Weekend Roundup: 9/15/17-9/17/17

Genesis Details New G70 Sedan In the performance and luxury segment, a large chunk of the market belongs to the mid-size sedan, and no company is worth its weight in salt without taking the fight to the car that has become the benchmark: BMW’s 3-Series. Genesis, now independent from Hyundai, is seeking to do just that with its new G70 and G70 Sport sedans, recently shown for the first time at the Hyundai·Genesis Design Center in Namyang.

Combined with the G90 and G80, the G70 completes the sedan lineup for Genesis. In the normal G70 model, two engines are on offer globally; a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, and a 2.2-liter diesel. While the 2.2-liter diesel may make it to American shores, it would not be advised to wait for it.

What may be worth waiting for, and where Hyundai clearly focused development, is the G70 Sport model. The structure is the same one as the normal G70, with Genesis using hot stamping methods and extended use of structural adhesives to reduce weight and production complexity while enhancing torsional rigidity and improving overall body stiffness.

What is not shared with the rest of the lineup is the 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6–it is shared with KIA’s new Stinger GT–as well as a full suite of performance features. These include launch control, dynamic torque vectoring system, and a tried-and-true mechanical limited slip differential.

While gearboxes have not been detailed, whatever ends up in the car will have to send 365hp and 376lb-ft of torque to the wheels, either the rears or all four depending on selected equipment. This is good for 0-60 in under 4.7 seconds and a top speed of around 168mph. Sport indeed.

Overseas product specifications in markets including North America, Russia and the Middle East are planned to be announced in early 2018.

Hyundai Motor America Names New President and CEO 

From Hyundai:

“Kyung Soo (Kenny) Lee, one of the most respected leaders in Hyundai’s global operation, has been named president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Mr. Lee will be responsible for Hyundai’s U.S. sales and marketing and will take over president and CEO duties starting on September 18. […] Mr. Lee, 61, began his career with Hyundai in 1982 and was most recently the president and CEO of Hyundai Translead, a manufacturer of dry and refrigerated van trailers, container chassis and converter dollies. “

The current CEO and president, Jerry Flannery has returned to his position as the company’s executive vice president, chief legal and safety officer.

Subaru Releases New In-Car of Record Breaking Nurburgring Run In the past couple of years, Subaru has taken its venerable EJ-powered WRX STI sedan on some verifiably pucker-inducing record attempt runs to show that the old girl still has it in her. With showings at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Mark Higgins insane Isle of Man TT-course run under their belts, Subaru decided to tackle the Nurburgring Nordschleife: The Green Hell.

Using a production-based WRX STI Type RA NBR Special, the company and driver Richie Stanaway set an officially verified time of 6:58.9. This is not only the four-door record, but also as fast as the Porsche 918 Hypercar. Woah.

To see how the driver managed on-track, watch the in-car footage below released by Subaru. 1:37 is particularly sketchy…

Land Rover Launches Off-Roading Fun Day Package with Old Defenders 

We always want what we can’t have, and it seems Land Rover has recognized this. While their classic Defender was only really sold here from 1993-1997, it’s impact far outweighed the few thousand sold. Lots of people want to drive a Defender, while only a lucky few will get the chance.

Now, a few more lucky people will get to join the club, as Land Rover announced the launch of the new Land Rover Experience Center Heritage Program. The program will allow consumers to drive the Defender off-road at Land Rover Experience Centers across the U.S. located in California, Vermont, and North Carolina.

The Defender will be available at the various Land Rover Experience Centers alongside current Land Rover vehicles from the Discovery and Range Rover families. Consumers participating in the program will gain insight into the heritage of the Defender and put the vehicle through its paces with trails driving across grass, mud, ruts, water crossings, and more with personal coaching from expert Land Rover Experience Instructors.

The Defender Driving Experience will launch at all three Experience Centers in half-day and full-day programs starting in September. The half-day experience will cost $1,200 and full-day will cost $1,500.