Road Beat: Genesis G70 - One of the best cars ever

Sure, I like most of the vehicles I test, but there are some that stand out. Then from those stand out motor vehicles, we can find the best of the best. When you factor in price or bang for the buck, that best of the best gets very small, maybe two or three vehicles. The new Genesis G70 is one of them. The other vehicle is the Kia Stinger which is a slightly larger sibling of the G70. I will discuss the differences, but for this Road Beat it is the G70 that gets this ultimate spotlight and my tester was an AWD G70 Sport 3.3T.

G70 uses the same platform of the other best of the best, Kia Stinger except for a 2.8-inch shortening of the wheelbase to 111.6 inches. Except for very minor tweaking of the Stinger platform, it was designed by Albert Biermann, the former Executive VP engineering of BMW’s M series of super sedans and coupes. However, the G70 body is nothing like its Stinger sibling. Its shorter by about six inches and narrower by an inch (184LX73WX55H inches). It also looks nothing like the Stinger as the G70 exhibits a trimmer, more muscular and athletic version of its stablemate, the G80. G70 has a long hood and thematic Genesis grille, strongly defined flanks, high beltline and a smooth transition from its roofline through the short trunk deck. Yes, it meets the Genesis definition of “Athletic Elegance.”

Powering the G70 is the exact same, world-class twin turbo 3.3L DOHC, 24 valve direct injected V-6 found in the Genesis G80 sport and super luxo ride, the Genesis G90. As in the other two Genesis, it cranks out 365 hp at 6,000 rpm and a stump pulling 376 pounds of twist from an off-idle 1,300 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Its torque curve is flatter than the 1,100-foot flight deck of the of our newest CVN-78 nuclear aircraft carrier, the 250,000 hp plus Gerald R. Ford. The G70 is quicker as its 365 hp only has to move slightly less than two tons and the 250,000 hp Gerald R. Ford displaces over 100,000 tons. You can calculate the power to weight ratio disparity suffered by the Gerald R. Ford.

Transmitting power to all four wheels is a brilliant 8-speed cog-swapper with perfect ratios and responsiveness. Paddle shifters are standard and downshifts are slickly rev-matched. Cool stuff that will boil your blood.

G70 has no turbo lag which is evident by its 4.51 second elapsed time to 60 mph. And this is the AWD version, with launch control the RWD version should get into the 4.4s and maybe the high 4.3s. I had three runs in a row with times of 4.45, 4.49 and 4.44 seconds respectively by brake torquing the engine to about 1,300 rpm under light throttle. From the rear, the acceleration mimics a catapult on the deck of the aforementioned Gerald R. Ford. Unbelievable power.

Passing performance is astounding recording some of the best Road Beat times with a level 50-70 mph pass requiring just 1.85 seconds and the same run up a 6-7 percent grade only slowing that time to 2.31 seconds. Comparing these number to the $90k RWD Lexus GS F the G70 was only a tick behind as the 467 hp GS F had times of 4.18, 1.79 and 2.19 seconds respectively. As you can see, nanoseconds separate these two vehicles. As to a Kia Stinger comparison, the AWD Stinger had respective times of 4.66, 2.00 and 2.47 seconds. Genesis G70 is a world-class performer.

Fuel economy was quite good considering. While the EPA rates the G70 at 18/25/20. Fuhgeddaboudit. G70 averaged 23 mpg in nearly 500 miles of driving and the throttle was well used. On the highway is a mostly level two-way 30 mile run at 72 mph, the G70 averaged 31 mpg. And in my 140-mile run over the Sierras to South Lake Tahoe the G70 averaged 26.5 mpg. While not exactly compact numbers, fuel economy was much better than expected and it bested the Stinger by an mpg or two. Engine speed at 70 mph was a low 1,800 rpm. If there is any negative, it’s the somewhat small 15.8-gallon fuel tank, a minimum of 18 gallons would be more fitting.

Genesis gave the G70 serious credentials with super quick electric power steering rack at 2.1 turns lock to lock, a superbly tuned state of the art four-wheel independent sport suspension that’s adjustable electronically and staggered alloys and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (225/40X19 in front; 255/35X19 in rear). Doing the twisties is like water in a hose. It simply goes where you point it with a very crisp turn-in and moderate understeer. Steering has a perfect feel from its perfect feeling steering wheel. Genesis is beating BMW at its own game, handling. It has more grip than a monkey wrench turning a pipe as those Michelin simple hang on with incredible feedback. It makes driving such a pleasure and confidence inspiring. Keeping up in your BMW, Fuhgeddaboudit.

