What's the news?
We have known for some time that Hyundai has big plans for its now-spun-off Genesis luxury brand, but here's the first proof of the ambition - a BMW 3 Series-rivalling G70 saloon.
Based on the same new rear-wheel drive platform as the incoming Kia Stinger, the G70 will come with either a 250hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder engine, a 2.2-litre 175hp turbo diesel four-cylinder, and a range-topping 365hp 3.3-litre V6 model, a rival to the likes of the BMW 340i.
"The Genesis G70 is the latest demonstration of our dedication to delivering innovative, customer-oriented vehicles," said Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Division. "We will continue to focus our R&D efforts on the development and expansion of the Genesis brand. It is a great point of pride to have Genesis showcase what a true luxury brand of Korean origin can present to our discerning customers."
Hyundai is already claiming best-in-class safety measures for the G70, which comes as standard with nine airbags, and has a Highway Driving Assistant feature that allows some autonomous control on major roads.
On the more fun-driving front, it'll also come with launch control, a limited-slip differential, and torque vectoring, so Hyundai (sorry, Genesis) is clearly gunning for the BMW's driving crown here. To keep the body stiff enough to make the most of all that, Hyundai has developed a new way of hot-stamping the body and chassis panels, and is using Lotus-style adhesive instead of welding in some areas.
"The launch of the Genesis G70 is an important milestone for our brand," said Manfred Fitzgerald, Head of Genesis Division. "We deliberately chose Seoul, as this is our place of origin. This is where we are coming together with our customers and friends in the music industry to celebrate as a people's festival."
Will it come to Ireland though? The answer is probably, but not yet. While Kia will launch the similar Stinger early next year, it isn't trying to build a new brand. Genesis will some day, Hyundai hopes, be its Lexus - a true luxury brand, and a head-on rival for the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes. For that to work, the brand must be built, which requires investment and patience, so an Irish launch is probably a good way down the list of priorities. That said, Hyundai Ireland boss Stephen Gleeson did tell us last year that he's keen on the idea of selling Genesis here, and if all the different facets of the business case line up, then it will be coming here. We'll keep you posted.