Of all the places to launch a refreshed sport sedan, a racetrack might be the most ambitious. Genesis tossed Forbes Wheels the keys to the 2022 Genesis G70 at the Thermal Club, a private race circuit in the California desert, and the choice speaks as much to the Korean brand’s confidence in its product as it does to the sporty updates incorporated into the latest model.
First launched in 2018, the 2022 G70 ($37,525) is the baby bear in Genesis’ sedan lineup, nestled beneath the midsize G80 ($47,700) and full-size G90 ($72,950). This time around the cosmetic tweaks affect only the nose, tail and wheels. But the visual impact is strong.
Surrounding the new, pointier crest grille are redesigned headlamps and taillamps that incorporate the same “two line” signature as seen in Genesis’ striking X Concept, the sultry two-door grand tourer that debuted earlier this year. Larger front air intakes hint at a sportier demeanor, as does the new curved rear deck spoiler. Genesis says the G70 is the lowest and widest car in its segment, and those aggressive proportions are emphasized to positive effect.
Inside, revisions include an updated dashboard console, a new standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen whose software can receive over-the-air updates and a revised wireless charging pad now positioned horizontally for ease of use. A new center airbag (for a total of 8) boosts safety, as do a number of new features including lane centering, a blind spot view monitor and blind spot collision-avoidance assist. Genesis adaptive cruise control (called Smart Cruise Control) now uses navigation data to adjust speed in corners. Highway Driving Assist, a feature that combines Smart Cruise and lane centering, keeps the vehicle centered in the lane while maintaining at a set distance from traffic ahead.
Available powerplants include a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 365 horsepower 3.3-liter V6, both of which can be paired to a rear-drive or all-wheel drive setup. The V6 now comes with a Sport+ mode that unlocks more forceful traction control and shift pattern settings, and a new variable exhaust valve system boosts sound output, with the faint silver lining of increasing engine output as well by an extra 3 horsepower.
Strapped into a V6-powered G70 in the pit lanes at Thermal, the four-door looks slightly out of place compared with the exotic sports cars and race machinery that frequent the circuit. Switching to Sport+ in the four-cylinder model raises the idle to a more antsy 1,000 rpm. But the changes in the V6 come when the car is in motion, including a stiffer calibration to the electronically controlled suspension, a gear hold function that removes automatic upshifts. More action from the limited-slip differential also rotates the car easily through corners.
Chasing a lead vehicle piloted by a pro driver, the G70 initially feels too bulky for the task at hand, exhibiting noticeable body roll as it hustles its way across the track. But once accustomed to that tendency, the sedan becomes more confident. There is strong grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires wrapped around the optional 19-inch wheels.
Wheeling a sedan around a race track in anger may feel somewhat out of place, and it certainly doesn’t seem as natural as, say, maneuvering a low-slung two-seater or even a sporty hatchback around the same corners. Despite its luxurious trimmings, the G70 acquits itself surprisingly well in this challenging environment. There’s enough power to wag the tail coming out of corners, and the transmission shifts swiftly and smoothly as it barrels down the track.
Enthusiasts might be saddened by the discontinuation of the manual transmission in the latest G70 (it was the only one available in the lineup). The loss cuts deep for those who love to row their own gears.
“I’ll be deadly candid and honest: I love a manual gearbox, but consumers prefer [automatic transmissions] versus manuals,” said Genesis North America President and CEO Mark Del Rosso, pointing to a mere 1% take rate of manual G70 sales across the line.
Leaving the track for a street drive puts the G70 into its true element. Upholstered in quilted leather and trimmed in sections of flashy turned metal, the sedan’s interior embodies a combination of new tech thanks to the updated 10.25-inch screen as well as a more conventional layout that relies on a row of hard buttons and a knurled drive mode selector knob. While the interior does not lack panache, it does show its age compared with competitors like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz who are embracing multiple digital displays. Interestingly, the instrument cluster combines both worlds: an analog speedometer on the left, and a digital tachometer on the right.
Normal mode in the G70 delivers a mild-mannered driving experience where smoothness trumps sportiness; acceleration in the V6 model is healthy but not jarring, and the eight-speed transmission shifts seamlessly even during lead-footed driving.
Sport and Sport+ in city driving create a noticeably livelier experience, tapping into more of the engine’s power and with tighter shifts. Even in these elevated setups the suspension feels generally supple, though body control is enhanced enough to boost confidence around tight corners. Also improved are interior noise levels. The addition of an acoustic front windshield reduces road noise and makes the G70 less fatiguing on long drives. Its feeling of inherent handling stability and surefootedness won’t leave enthusiasts with a sense of dread when approaching a canyon pass or a freeway onramp.
Roadtrip worthiness aside, the track experience begs the question: is the 2022 Genesis G70 a true track machine? It’s safe to say the vast majority of G70 buyers won’t be unleashing their sport sedans on the world’s race circuits (or pining for the now-unavailable manual gearbox). But demonstrating that the G70 can hold its own at a place like the Thermal Club is a signal from Genesis that the brand is building its next chapter, which was hinted at with the grand touring-oriented two-door X Concept coupe. If the updated G70 is any indicator of Genesis’ ability to improve the breed and expand into new markets, bring it on.