2018 Genesis G80 RWD 5.0 Ultimate

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Genesis Newsroom

For 2018, the Genesis G80 mid-luxury sedan brings a refreshed exterior design including headlights, a lower front grille, and rear fascia.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
The Genesis G80 expresses a truly modern design through distinctive exterior styling with a sleek, upscale appearance. The G80 features a striking hexagonal front grille as a key geometric element, an elegant crease accent running along the flanks of the car, and a dynamic rear design. Design surfaces convey a kinetic elegance, relying more on voluminous body sections than surface details to create dramatic forms.

The single-frame crest grille ensures the front end of the Genesis G80 is not only striking, depicted in semi-gloss chrome, but also encompasses standard Bi-Xenon HID headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights. The profile of the G80 is expressive, with fluid lines and blended surfaces, and a sleek C-pillar helping to emphasize the sporty styling. The rear of the vehicle benefits from a sculptural aesthetic with jeweled and full-LED wrap-around taillights that provide a sense of visual width and feeling of stability.

MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN
The cabin layout of Genesis G80 has been designed to benefit all occupants with a spacious, comfortable ambience. New for 2018 Interior enhancements includes a new instrument cluster, shift knob, rearview mirror, analog clock and a premium speaker design.

The simplified switchgear and instrument panel ensure an intuitive layout and open feel. This user-centric design has sought to connect the various interior parts effectively, particularly the center stack with the console, upper-instrument panel and B-pillar with the headliner. The G80 displays an ultra-precise fit and finish, with ergonomic seat design and a generous, natural feel. The G80’s interior surfaces have been developed to decrease relative interior reflections and brighten dashboard surfaces, while available high-grade materials such as genuine aluminum and matte-finish wood ensure a luxurious feel.

For audiophiles, Genesis G80 offers an ultra-premium, Lexicon Discrete Logic 7 Surround audio system with 17 speakers, Logic 7 Surround Sound processing and 12-channel digital amplifier with 900-watts of equivalent output, sure to satisfy the most demanding listeners. This system is paired with a premium DIS navigation system featuring a 9.2-inch High Definition display, with 720p high definition and a 64GB Solid State Drive for multimedia.

GENESIS CONNECTED SERVICES
All Genesis vehicles offer Genesis Connected Services to bring seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Genesis Connected Services can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror and center stack, the web or via an exclusive Genesis owners’ smartphone app.

In addition, to further provide owners with another level of luxury convenience and stress-free ownership, all Genesis vehicles will include exclusive customer benefits. From valet service appointments scheduled using the Genesis mobile app, to complimentary maintenance and Genesis Connected Services, the Genesis Experience is designed to provide time-saving conveniences.

POWERFUL 5.0-LITER V8 ENGINE
Under the hood of the Genesis G80 is the 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine producing 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. With high-pressure direct injection for impressive power, low emissions and superb efficiency, the Tau V8 benefits from an optimized intake runner length, enhanced timing chain for reduced friction and NVH, low-torque exhaust manifold, increased compression ratio and upgraded multiple-injection mapping. These enhancements combine to produce a flatter torque curve at lower rpm for even better drive-ability.

The Genesis G80 benefits from an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission with driver-invoked SHIFTRONIC manual gear selection via paddle shifters delivering world-class performance with a smooth rev-matching feature for sublime operation. This automatic transmission is specially tailored to maximize performance and improve fuel economy. An overdrive lock-up torque converter allows for higher fuel economy at freeway speeds, while more optimal control of the torque converter during lock-up has led to improved vehicle acceleration performance. Other design improvements include an overall weight reduction of the transmission and better power transmission efficiency from the engine to the transmission.

Summary
The Genesis G80 mid-luxury sedan delivers an unprecedented combination of refined performance, human-focused technology and segment-leading safety features. The G80 standardizes advanced safety technology with a suite of active safety features for superior passenger and vehicle protection including Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection. Even more, the G80 carries an unparalleled Genesis Experience that provides the highest-levels of customer benefits with enhanced maintenance programs and connected services.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $57,000.00, the one I drove the 2018 Genesis G80 RWD 5.0 Ultimate included Full LED Headlights with Dynamic Bending Light, Premium Leather Seating Surfaces, Power Driver Seat Cushion Extender & Side Bolster, Genuine Matte Finish Wood Trim & Aluminum Trim, Wireless Charging Pad, Full Color Heads-Up-Display, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Multi-View Camera, Ventilated Front Seats, 9.2-Inch Touchscreen & DIS Multi-Media Controller, Power Rear Sunshade, Manual Rear Side Window Shades, Audio with Quantum Logic Surround & Clari-FI, Dual Mode Front Vent Control & CO2 Sensor, 5.0L GDI DOHC V8 Engine, 19-Inch Alloy Wheels with P245/40R19 Front, P275/35R19 Rear A/S Tires, Quad Exhaust Tips, Illuminated Door Sill Plates, and Microfiber Suede Headliner, all standard features. The EPA fuel economy estimates 16 MPG City and 24 MPG Highway with the 5.0L Gasoline Direct Injection 8 Cylinder Engine.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Hyundai.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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