The Genesis G80 Sport may be a more interesting steer, but it doesn’t look like it will have any extra spuds under the bonnet.
Due in Australia during the third quarter of 2021, the G80 Sport will be available in its homeland with three engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
As with non-Sport variants, the 2.5-litre is rated at 224kW and 422Nm, the 3.5-litre makes 279kW and 530Nm, and the 2.2-litre churns out 154kW and 441Nm.
All engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic, but South Korean buyers can choose between rear- or all-wheel drive.
Visually, the Sport is distinguished from other G80 models by dark headlight bezels, a rear diffuser, and dark glossy chrome highlights for the bumpers, grille, and side sills.
Cavendish Red paint, said to be inspired by the red cliffs of Prince Edward Island, Canada, is an option that’s exclusive to the Sport.
Inside, there’s a three-spoke steering wheel, carbon-fibre trim, and metal pedals. The suspension has been modified with stiffer springs and retuned dampers that can make use camera and navigation data.
While the engine options may not have any extra kilowatts, the optional Dynamic Package does improve straight line performance.
Only available on Sport models with the twin-turbo V6, the Dynamic Package includes launch control, and a new Sport+ driving mode that speeds up gear changes.
Genesis claims these changes drop the 0-100km/h time from 5.1 seconds to 4.9 seconds.
The Dynamic Package also includes 20-inch wheels — instead of 19-inch rims — and rear-wheel steering, as well as an active noise cancellation system that “preserves the sporty engine sound and significantly reduces uncomfortable road noise”.
As with most other rear-wheel steering systems, the Sport’s system turns the rear wheels in opposition to the front pair at speeds below 60km/h. At higher speeds the rear wheels point in the same direction as the front wheels.
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