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2023 Genesis G90 Spied Lapping the Nurburgring in the Wet

Genesis, the upmarket automaker controlled by the Hyundai Group, hasn’t yet finished the all-new G90. Initially expected as a 2022 model, the luxobarge is now due to arrive at dealers for the 2023 model year.
2023 Genesis G90 prototype 36 photos
Photo: Automotive Mike on YouTube
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Automotive Mike has recently captured a near-production test mule on a rather wet Nordschleife, and even though body roll is noticeable in the corners, the G90 seems eager to turn in and exit without any drama. This particular example doesn’t feature the rear-wheel steering of the G80 Sport, but knowing Genesis, RWS will be offered in the roomier sibling as well.

Pictured with camouflage on the body panels and a half roll cage for extra safety, the development prototype is rocking large alloy wheels, chrome garnish for the side windows, a dual-pane sunroof, LED headlights, and the massive Crest Grille derived from the Cascading Grille used by Hyundai.

Also pictured with a shark-fin aerial for the radio and satellite navigation, the G90 flaunts two exhaust outlets and six-cylinder exhaust notes. That’s because the free-breathing V8 will be axed in favor of the Smartstream G3.5 T-GDi engine in the GV80 mid-size luxury crossover utility vehicle, a force-fed V6 that belts out 375 ponies and 391 pound-feet (530 Nm).

As much as everyone loves the burble of a double-overhead V8, Genesis can’t make a case for keeping this kind of engine alive. Kia has already discontinued this option from the K9, and going forward, the Hyundai Group will spend more capital on electrification than internal combustion.

Speaking of which, the G80 already has an electric option. The dual-motor Electrified G80 offers 365 horsepower, 516 pound-feet (700 Nm), and a range estimate of 265 miles (427 kilometers), which is pretty meh in comparison to the all-new Mercedes EQS. But nevertheless, Merc has the audacity to ask $580 per year to unlock full rear-wheel steering in the EQS.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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