New Genesis G80 to launch in March

Rendered image of the Genesis G80 sedan awaiting official launch later this month. [GENESIS]

Genesis has released advertising materials revealing the design of the new G80 sedan ahead of its official launch later this month.

The premium brand from Hyundai Motor has applied the brand’s new “two line” theme over the headlights and within the character lines for the vehicle’s third generation, aiming to add elegance and a distinct design identity, according to a teaser released by the company Thursday. The same concept was applied in the exterior design for Genesis’ first SUV model GV80, which hit the Korean market in January.

The new G80 steals much of its design cues from its bigger SUV sibling, including a 14.5-inch touchscreen display infotainment system and an ash wood cover across the dashboard. It also contains a rotary dial in the center console. The new sedan also has a large crest grille and 20-inch wheels while maintaining a “parabolic line” from the front to back, Genesis said.

The G80 was first released in 2008, before Genesis separately launched as its own brand in 2015. The car placed first among mid-size premium cars in the 2020 J.P. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. The second generation released in 2013, followed by a 2016 upgrade, and later started being exported to the United States.

The premium sedan was originally scheduled for its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, which was canceled amid rising fears around the spreading coronavirus outbreak. The Korean premium brand instead unveiled rendered images of the G80 through social media posts and a press release.

Although Genesis did not reveal any information on the G80’s powertrain Thursday, many assume that the new sedan will be equipped with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine.

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]