Genesis has revealed it will abandon the manual transmission option in the 2.0-liter G70 for the 2022 model year.
It was only back in March that Genesis announced the 2021 G70 would continue to be available with a six-speed stick shift but the automaker has since decided this will be the final model year such a transmission will be offered.
Speaking with Road & Track, a Genesis spokesperson said the company only sold roughly 100 manually-equipped models for the 2020 model year in the U.S., representing just 0.8 per cent of overall sales. While it’s sad to see the manual go, it is hardly a surprise considering just how few customers prefer it over the standard 8-speed automatic.
Read Also: Driven – 2020 Genesis G70 3.3T Sport Makes For A Truly Compelling Proposition
The 2.0-liter model of the G70 that could be optioned with the manual is good for 252 hp and 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. The manual has been rated at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Meanwhile, the 8-speed auto model returns 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
There is some thought that this 2.0-liter is on its final legs and will be replaced with the larger 2.5-liter turbo-four of the GV80 when the entire G70 family is facelifted. Topping out the G70 range continues to be the company’s 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that is offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations and sold exclusively with the eight-speed automatic.
This engine is also believed to be under threat for the car’s facelift and may be ditched in favor of the company’s more powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6.
