Hyundai recently confirmed it was launching a new luxury brand under the Genesis name, which by the end of the decade will have six distinct models. These models will feature names consisting of a capital G and a number, 90, 80 or 70 etc., representing their positioning in the lineup, with the first to be a new G90 flagship sedan replacing the current Hyundai Equus. The G90 is set for a reveal early next month and has already been previewed in teaser form. It goes on sale next year, as a 2017 model.
The second model will be a G80. However, unlike the G90, the G80 won’t be an all-new model but rather an update of the current, second-generation Genesis sedan. Prototypes for the updated Genesis/G80 have been spotted, revealing some new details about the car. The heavy camouflage gear suggests a number of visual updates are planned, perhaps with some styling cues borrowed from the Vision G concept.
The prototype is also wearing a bumper that features an opening below the front grille, through which we can clearly see an intercooler. Yes, Hyundai is planning a turbocharged engine for the G80. The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise as the automaker’s head in the United States, Dave Zuchowski, has said in the past that a twin-turbocharged V-6 is coming.
The engine is expected to be a 3.3-liter unit with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. Such a design was first shown in sister brand Kia’s GT concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. At the time, the engine was said to deliver 390 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. The engine is expected to first appear in the G90.
Look for the G80 to be introduced sometime next year, as a 2017 model. Shortly after, Hyundai will introduce a replacement for the Genesis Coupe. It will be a bigger, more premium car likely called a Genesis G80 Coupe.
Stay tuned for updates as development continues.
