CarBrandLogos archive · Genesis · 2017

GenesisG70

A compact sport saloon aimed at the 3 Series, and it landed closer than expected.

Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0

The story

A defining chapter in Genesis history.

Explore the ideas, engineering and context that shaped the Genesis G70, then continue into its specifications and place in the marque's lineage.

Origins

Genesis went straight for the hardest segment. The G70 was engineered against the BMW 3 Series and the Alfa Romeo Giulia, sharing its rear-drive platform with the Kia Stinger and its chassis development with Albert Biermann's team, recruited from BMW's M division. Peter Schreyer's design kept it compact and conventionally proportioned; Luc Donckerwolke handled the facelift.

2019 Genesis G70 3.3T, front 12.26.19 · Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0

2021 Genesis G90 3.3T white interior view in Brunei

Design and engineering

The engines run from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four, later a 2.5-litre Smartstream unit, up to a twin-turbo V6, with rear- or all-wheel drive and, unusually for the class by then, a six-speed manual offered for a time alongside the eight-speed automatic.

2021 Genesis G90 3.3T white interior view in Brunei · AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s · CC BY-SA 4.0

In production

It was named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2019, which for a first attempt at a segment defined by German incumbents was a substantial statement. Sales have never matched the reviews, since buyers in this class are conservative about badges, but the G70 established that Genesis could build a driver's car, and the shooting brake body sold in Europe gave the brand something genuinely distinctive. It is built at Ulsan.

Genesis G70 · Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

The facts that define it.

Produced

2017–present

Engine

Petrol engine

Designer

Peter Schreyer (pre-facelift)

Body

4-door Sedan

Technical specification

The G70, in detail.

Production: September 2017 – present
Class: Compact executive car (D)
Body style: 4-door Sedan (automobile); sedan ; 5-door shooting brake
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout; Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive ; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine: Petrol engine; Gasoline: ; 2.0 L Hyundai Theta engine#G4KL; Theta II Turbocharger; T-Gasoline direct injection; GDi Inline-four engine; I4 ; 2.5 L Hyundai Smartstream engine#G4KR; Smartstream G2.5 T-GDi I4 ; 3.
Transmission: 6-speed List of Hyundai transmissions#M6VR2; M6VR2 Manual transmission; manual ; 8-speed List of Hyundai transmissions#A8LR1; A8LR1/List of Hyundai transmissions#A8TR1; A8TR1 Automatic transmission; automatic
Designer: Peter Schreyer (pre-facelift) ; Luc Donckerwolke (facelift)
Assembly: South Korea: Ulsan
Manufacturer: Genesis Motor (Hyundai)