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About the 2021 Genesis GV80

August 11, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Genesis gains its first SUV.

The Genesis GV80 breaks new ground for the marque, delivering standard
5-passenger seating with available 7-passenger seating.

Hyundai’s Genesis brand has three sedans to show for it, but we’re still waiting the debut of its first utility vehicle. Fortunately, that wait is nearing an end as this luxury marque intends to release the GV80 SUV this fall.

When the GV80 arrives it will face stiff competition from well-established BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus models. But just as Genesis has shown no hesitancy with rolling out its trio of sedans, the all-new GV80 should find a place in the market.

Here are some important facts about the Genesis GV80:

1. Seoul debut. The GV80 made its global debut in January at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) west of Seoul. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 global pandemic soon followed and forced the cancellation of the New York International Auto Show in April where it would have made its North American debut. Design studios in Korea, Germany, and the United States collaborated on developing the new model.

2. A competitive starting price. Genesis prices the GV80 from $49,925, including a $1,025 destination fee. No competitor starts this low with most models costing from two to tens of thousands of dollars more. Its top price comes in around $72,000 in a segment where $90,000 or more for a fully loaded model is possible.

The 14.5-inch touch-screen display is fetching on all counts.

3. Two gasoline engines, no diesel. In Korea, Genesis showcase a GV80 with a diesel engine. Unfortunately, that engine isn’t destined for America. Instead, the base engine is turbocharged gas 2.5-liter that routes power to the rear wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is also standard. Both options feature available all-wheel drive (a $1,850 upgrade). An electronic limited-slip rear differential is included with the top trim. The preliminary performance numbers are as follows: 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque for the standard engine and 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque with the V6.

4. Wheels and suspension. The GV80 rides on standard 20-inch alloy wheels set within all-season radials. You’ll find 22-inch wheels with the top trim. Also available is an adjustable suspension system that supplies a softer ride on the top-trim Prestige.

5. Synthetic or real leather seats. The standard GV80 model comes with imitation leather or real hides. The top-trim Prestige trim (Standard and Advanced are the other two) features leather seats. We like that 12-way and heated front seats are standard. Ventilation and a heated steering wheel are included with the Advanced trim while the Prestige trim adds heated rear seats. Other features include wood trim and velvet suede headliner.

6. Leading-edge tech gear. Technology and luxury go hand in hand. That’s true with most models and the GV80 does not disappoint. Resting on top of the dashboard above the center stack is a huge 14.5-inch split touch-screen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and a complement of USB ports are just a few of the many tech features present. Among the upgrades are a Lexicon audio system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.

Unique styling elements set the GV80 apart from the Genesis sedans.

7. Loaded with standard driver-assist gear. On the safety front, the GV80 has the features customers want and expect. Every model comes with automatic high beams, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Rear automatic emergency braking comes with the Prestige trim only.

More to Follow

Once the GV80 debuts, we’ll see an update to the G80 sedan. In fact, the two share a common platform. Two additional Genesis models are planned, including a second SUV. We also expect that Genesis will get its first electric vehicle, although we’re not certain what body style is planned for this all-electric vehicle.

Genesis to Separate From Hyundai Showrooms

January 29, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury marque takes the next step.

Genesis Gangham, the first standalone showroom for Hyundai’s luxury brand.

Launched in November 2015, the Genesis brand has quietly and steadily continued to transition away from Hyundai to stand on its own. Hyundai’s luxury marque is currently composed of just two models, with a third sedan on the way. By 2020, the Genesis nameplate should include six models — three sedans and three SUVs.

Standalone Genesis Showrooms

The big news right now has everything to do with the way the Genesis markets its products. Currently, Hyundai dealerships carry the Genesis, carving out showroom space to present its two models. Certainly, that’s not an ideal way to advance a luxury brand, something Hyundai Motors will rectify by awarding standalone Genesis dealerships to top-tier retailers.

The Hyundai-Genesis split follows a seven-year test of the brand with American consumers. Beginning with the Hyundai Genesis Sedan, followed by the Genesis Coupe and Hyundai Equus, consumer interest and acceptance was quickly confirmed. Indeed, the Genesis sedan quickly became one of the top sellers in the segment. Moreover, consumers expressed interest in a standalone brand, much in the same way Toyota maintains Lexus.

To begin the transition, Hyundai replaced the Equus with an all-new Genesis G90, while an updated Genesis sedan received the Genesis G80 name. However, the Genesis Coupe did not make the transition and ultimately Hyundai discontinued it. Even so, we may yet see a Genesis sport coupe at some point, but it isn’t a priority for the brand.

