{"id":34785,"date":"2025-08-01T07:59:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=34785"},"modified":"2025-08-01T07:59:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T11:59:54","slug":"payne-genesis-g80-gets-comfortable-in-its-own-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/payne-genesis-g80-gets-comfortable-in-its-own-skin","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Genesis G80 gets comfortable in its own skin"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gaylord<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Hyundai\u2019s luxury brand, Genesis, announced this year its intent to enter the world of elite motorsports in 2026 \u2014 joining the big boys in the IMSA Weathertech\/WEC World Endurance Championship\u2019s Hyper class.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a natural progression for a brand that makes the terrific G80 sedan that I just stormed Michigan\u2019s twisties with. The fastback sedan is a looooong way from the G80 I first tested in 2015.<\/p>\n

Cresting a hill on M-32 west of Gaylord, I floored the throttle \u2014 accessing all 375 horsepower of the twin-turbo V-6 engine in front of me. Standard all-wheel drive translated 391 pound-feet of torque to the road and the big sedan surged forward. Big as in 4,600 pounds, which is hardly a lightweight in the midsize luxe aisle. But in SPORT PLUS mode, electronic suspension firmed the ride to reduce body roll.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/div>\n

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The 2025 Genesis G80 sedan shows off its sleek, coupe-like roof and short front overhang.<\/em><\/div>\n

Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n

I rushed a series of S-turns like Lions running back Davd Montgomery crashing through the line of scrimmage. The G80 held firm, the eight-speed transmission holding a higher gear as I rocketed out of the last turn and onto a brief straight stretch. BRRRAAAAAGH! The engine\u2019s growl opened into a full-throated roar.<\/p>\n

Bring on Cadillac, Porsche, Acura, BMW and other luxury hypercar brands!<\/p>\n

A decade ago, the 2015 G80 was a pretender. Affordably priced, it bore an Audi-like grille, Acura-like V-6 engine and BMW-like infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. The 2025 model is no pretender; Genesis has come into its own.<\/p>\n

They did it the old-fashioned way \u2014 poaching talent from the competition.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
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The 2025 Genesis G80 Sport Prestige loads on the luxury with a powerful twin-turbo V-6 and red lather interior to compete against German automakers in the $80k space.<\/em><\/div>\n

Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n

Belgian designer Luc Donckervolke came over from Lamborghini and gave Genesis its own design language. It\u2019s hard to miss. Rather than dual racing stripes over the hood like a Dodge Viper or Ford Mustang, Donckervolke wrapped the cars with a distinctive dual-lighting signature. At auto shows, the Genesis team likes to pose next to their creations with two fingers held out horizontally \u2014 scissor-style \u2014 to echo the design theme.<\/p>\n

The G80 got a lotta looks on my trip up north.<\/p>\n

As I cruised down Bridge Street in Charlevoix, I watched the heads of the high school football players swivel as the Genesis cruised past. In a parking lot, a couple circled the car. It\u2019s not just the swept sportback and dual headlights\/taillights that get noticed \u2014 the bold shield grille gives the fascia presence.<\/p>\n

And lots of air to feed the beast within.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
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The 2025 Genesis G80 comes standard with all-wheel-drive.<\/em><\/div>\n

Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n

Genesis hired BMW M Division chief Albert Biermann to tune its cars for performance. My Sport Prestige tester\u2019s twin-turbo V-6 is a step up from the base model\u2019s 300-horsepower turbo-4. Thus equipped, it is aimed squarely at all-wheel-drive performance sedans like the Audi S6, BMW 540i and Cadillac CT5-V.<\/p>\n