Ride quality in comfort mode couldn’t be better. It’s firm with extreme compliance as it quietly soaks all road imperfections, whether tar strips or potholes. And these tires are very quiet as is the rest of the G70 with no wind and engine noise. But that doesn’t mean those big dual exhausts don’t growl under some throttle, they do and a sweet sound it is. I am a lover of a V-8 burble, but this V-6 does a credible job of making some nice sounds. It only adds to the fun and excitement.

Safety is everywhere. G70 has all the acronyms down to lane keep assist and auto high and low beams. Brakes are huge Brembos and they are strong. But the real safety is in the way the G70 drives and reacts as it responds to your inputs like it is connected to your brain. That is most comforting, especially when in sport mode.

Inside is a super Nappa leather interior in a quilted pattern seen in many high-end supercars (Ferrari and Aston Martin). Seats are sublime and rear seat legroom is excellent for an EPA classified compact vehicle. That’s where that long 112-inch wheelbase pays off which is about five inches longer than your average compact and an inch or two longer than most midsize vehicles.

Instrumentation is the best. A clear tach and speedo flank left and right a trip info center with a trip meter that allows for fuel economy in three different windows. Nice. The door panels and dash are all soft touches and the center stack is intuitive and easy to use. A special mention needs to be made about the center stack’s piano switches, a pleasure to touch. Everything is pure quality and G70 gets the edge over the Stinger in the interior. In comparison to an equivalent BMW, Genesis wins by a good margin.

Genesis lists the trunk capacity at just 10.5 cubic feet. It looks much larger, maybe they are using Bigfoot’s feet. If extra room is needed, the rear seatbacks do fold flat, so it’s almost a hatchback.

Pricing starts at $34,900 plus $995 for the boat from Ulsan, Korea for a well-equipped, leather Advanced model with RWD and the 252 hp 2.0L turbo four. I have driven behind this engine in a Stinger and can tell you it will impress the Dickens out of you. It even sounds good. I estimate 0-60 mph in under six seconds and give you an additional 3-4 mpg at the same time. It is the bargain in near luxo rides.

My loaded 3.3L turbo V-6 AWD Sport edition stickers for $45,750. Fully loaded with the Elite Package ($1,750), Prestige Package ($2,500) and Sport Package ($1,500) added up to $52,495. G70 is the best sedan value in the near luxo and pure luxo market on sale today (maybe except for its sibling Stinger) and it’s made by Genesis. But the Genesis G70 gets the edge over the Stinger in performance and luxury, however, the G70 is a tish smaller. Both are stunning to look at. It’s another grand salami saying it Italian style from Genesis.

Specifications
Price $35,985 to $52,495

Engine
2.0L DOHC 16 valve direct injected turbo four cylinder 252 (255 with sport exhaust) hp @ 6,200 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
3.3L DOHC 24 valve directed injected turbo V-6 365 hp @ 6,000 rpm
376 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,300-4,500 rpm

Transmission

Eight-speed torque converter automatic
Configuration seconds
Longitudinal front engine/RWD/AWD

Dimensions
Wheelbase 111.6 inches
Length 184.4 inches
Width 72.8 inches
Height 55.1 inches
Ground clearance 5.1 inches
Track (f/r) (19-inch wheels) 62.8/63.1
Weight (V-6/AWD) 3,887 pounds
Fuel tank 15.8 gallons
Turning circle 37.4 feet
Steering lock to lock (AWD) 2.1 turns
Wheels (19-inch f/r) 19X8/19X8.5 inches
Tires (f//r) 225/40X19//255/35X19
Passenger volume 93.8 cubic feet
Cargo volume 10.5 cubic feet
Brake diameter (f/r) 13.8/13.4 inches

Performance
0-60 mph 4.51 seconds
50-70 mph 1.85 seconds
50-70 mph uphill 2.31 seconds
Top speed Governed @ 167 mph
Fuel economy (V-6 AWD) EPA rated 18/25/20 city/highway/combined mpg. Expect 23 mpg in rural suburban driving and 31 mpg on the highway at legal speeds.