The first standalone Genesis showroom opened in early January in Korea. Dubbed “Genesis Gangham,” the new showroom sits in Seoul’s Samsung-dong, Gangnam-Gu, the city’s prime business district. The showroom features a “launch bay,” where the drive experience begins. There, shoppers have a choice of five test drive courses on public roads around the district.

Genesis G70 Sedan — The all-new Genesis G70 sedan arrives April 2018.

US Market Showrooms

As for the US market, Hyundai plans to give some of its 350 elite-level dealers priority to apply for standalone dealerships, according to Automotive News. For the 2019 model year, Hyundai dealers not making the cut will quit selling Genesis product, but will receive compensation from the automaker to cover inventory, training and equipment to service Genesis models and for helping raise Genesis awareness.

Genesis plans to award approximately 100 locations in 48 markets across the United States. Top markets include such major cities as Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as well as San Francisco, Miami and Washington, DC. Some markets will have just one Genesis showroom. Genesis will announce its initial franchise recipients in the coming months, requiring showrooms to open no later than the end of 2020.

New Genesis Product

As for the upcoming product, the compact G70 sedan is on sale in Korea and arrives in the US this Spring. The Genesis G70 targets such models as the BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

See Also —Raise the Stakes: 2019 Genesis G70

As for the first of three Genesis SUVs, the GV80 Fuel Cell Concept revealed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show likely points to what’s in store. That said, Auto Trends believes the main model will feature a conventional gas-powered drivetrain with a fuel cell or hybrid optional. Hyundai Motors is deeply invested in vehicle electrification, perhaps serving as variants on conventional models such as the GV80.

Genesis GV80 Concept — The Genesis concept points to the brand’s first SUV.

Strong Luxury Sales

Hyundai Motors’ “go slow” approach to growing the Genesis brand comes as US auto sales pulled back slightly in 2017, following seven consecutive years of growth. Luxury model growth has slowed also, but consumers continue to flock to many models with higher price points. Launching a new brand is an extremely expensive and laborious proposition, a cost Hyundai Motors’ will spread out for several years to come.

See Also — Midsize Luxury Sedan: 2017 Genesis G80

Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance

January 24, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

Veloster N brings Hyundai’s performance division to North America.

“N” stands for Namyang, the location of Hyundai Motor’s global research and development (R&D) Center in Korea. The “N” also represents Hyundai’s performance division, the automaker’s equivalent of Ford’s ST and Volkswagen’s GTI lines. Starting this year, the first model bearing that appellation rolls out when the 2019 Veloster N debuts.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

The Veloster N represents the apex of the 2019 Veloster line, which also includes Veloster, Veloster Turbo and Veloster R-Spec models. The Veloster makes its return after a brief one-year hiatus. Indeed, although there was no 2018 model, the 2019 Veloster arrives in the first quarter. However, you’ll have to wait until near the end of the calendar year for the Veloster N as production begins in September at Hyundai’s Ulsan manufacturing plant.

The Veloster is a compact, three-door coupe with one rear door located on the passenger side. Yes, it is a quirky design, but it works. As for the “N” it builds on that style by adding an exclusive N-design front fascia and grille with functioning front air duct to augment brake cooling.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Along the sides, the Veloster N supplies unique rocker side sills along with available 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. The wheels are shod within Michelin SuperSport summer tires for the 18-inch design and Pirelli P-Zero summer tires with the 19-inch wheels. From the rear, you’ll find an N-design rear spoiler, an integrated rear diffuser and a high-flow dual exhaust system.

Inside, the Veloster N delivers such exclusive features as N-design cloth sport seats with performance-focused bolstering. Other N-exclusive designs extend to the door sills, steering wheel, shift knob and instrument cluster. A blue accent theme runs throughout the cabin.

Veloster N: Under the Hood

Hyundai fans will be delighted to know that just not any turbocharged engine sits under the hood of the Veloster N. Here, you’ll find a larger engine than the standard

Hyundai Veloster Dissection: All-New Second-Generation Model

, this one displacing at 2.0 liters. The performance numbers are the current estimates, but Hyundai’s target is 275 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque from 1,450 to 4,700 rpm. Hyundai pairs this engine with a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching capability.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

The high performance numbers put the Veloster N well above the Golf GTI (220 hp/258 lb.-ft.), but just behind the Golf R (292 hp/280 lb.-ft.). One can imagine that an all-wheel drive Veloster version is waiting in the wings. If so, the Golf R and Focus RS make for ripe targets. Yes, Auto Trends does see this happening!

