Is Genesis Testing A G80 Hybrid?

A mysterious Genesis G80 prototype has been caught testing by our spy photographers but it’s difficult to know for sure what we’re looking at.

For the most part, the sedan looks largely identical to the G80 currently on the market, sans the camouflage wrap. That being said, our man behind the lens notes some small changes at the front, including a custom bonnet and a bumper that appears to have been manhandled into position.

With this in mind, it is entirely possible that we’re looking at a prototype fitted with a new powertrain, potentially a hybrid unit where modifications have been made to the bonnet and front axle.

Alternatively, there is a chance that Genesis has already started work on a G80 for the European market ahead of the brand’s launch in the Old Continent in 2020. If this were the case, work is probably also underway on a G80 for China.

Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that the South Korean automaker will keep the G80 in its range for quite some time.

In recent months, the G80 has been overshadowed by the smaller and more affordable Genesis G70, the brand’s sibling to the Kia Stinger. Like the Kia, it is powered by a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 hp in range-topping specification.

Picture credits to: S. Baldauf / SB-Medien for Carscoops