Genesis unveils first RWD luxury SUV and 2nd-gen G80 sedan

MANILA: Hyundai’s luxury arm Genesis introduces the GV80, its first rear-wheel drive, mid-size luxury SUV; and the 2021 Genesis G80 executive mid-size sedan. Both sport an all-new, third-generation rear-wheel-drive platform.

“When you’re given a big challenge, the best thing to do is to start from a clean sheet of paper. The development of an all-new platform set us up for great success, influencing everything from the expansive space of the interior to the striking design proportions,” said Hyundai Motor Group President and Head of Research and Development Albert Biermann, 

The GV80’s chassis (codenamed M3) allows for maximum design flexibility, which let engineers make it both lower and wider than many competitors. This allows for a lower center of gravity for confident and well-balanced handling. Classified as a light-duty truck (LDT), the GV80 was specifically engineered for optimum crash safety and overall body stiffness. Four types of steel and aluminum were used in structural components for maximum rigidity body stiffness for handling and ride comfort. Some 225 pounds were shaved off with the liberal use of aluminum on the doors, hood, and tailgate.

Using a unibody structure with 6% greater tensile strength, the G80 now has 3% higher torsional rigidity that the previous generation. The roof crossmembers, transmission tunnel, front chassis extensions and parts of the rear structure are made of advanced high-strength steel, while the cowl, floor panels and rear parcel shelf are comprised of high-strength steel. As a result of this material placement and optimization strategy, the G80’s M3 platform is 6% lighter than that of the previous G80 (55 pounds less). It also has a new horizontal strut brace, die-cast aluminum front and rear shock towers, and a rear subframe benefiting from rear stays and increased bushing size, for enhanced rigidity and improved NVH characteristics.

Photos from Genesis

Also read: The new Genesis G70 wants to be a 4-door Bond car