Suspension and Braking

Of course, with all that power, the hot hatchback’s steering and handling attributes must hold up. To that end, Hyundai ensures the Veloster N stays planted with its electronically controlled suspension and differential, with the latter imbued with torque vectoring to keep it fixed to the pavement when carving corners and taking on twisty roads.

You’ll find 13-inch rotors up front and 11.8-inch rotors at the rear. If you’re a track maven, then opt for the available 13.6-inch rotors for the front and 12.4-inch rotors for the rear. Controlling it all is the N Grin Control System, a drive control selection system with Normal, Sport, N, Eco and N Custom.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Bringing Back the Veloster

If you can’t wait until late this year for the Veloster N, the other Veloster models begin arriving in the coming months. A pair of 1.6-liter engines are in the offing, the standard engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, while the Veloster Turbo makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

All in all, the next-generation Veloster offers a big improvement over the original model and is also tasked with bringing Namyang goodness the brand.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Photos copyright Hyundai Motors.

Will Renault Models Replace Fiat Chrysler Products?

February 3, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

French automaker Renault may have the solution to FCA’s product needs.

If you want to buy a French-built model in the US, you probably know that Renault, Peugeot and Citroen have no presence in the market. Instead, you’ll only be able to consider the Toyota Yaris, the lone model currently built in France and exported to the US.

2015 Chrysler 200. — The current Chrysler 200 may be replaced by a competitor’s model.

Exit…Stage Right

Both Renault and Peugeot-Citroen once had a presence in the US. Indeed, Renault had controlling interest in American Motors for several years, but exited the market in 1989, two years after selling those assets to the Chrysler Corporation. In 1991, Peugeot made its own exit from the US market, ending Citroen sales too. Some twenty-five years later, few Americans under 40 can recall cars built by French manufacturers and sold in the United States.

Neither manufacturer is poised to return to the US, a market that is immensely profitable, but is also brutally competitive. Beyond domestic manufacturers such as Packard, Checker and Studebaker, a host of foreign makes have thrown in the towel too, including Isuzu, Yugo, Daihatsu, and Suzuki.

However, one of the two French manufacturers could make a return, especially if partnered with a company already present in the US. Renault’s logical partner is Nissan, as both companies own a slice of each other and are jointly led by Carlos Ghosn, the Brazilian-born CEO for the two automakers. Its a successful alliance that has produced numerous cars for the two companies since the confederacy was forged in the late 1990s.

On the other hand, Peugeot-Citroen is not so lucky. A brief partnership forged with GM in 2012 was ended less than two years later as Peugeot sought assistance from Dongfeng, a Chinese manufacturer to support its operation. Of the two French companies, Peugeot’s financial picture is the weakest.

Renault to the Rescue?

Turning back to Renault, this automaker could very well find its way back across the Atlantic, especially if Fiat Chrysler works out an agreement for the French automaker to supply it with vehicles. Indeed, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne announced last week that his company would no longer build its compact Dodge Dart and midsize Chrysler 200 sedans, choosing instead to devote plant capacity to build more Jeeps and Ram pickup trucks. That move means FCA should become more profitable as well as more attractive to a potential suitor.

At the same time, Marchionne said it would turn to its competitors to supply these models, but the likelihood that a Ford, Toyota or a Hyundai would dilute their own model lines to accommodate FCA seems very unlikely.

Renault may be the most logical supplier for FCA as it has two models — the midsize Latitude and the compact Mégane — that might possibly be rebadged and sold in the US. Both models are underpinned by platforms shared with current Nissan products (Altima and Sentra), but otherwise the cars are all Renault.

The downside in choosing the Mégane is that it isn’t a sedan — Renault builds hatchback, coupe and wagon variants, but no four-door sedan. That said, the hatchback might be a fit for a market that is finally accepting this body style again. Currently, Renault builds the Mégane at four plants scattered across Europe and might be in a position to supply the next generation Dodge Dart.

The second model is the Renault Latitude and this one is already sold in Mexico, where it is known as the Renault Safrane. Interestingly, the Renault Latitude/Safrane is built in Korea by Renault Samsung Motors, a minor car manufacturer operating in a market dominated by Hyundai and Kia.

Busan Plant Capacity

Although the Korean company has built more than 2.4 million cars since its 2000 introduction, its Busan manufacturing plant has the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually. Supplying the Latitude as the Chrysler 200 in the US and Canada would keep the Busan factory humming and give Chrysler a much-needed product.

