Series. Of course, the automaker tested performance on the Nurburgring and came out with a 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution, which is sure to help handling. Drivers will also get four drive modes to pick from: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow.

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The bigger news is the standard advanced safety suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, nine air bags, high beam assist, and blind spot monitoring. LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon HID headlights and wraparound LED tail lights are also standard.

Inside, Genesis says the dashboard switchgear has been simplified to make it more user friendly. The Korean automaker also claims the G80 has best-in-class front leg room, head room and rear shoulder room. The trunk can also hold 15.3 cubic feet of cargo, which is more than that BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Infiniti Q70. Drivers will also have new trim options with matte-finish wood and aluminum. Drivers and front passengers are treated to heated 12-way adjustable seats with available ventilation, and heated rear seats are available as an option on AWD models. A head-up display is also optional.

Pricing for the 2017 Genesis G80 hasn’t been announced yet, but expect more details closer to the sedan’s launch.

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