I think the factory reps are teasing me, every week the vehicles get better and better. For example, arriving this week with a $75,930 price tag, the Genesis G80 Sport Prestige model in “Tasmin Blue” exterior paint and interior of “Vanilla Beige/Ash.” This is a very distinctive sedan that draws appreciative stares in parking lots. A beautiful car outside and inside, with the driver’s seat featuring relaxing “Ergo” motion massaging for one’s back. Final assembly is in Ulsan, South Korea with100 percent pride along with a twin-turbo 3.5L 6-cylinder engine linked to an 8-speed versatile transmission. What fun to step on the accelerator and feel the burst of twin-turbo power and exhilarating speed. Fuel economy for the power plant with eco, normal, and sport modes reaches 24 mpg on freeway drives.
The exterior design is classic with a square grill, rather resembling a Bentley, with sleek flowing lines across the panoramic sunroof, to the power, hands- free trunk. The Genesis recognizes the driver’s key on approach and the doors unlock and mirrors extend. Soft music plays and a vast panoramic picture of mountains appear on the 27” inch OLED instrument cluster panel. A loud voice warns of approaching red light cameras that appear more often on today’s busy streets. A rear window shade stops sun glare and nighttime bright traffic lights.
Safety is foremost and this Genesis is the brand that saved golf legend Tiger Wood’s life when he missed a curve and rolled the Genesis loaded with safety features several years ago. This vehicle has every safety feature from safe passenger exit to parking distance warning, and blind spot collision warning pictured on the dash screen. Especially useful is the 360-surround view monitor in a tight parking space.
The drive is perfection with front and rear wheel steering and 20” sport alloy wheels. The arm rest is heated and a very convenient UBS terminal close to the dial gear shift showing only drive, reverse, and park, with paddles shifter for special power boosts. Radiant sound flows from the Bang & Olufsen premier audio system.
Genesis offers one of the best warranties in the auto world with a 10 year/100,000-mile power train warranty. This is a special model and offers a sport prestige package included in the total price. The only extra charge is for the brilliant dark blue paint at $650.
I could hardly get my wife out of this car.