Will Renault respond if Marchionne comes calling? There is a good chance that they would. In 2013, Mitsubishi sought a similar tie up with Renault to supply it with a midsize sedan for the US market, but that deal collapsed. In any case, Mitsubishi is barely hanging on in a market where demand for Renault-supplied vehicles would be much smaller than that of a network composed of Dodge and Chrysler dealers.

At the same time, any Fiat Chrysler and Renault relationship could push out further, perhaps including Nissan and forming at least one kind of a business relationship Marchionne desires.

These are interesting times in the auto industry. Then again, the industry is always fascinating.

Hyundai Avante Points to Next Generation Elantra

September 11, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

If you are a fan of the Hyundai Elantra, then the Hyundai Avante reveal in Korea earlier this week should have your attention. That’s because the Avante, marketed as the Elantra in North America, will soon benefit from an important update, one that will become evident in the sixth-generation Elantra next year.

Hyundai Avante a/k/a Hyundai Elantra. — The next generation Hyundai Avante, also known as the Elantra.

The Best Selling Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra is Hyundai’s best selling model in the United States, and is on pace to top 250,000 units sold for the year. It competes with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra, Dodge Dart, Mazda3, and other small models. The newest edition raises the styling vivacity with its hexagonal grille, sweeping lines and updated interior.

Hyundai unveiled the Elantra sedan to a national press audience, a model that is three-quarters of an inch longer and nearly an inch wider than the outgoing generation. Hyundai says the new Avante/Elantra incorporates 32 percent more advanced high-strength steel compared to the fifth-generation model.

Korea will see the car first. The US market won’t see it before next year when it goes on sale as the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Hyundai builds the US-spec model at its manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama.

Avante: New Benchmark for Small Cars?

“The Elantra has set forth new standards for global compact-size sedans in each generation. With the pursuit to achieve world’s best technology, the newly introduced All-new Elantra was developed with concerted efforts of all our employees at Hyundai Motor,” said Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center during the All-new Elantra launch ceremony in Namyang R&D Center, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network and birthplace of all Hyundai cars, today.

Hyundai routinely adds premium features to its models even as its prices remain competitive despite the add ons. The new Elantra will come equipped with or make available such equipment as an integrated memory seat for the driver, a smart trunk that senses your presence when the key fob is in your hand or on your person and automatically opens, and new safety features, including high beam assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and rear cross traffic alert.

Sound and Engines

An available Harman audio system is a surprise addition, one that is usually reserved for luxury cars. This 8-speaker system includes an amplifier as well as a pair of door-mounted tweeters.

Hyundai did not offer much information about the powertrains other than to say that they’ll be more powerful and efficient than what is currently available. At present, Hyundai pairs the Elantra with 1.8- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines in the US market, and pairs these with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Regardless, the changes should put the Elantra within reach of 40 mpg on the highway, a competitive threshold in this class. Diesel engines, available overseas, will not be available in North America.

As for the hatchback Elantra GT version, no announcement on a new model was made. Typically, the hatchback follows the sedan’s update by a year. Auto Trends will share that information once it becomes known.

Hyundai Sales Outlook

Through August, Hyundai Elantra sales are up 9.9 percent on 173,238 units sold. That number is well above the 141,556 Sonata sedans sold through the same period. Notably, Sonata sales are down by nearly the same percentage as the Elantra’s gain.

Year-to-date, Hyundai’s US sales are up nearly 2.5 percent in a market that is up 3.8 percent for the year through August 2015. Hyundai continues to hold its own despite having a paucity of SUVs to offer. Currently, the company has two SUVs: the midsize Santa Fe and the compact Tucson.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company.

GM Restructuring Continues Apace

December 19, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Cutbacks in Korea, Australia planned. Expansion set for US manufacturing.

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

News from General Motors continues to dominate the auto industry, trumping its competitor’s new product introductions. That Mary Barra will ascend to GM’s top office in 2014 is big news, what overshadows the, is he going to Microsoft or staying put?, chatter about Fords Alan Mulally.

All that suits GM just fine because as it leaves government ownership and stewardship in its rearview mirror and focuses on its future, it can finally move forward on several matters it likely has had to put off handling until the federal government sold its remaining shares in the automaker. Those matters are not minor issues either and include the following news stories:

Opel to Trump Chevrolet

The recent news wave began prior to the Akerson/Barra announcement. GM said that it was pulling back its Chevrolet Europe strategy to focus on Opel. Although GM admitted defeat, it likely won itself much needed and desired support in Europe where Opel and Vauxhall are its main products and homegrown ones at that.

