After we confirmed that the Genesis’ first Electric Vehicle will be based on the third generation G80 (codenamed as RG3). Today we have a new spy picture that confirms brand’s first EV continues testing as we spotted connected to a charging station. While the normal G80 will arrive during 2020, the EV version will arrive in 2021 and will make the milestone of more EV’s to come from Genesis brand.
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There’s not any information about the range or the powertrain that is going to be used. The only difference is while we thought we were in front of PHEV variant, the real thing was brands’ first BEV.
What we know so far about the G80?
According to the last interview of Genesis Boss Manfred Fitzgerald with Car and Driver, he finally confirmed. “We will have a brand-new G80 coming out this September in Korea and subsequently on global markets. With that car, you will see the next evolution of our design language,” Fitzgerald added.
Now our informer told us that were postponed again till 2020. Now the problem was confirmed and the reason of the delay was many minor issues on the 2.5-Liter Theta III Turbo engine. This is engine is set to delivery 286 hp and will be used together with a 8-speed in-house wet DCT transmission. The delay on the development of this engine will affect several models that will also include this engine. Will talk about this models later.
While that, Genesis continue working on the development of the entire G80 line-up, and today we have exclusive pictures of the first PHEV model inside Genesis luxury brand caught during charging time at a charging station in South Korea.
The next-generation design philosophy of Genesis, which was introduced on the Essentia concept and also with GV80 SUV concept car will be applied on the new G80. The new G80 will feature a slim body design inspired by the coupe with a fully separated quad LED headlights system, a pentagonal crest front grille, a low, long side profile line and a sporty rear view design.
The big improvement will come in the powertrain side, while the Hyundai Motor Group will give it all with the introduction of two new engine families. First will be the 2.5-liter and 4-cylinder Theta III engine offered with Twin-Turbo system and with a final output of 300 hp. The 3.3-liter gasoline twin-turbo engine in the high-performance G80 Sport is expected to be change for a new 3.5-liter Lambda III engine delivering up to 400 horsepower.
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There are also speculations that the 2.2-liter diesel engine will be replaced by a new 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine. In addition to the internal combustion engine, the new G80 is also expected to include some electric powertrain. Some consumers are waiting for the launch of a pure electric car from Genesis, but it is unlikely due to we have not see yet any Hyundai Motor’s electric car bigger than small- or mid-sized vehicles. Models equipped with 48V mild hybrid system are more likely to be added to the line-up than pure electric cars.
There is a reason for downsizing and green powertrain in the new G80. In addition to keeping pace with the global automotive market trend, it is an integral part of the Genesis brand’s entry into overseas markets. The reason for the early withdrawal of the G80 in the European market after the launch of the G80 is that it does not have a clear presence as a new luxury brand model. The introduction of a downsizing engine is an essential task in order to enter and successfully enter overseas markets including Europe, which is the home of premium brands.
The new G80 uses weight reduction technology to reduce weight. The existing G80 has received good reviews in terms of comfort and luxury, but fuel economy and poor performance due to heavy body weight have been pointed out as a challenge to overcome. There is also a view that using a lightweight platform will reduce weight, but it is more likely to reduce weight by changing parts.
