More Base Power on the Way For Genesis G70

Introduced last year, Genesis’ third — and newest — model is the G70, a value-packed rear- or all-wheel-drive sports sedan aimed at BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class intenders. We could throw the Jaguar XE in there, too, but no one buys that car.

Like its Kia Stinger platform mate, the G70 kicks up its feet with the help of a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four or uplevel 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6. However, on the horizon looms a larger, more potent entry-level powerplant.

According to a Hyundai source who spoke to Car and Driver, the G70 will become home to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four bound for the Hyundai Sonata N-Line. If you’re not familiar with that variant, it’s an upcoming sexed-up version of the basic Sonata — a model that’s seriously made-over for the 2020 model year.

While the G70 2.0T makes 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Sonata N-Line mill offers greater output from a similar footprint. According to Hyundai, the 2.5T generates at least 290 hp and 310 lb-ft. (We’ll have driving impressions of the Sonata N-Line for you next week.)

It’s assumed the arrival of the new entry-level engine will coincide with the G70’s mid-cycle refresh, scheduled for the 2021 or 2022 model year. At that point, the available six-speed manual could head for the dustbin, as C&D notes only 4 percent of G70 2.0T buyers have thus far sprung for a three-pedal experience. It was nice of Genesis to offer one at all.

As Genesis awaits the arrival of its first crossover early next year, the G70 remains the brand’s best-selling model. It’s a status the G70 achieved not long after its late-2018 introduction. Spot-on styling and a comfortable price tag, coupled with respectable power, makes the G70 a serious contender in a segment long dominated by the Germans. More punch on the bottom end of the price ladder will only help the model’s appeal.

[Image: Genesis Motors]