Chevrolet entered Europe in 2005 and has lost money since. It wont be a complete abandonment, however, as select Chevrolet models such as Corvette will still be offered. Moreover, Russia will remain an important market for the bow tie brand.

See Also — The History of the Pontiac Fiero

Korean Manufacturing Scaled Back

Korea is an important market for GM and has been since the automaker took over the country’s third largest automaker, Daewoo, in 2001. It was one of the few very good financial decisions GM made leading up to its 2009 bankruptcy and restructuring, a company since renamed GM Korea.

GM Korea supplies the Chevrolet Spark to the US market and also builds Chevrolet models for Europe. But with GM cutting back its Chevrolet exposure across much of the western part of the continent, the automaker has said that it will scale back Korean manufacturing. Indeed, this week GM announced that it would offer up a voluntary retirement for up to 6,000 salaried workers by the end of March reports Fox News. The company says that it expects to reduce its Korean manufacturing by 20 percent to reflect its new strategy for Chevrolet Europe.

Peugeot Stake Sold

One of the worst decisions GM made post-bankruptcy was to secure an alliance with PSA Peugeot Citroen, the beleaguered French automaker. Not just an alliance, but it also took a financial stake worth hundreds of millions of dollars. That 7 percent stake is now gone as GM sold its shares in Peugeot this week.

The two companies say that they plan to continue collaboration on new product, but if Peugeot fails then GM should be able to walk away relatively unscathed. So much for a strategic alliance.

GM Financial trumps Ally Financial for new car loans.

GM Exits Ally

The company once known as the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) and now called Ally Financial, had long played a role in helping GM car buyers get auto financing. GM separated GMAC from its own operation in 2006, but most of its business remained with GM. When GM began its slide into bankruptcy, GMAC applied to become a bank holding company.

Later, GM gave most of its new car financing business to AmeriCredit, renamed GM Financial. It still held an 8.5 percent stake in Ally, but sold its shares on Dec. 11, 2013, for $900 million. “This transaction releases capital from a non-core asset and further enhances our financial flexibility,” said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Ally continues to play an important role in financing our dealers and customers in the United States.”

Holden Manufacturing to Halt

Will we soon see an end to the beautiful cars imported from Australia that we have come to know and love? Those models currently include the Chevrolet SS and the Chevrolet Caprice SS, based on the Holden Commodore. They aren’t the first Holden-supplied models, with the Pontiac GTO and G8 starting the Aussie onslaught, disappearing as Pontiac was closed down.

GM says that it will stop making cars in Australia by the end of 2013, relying on imports beginning in 2018 to supply its Australian customers. GM, citing costs, will close down its one manufacturing and one engine plant. The company insists that it will keep the Holden brand alive. “Australians have been driving Holden vehicles for decades – and we are determined that Australians will drive Holden vehicles for many years to come,” Mr Devereux said. The high cost of doing business in Australia is behind GMs decision.

Updated Manufacturing and Jobs in the US

With GM cutting back jobs abroad pulling Chevrolet out of Europe and divesting itself of financial stakes in Peugeot and Ally Financial it may seem that the automaker is seeking to conserve cash. However, that recently expanded largesse will soon be tapped to pay for a planned $1.3 billion investment in five manufacturing plants three in Michigan and one each in Indiana and Ohio. GM says that the move will create or retain about 1,000 jobs.

The investment will pay for retooling to support the production of an existing 6-speed transmission, a new 10-speed transmission, and the building of a new V-6 engine. The funds will also pay for plant upgrades as well as for a new paint shop and logistics optimization center.

“GM is committed to a strong American manufacturing base and creating jobs in dozens of communities throughout the country. Today’s announced plant upgrades continue the momentum of a resurgent auto industry,” said GM Executive Vice President and North America President Mark Reuss. “More importantly, these investments add up to higher quality and more fuel-efficient vehicles for our customers.”

Is a Cadillac Elmiraj announcement pending?

But, Wait…There is More!

With Dan Akerson leaving and Mary Barra’s ascendancy timed to coincide with the start of the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, GM also wont miss out on a major media opportunity to showcase one or more new cars as it parades Barra before the media.

We already know that the Cadillac ATS Coupe will be revealed, but might we also learn the status for another new product that has everyone talking? That would be the Cadillac Elmiraj, a beautiful full-bodied coupe that made its debut at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. It is the latest super concept for the Cadillac brand and the one that many enthusiasts hope Cadillac decides to build. Yes, the Detroit auto show would present the ideal place to showcase this $100K+ luxury coupe, providing perhaps the best send off for Akerson and a hand off of company leadership to Barra.