"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/03/2016 at 21:15 • Filed to: Genesis G80
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"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
08/03/2016 at 21:15 • Filed to: Genesis G80 | 2
| 6 |
It’s looking as if the US isn’t even getting the Korean-spec Genesis executive sedan, let alone the 365 hp G80 Sport for the 2017 model year. No, instead we have the opportunity to buy the 2015 Hyundai version of the Genesis Sedan with some new badges and a revised list of standard features in order to warrant the price increase from being under $40k to around $42k.
Here is the front end of the new Genesis G80. Notice the plastic-bling front trim that we are seeing added on to EVERY SINGLE VEHICLE that has been updated for the 2017 model year.
Now look at the lower grill on the model above and you’ll notice that this is identical to the current Hyundai. No revision except the headlamps. Though you need to remember that the US spec has different housings for the turn indicators, like so:
There are also some slight tweaks to the rear “diffuser” and center-mounted brake indicator. Other than those traits there isn’t anything you’ll be crying over, however the US isn’t getting any of the updates which means we will end up having a “facelift” coming up on a vehicle that was just renamed! Great...
The Korean Genesis G80 also receives some slight material changes in trim and an update to the analog clock. But the biggest difference is the monostatic gear shifter that is much like the unit found in the flagship G90 Sedan.
The US is getting the exact same interior as the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan, including the traditional PRND shifter (which is good) and the same old materials and clock.
The US will NOT be getting is the rear entertainment system. Doubt anyone in the US would check the option for it unless they just want it with all the bails and thistles, so no big deal having that option ditched. Though, it could popup in the future depending on sales and reception.
Another large difference are the powertrain options. The Korean-spec has a 3.3L V6, the 3.8L V6, and a twin-turbo version of the 3.3L V6 available. The naturally aspirated 3.3L seems to be down on power perhaps due to fuel economy/emissions tuning or the drivetrain switch. It appears to be rated at 278 hp and 255 lb-ft instead of the 293 hp we find in all the FWD-based vehicles here in the US. The 3.8L V6 is the same 311 hp and 293 lb-ft we know so well.
The very exciting Genesis G80 Sport has a twin-turbocharged 3.3L V6 that is said to be rated identically to the G90's 365 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It has quite a few exterior tweaks as well. AWD is available with the 3.8L and 3.3T variants, but I’m not sure about the NA 3.3L version.
Now, here is the US Genesis G80. Again, notice that it has the same old exterior. Our G80 is available with the 3.8L V6 in both RWD and AWD forms. We also get the return of the 5.0L Tau V8 which was discontinued in the US for the 2016 model year (according to the configurator) but apparently is making a return again as a fully loaded, RWD-only model. It’s nice to have a second chance to have that 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque producing all natural V8.
I’m pointing these things out because I have been geographically blocked from all non-US Genesis Motors websites, so I can’t checkout what the cars are ACTUALLY supposed to be like. All I can tell you is expect the “real” Genesis G80 to pop up in the US in another year, right after the Genesis G80 Sport arrives in the US and causes the V8 option to be discontinued once again after a single model year.
If you can access the korean Genesis Motors website, let me know what you see there. Thank you!
random001
> Wobbles the Mind
08/04/2016 at 06:38 |
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V8 ALL THE THINGS!
DrScientist
> Wobbles the Mind
08/04/2016 at 11:08 |
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its unfortunate you only got one reply on this post, as you clearly put a lot of thought into it, wrote it quite well, and your topic (i think) should be of interest.
i think hyundai has come quite a long way in its years in the us, and should be pulled into more consideration sets for us “enthusiasts.” the preceding decades only saw production of bland, if not ugly, exterior design, seemingly thoughtless interior design, and who knows what kind of driving experience as i would never go so far as to sit behind the wheel of one, purchased only by individuals with less than zero interest in their mode of transport, financially tenuos situations, or offspring who begged and pleaded for any type of automobile to get them and their friends to the mall and back.
today, i see a genesis, and i don’t turn away. in fact, i take note, and silently commend our korean brothers for having matured their offering into what they have today.
what you present however, is a point that is a bit concerning, or, hopefully just a sign of thoughtful business strategy.
yes, it is unfortunate that the v8 seems to come and go, and the true “enthusiast” hyundai may still be a few years away. the genesis coupe seems to have been a misfire (at least according to the reviews i have watched).
the potential scenarios are:
1) they recognized their misstep with the coupe and are headed back to the drawing board. and they know they are underdogs in the big sedan race. so perhaps they are simply allowing their brand to grow and develop slowly in the US market before making a costly misstep by going at it with full force.
2) they are just bumbling along throwing spaghetti at the wall that is the us market. trying to see what sticks.
let’s hope its #1
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Wobbles the Mind
> DrScientist
08/04/2016 at 13:12 |
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When it comes to Hyundai Group, the issue is that there is a ton of very progressive talent that’s been hired on but a very conservative and old fashioned set of financial heads over the brands. So we see these phenomenal cars that want to move into the premium market but then the heads decontent them because “budget and value” have worked in the past and are got the brands to the level of success they have enjoyed this decade. It’s better to build a bad car to the best it can be than to build a great car then tear it apart in order to be something that will have broader sales appeal. Hence why all the cars look great on paper and on initial quality but quickly expose their shortcomings.
What the Hyundai Group needs is someone that has the skill and relationship to pitch and produce the plans coming from the new talent and convince the top level officials that they need to be 100% into change rather than touch-and-go.
dogisbadob
> Wobbles the Mind
08/10/2016 at 20:34 |
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The Genesis coupe should stay in the Genesis brand. Genesis G20 or G35 or G37 :p
Also, they made a mistake but pulling the 2.0T Track model after only one year. The Track has the cool R-spec shit but with a sunroof.
Raffish
> Wobbles the Mind
08/26/2016 at 15:27 |
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https://www.genesis.com/kr/ko/luxury-s…
Genesis G80 listed on Korea’s website is the same model listed on US’s website — the 2016 Hyundai Genesis with an updated infotainment (although Korea offers a 3.3L and no 5.0L V8).
RT
> Wobbles the Mind
10/19/2016 at 17:49 |
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Reminds me of the case with the original Lexus ES.
Lexus needed another car in to start their US lineup but put all their time and money into the LS400, so they slapped a badge on a Camry and hey presto - one of their best selling cars in the market was born.
