This G80 features a mildly aggressive design and hardware improvements over the regular G80.
Genesis revealed the new G80 Sport just over a month ago. Previously, Genesis shared only limited images and technical specifications. Hyundai’s luxury division released additional details and photos to celebrate the vehicle’s debut in South Korea. The Sport version offers more than a more aggressive design. It also features some improvements to the midsize luxury sedan.
The G80 Sport’s rear-wheel steering, which was briefly mentioned last month, makes its debut to improve handling and reduce the turning circle. The RWS system makes the rear wheels of the G80 Sport turn in the opposite direction as the front wheels at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). However, they will turn in the same way at higher speeds.
The G80 Sport is sporting a sportier suspension setup. It has different damping settings depending on the driving mode. Genesis also offers a Sport+ mode that unlocks the acceleration and speeds up the gear changes.
Active Sound Design (ASD) is a feature that we know not everyone will like. It “emphasizes low to mid engine sound notes.” It would be like the G80 Sport emits fake engine noise through the speakers in the cabin, making the engine noise seem more aggressive than it is.
The G80 Sport will be sold in the United States with the 2.5-, 3.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and the diesel 2.2-liter engine. The base gasoline engine produces 300 horsepower and 322 Newton-meters (311-pound-feet of torque), while the larger unit delivers 375 hp (391 lbft) and 530 Nm (391-lb-ft).
The oil-burner produces 207 horsepower and 441 Nm (325lb-ft). The Genesis G80 Sport (KDM), regardless of which model you choose, comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option to the standard RWD configuration. It is unlikely that the US-spec model will include the diesel engine. However, the Korean model should be about the same.
Cavendish Red is a unique paint for the G80 Sport. It’s similar to those 20-inch wheels with a dark finish. This latest Genesis BMW 5 Series competitor comes with full LED headlights, a dark chrome front grille and front-wheel air curtains.
The G80 Sport model with gasoline engine has a dual exhaust tip arrangement, while the diesel version conceals it under its rear bumper. You can find interior upgrades such as metal pedals, Nappa leather, and aluminum inserts.
Genesis USA has not yet announced when the G80 Sport would be available. However, we expect it to be available for the model year 2022.