WHAT’S NEW
The Genesis first bowed as a Hyundai model in 2009 as a luxurious rear-wheel drive sedan that enjoyed immediate sales success. Now, rather than introducing an evolutionary enhancement to that first generation model, Hyundai chose a bolder, more revolutionary path, starting by dropping Hyundai from its name and then coming up with a “clean sheet of paper” design based on a stiffer, more stable platform architecture tuned by Lotus Engineering, with an almost unimaginable level of vehicular technology – certainly more than most of its rivals, and at a price thousands of dollars less than the majority of its competitors.
The 2018 Genesis lineup provides a variety of choices, covering the gamut from Sport sedan to Luxury sedan. Engines to choose from include: a 3.8-liter V6, a 3.3-liter, DOHC, 24-valve twin turbocharged V6 engine with CVVT and Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that produces 365 horsepower along with 376 pound feet of torque; or a 5.0-liter V8, DOHC, 32-valve V8 with CVVT and GDI that cranks out an impressive 420 horses at 6,000 rpm, while generating 383 pound feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.
PERFORMANCE
The selection of engines deliver their motive force to the driving wheels via an 8-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission with skip shift capability and a lock-up clutch from gears 2-8, standard paddle shifters, a new drive mode select (Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport modes). Shift logic is enhanced along with improved shift speed. Drive configurations include both Rear-wheel drive or HTrac All-Wheel drive system with dual mode tuning, available only on the 3.3 liter V6 models at this time for $2,500., which includes heated rear seats and steering wheel and headlamp washers.
The EPA fuel economy estimates for the G80 Sport are 18-mpg city, 29-mpg highway and 22 combined for the 3.3 RWD. The AWD is 16/25/19 mpg, the 3.8-liter – 19 mpg city/22-mpg hwy. and the V-8 is 15/23/18 mpg.
The 5.0-liter V8 models feature 19” Alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires up front, and P275/35R19 tires in the rear, LED fog lamps, Quad exhaust tips, Illuminated door sill plates and genuine matte finish wood trim and aluminum trim.
My test 2018 Genesis G80 Sport Sedan was the 3.3T -liter twin-turbocharged V6 powered model in H-TRAC AWD configuration. The base price was set at $57,750., which came to $58,725 with the Destination and Handling charges.
The twin-turbo V6 delivers much more than simply ample acceleration, especially in the Sport Drive mode. The V8 would benefit from more of a traditional V8 rumble from my perspective, but for most consumers who will purchase it, this will not likely be an issue.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
If there were to be a perceived problem with the 2018 Genesis G80 Sport 3.3T, AWD sedan it would be with the impressive content level for the price. The newest Genesis is an incredible offering that surpasses most competitors in content, price and capability. Safety features abound, as does connectivity and infotainment technology, with all the latest bells and whistles. In fact, I don’t believe that there’s a vehicle in the Genesis’s market segment that delivers as much – certainly not more in its price range.
The sumptuousness and luxury exuded by the interior delivers stellar levels of comfort and convenience features, and the ride quality is smooth and planted without and harshness, but also without being mushy. The car is exceptionally well balanced. For some, the steering may initially feel a little benign with its added assist. Attention to little details such as puddle lamps that project the Genesis logo on the road surface, activated by the key fob are inherent throughout the Genesis.
TFLCAR’s TAKE: Bottom line, the 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport H-TRAK AWD is an amazingly satisfying luxury sedan, that provides stunning good looks along with spirited performance capability at an unheard of price, especially when one considers all that it has to offer. Essentially, the entry level Genesis G80 is base-priced at roughly $2,600 more than when it was directly associated with the Hyundai nameplate. It of course now appears without the Hyundai moniker, and even so, it still manages to come in at considerably less than similarly equipped models from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. A minor issue is the Genesis logo closely resembles Chrysler’s winged badge.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2018 Genesis G80 Sport 3.3T AWD
- Base Price: $57,750
- Price as Tested: $58,725
- Engine Type and Size: 3.3-liter, DOHC, 24-valve Twin Turbo V6 with D-CVVT, tuned intake system andGasoline Direct Injection
- Horsepower (bhp): 365 @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque (ft./ lbs.): 376 @ 1,300-4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed electronic automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode
- Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / H-TRAC AWD
- Suspension: Front – Independent 5-Link Design with High Performance Gas Shock Absorbers and Hollow Stabilizer Bar
- Rear – Independent 5-Link Design with High Performance Gas Shock Absorbers and Hollow Stabilizer Bar
- Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated discs with four-wheel, four-channel and four-sensor ABS and EBD
- Tires: Continental ContiProContact 245/40 R19x8.5” 94W-M&S front / 275/35 R19x9” 95W M&S-rear mouted on alloy wheels
- Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
- Length Overall: 196.5 inches
- Width: 74.4 inches – including mirrors
- Height: 58.3 inches
- Curb Weight: 4,674 lbs.
- Turning Circle: 37.4 ft.
- Fuel Capacity: 20.3 gallons
- EPA Mileage Estimates: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- Drag Coefficient: 0.27
