The facelifted Genesis G70 has made its
spy photo debut, ahead of an unveiling expected to take place towards the end
the year. Depending on when it will launch in dealerships, it will either wear
the 2021MY or 2022MY moniker. The Korean company’s sports sedan that rivals the
BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and Jaguar XE
will adopt a new front end that will bring its design language in line with
Genesis’ latest models such as the bigger G80.
As such, the updated Genesis G70 will get
the brand’s now trademark split headlights and taillights alongside a larger
six-point grille, with the bumpers also being up for a nip n’ tuck. Despite the
heavy camo, it appears that the rest of the body panels will not be getting any
revisions, which is only natural for a mid-life facelift.
The interior has yet to open up to the
camera, although it’s been reported that it will introduce a new infotainment
system with a bigger display and an available digital instrument cluster,
possibly the same three-dimensional screen introduced on the GV80 SUV. New
upholstery and trim options should also be on the menu.
Reports claim that the 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which delivers 252 HP in the
current G70, could be replaced by Hyundai’s newer 2.5-liter unit. This
powertrain can be found in the Hyundai Sonata N Line, producing 290 HP and 420 Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, with 365 HP,
which enables a 0-96 km/h in 4.5 seconds, will remain the
range-topping version of the series, though it’s unknown whether it will be
modified in any way. Markets outside North America will still get the 2.2-liter
diesel that currently makes 199 HP and 441 Nm.
The question remains on whether Genesis
will continue to offer a manual transmission option for the facelift G70.
Earlier this year, through information released by the Environmental Protection
Agency, it was revealed that the current G70 with the 2.0L turbo engine, which
was listed as a 2021MY leading us to believe the new model might be labeled as
a 2022MY, will continue to offer a manual gearbox.
