Genesis Turbocharges Updated 2018 G80 With New Sport Model In LA

After releasing the twin-turbocharged G80 Sport in Korea this summer, Genesis has added the model to the 2018MY range of its luxury sedan that will be on display at this week’s 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Slotting between the naturally aspirated 311hp 3.8-liter V6 and 420hp 5.0-liter V8 models that will continue to be offered, the 2018 Genesis G80 3.3T Sport adopts the Hyundai Group’s new 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6.

The engine delivers 365 horses at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 376 lb-ft between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm, and is paired to a sport-tuned version of the same eight-speed automatic transmission found in the other two G80s. So far, these are the only performance details Genesis has shared with us.

To validate the Sport moniker, Genesis upgraded the suspension system that now features continuous damping control, while adding beefier rear brakes with ventilated discs and unique 19-inch wheels.

It also gave the G80 Sport some bespoke touches inside and out, including additional dark satin exterior trimmings, a cross-hatch dark chrome grille, sport rocker moldings and unique lower front and rear fascia designs. There are two exclusive colors available on the G80 3.3T Sport, named Polar Ice and Sevilla Red, which are in addition to Casablanca White, Caspian Black and Himalayan Gray.

Inside, the sport pedals, thicker steering wheel, sports seats with contrast stitching in either black or gray leather, together with a black microfiber suede headliner and genuine carbon fiber trim, separate the Sport from the other G80s.

Speaking of the rest of the range, for the 2018MY, all G80s get the latest multimedia and connectivity technology, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support plus available wireless device charging.

Additionally, the 3.8 and 5.0 models have been lightly refreshed with a redesigned front bumper and grille, new alloy wheels, plus genuine aluminum and new matte-wood finishes for their interiors.

All 2018MY G80s will be offered with a choice of either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive when they land in US and Canadian showrooms in spring of 2017.