SEOUL: Hyundai’s luxury arm Genesis has revealed the G70, taking aim at the big German 3 car makers of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
The G70 goes on sale in South Korea on Sept 20, with its rollout in other markets to be announced soon. Prices start from US$33,000 (RM139,000).
The all-new model was previewed on Thursday at the Hyundai Genesis Design Center in Namyang on the outskirts of the capital, a day before its official launch.
The sporty 4-door G70 sedan is designed to go up against the C-Class, 3 Series and A4 and will offer a choice of three powertrains.
It packs numerous advanced driver assist systems such as Highway Driving Assist (HDA), best-in-class safety with nine standard airbags and active hood function, and connectivity functions with server-based voice recognition technology. It has an 8-inch touch screen display supporting MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance features include:
> Launch Control – Maximizes power control in acceleration mode
> Rack-mounted, motor-driven power steering (R-MDPS) and multi-link rear suspension – Provides precise handling and comfortable ride
> Dynamic torque vectoring system – Improves vehicle cornering control
> Mechanical limited slip differential (M-LSD) – Allows safe driving capabilities in low friction road conditions such as rain, snow and ice
The G70 offers three powertrains – a 3.3-litre V6 petrol turbo, 2.0-litre I4 petrol turbo and a 2.2-litre I4 diesel. The 3.3-litre V6 turbo is only for the enthusiast-focused G70 Sport.
The G70 Sport is equipped with the Lambda II 3.3-litre V6 turbo GDI engine, with 370 PS and maximum torque of 510Nm. It goes from 0 to 100kph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 270kph.
The G70 2.0 turbo petrol model is equipped with the Theta-II 2.0-litre turbo GDI engine, with 252 PS and maximum torque of 353Nm. (Sports package: 255 PS)
The G70 2.2 diesel model is equipped with the R 2.2 VGT engine with 202 PS and maximum torque of 441Nm.
The seat positions have been adjusted to lower the centre of gravity of the car. To enhance the driving experience, the Active Sound Design (ASD) system creates an aural character that reflects the engine load and driving mode settings.
Hyundai said hot stamping methods and extended use of structural adhesives have been employed to enhance torsional rigidity and improve overall body stiffness.
The G70 completes the Genesis brand’s sedan lineup, along with the G90 flagship and mid-luxury G80. Genesis launched the G90 in December 2015, followed by the G80 in July 2016. Genesis will have six models by 2021, which will include SUVs.
The G70 will also be the first vehicle in Korea to feature server-based voice recognition technology, using Kakao’s artificial intelligence platform ‘Kakao I.’
A 15-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system is available to provide an audiophile-level acoustic experience.an 8-inch touch screen display supporting MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ten exterior colours are available: Platinum Silver, Carbon Metal, Marble White, Titanium Black, Racing Gray, Graceful Gray, Lapis Blue, Royal Blue, Blazing Red and Umber Brown.
The cabin is available in five colours: Obsidian Black, Sandstorm Gray, Velvet Burgundy, Tobacco Brown and Vanilla Beige. Two additional interior colours – Sports Gray and Sports Red – are reserved for the G70 Sport and the high-end trim level for the 2.0T.
Genesis has ranking highest among premium automakers in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), topping all 13 brands in the premium segment.
The G70 will be officially launched today at “G70·Seoul 2017,” a global launch festival in Seoul’s Olympic Park. The festival features performances by artistes Gwen Stefani, Andra Day and CL in front of a 15,000-strong crowd.
“The launch of the Genesis G70 is an important milestone for our brand,” said Manfred Fitzgerald, Head of Genesis Division. “We chose Seoul, as this is our place of origin. This is where we are coming together with our customers and friends in the music industry to celebrate as a people’s festival.”
Keyword: Genesis targets big German 3 with G70 reveal