The 2022 Genesis G70 Gets Drift Mode, Valved Exhaust
The 2022 Genesis G70 refresh will complete the automaker's styling transition, with a new design that meshes with the massively improved G90 and G80. That's not all it's doing, though, as Genesis seems committed to leading the sports sedan segment. To that end, we found out today that the company is adding a Sport+ driving mode, a valved exhaust, and drift mode to the G70.
None of these upgrades are entirely confirmed for the U.S. market, but the Korean-market G70 was detailed today and includes this newfound sport-focused tech. Because the U.S. tends to get more aggressively tuned vehicles than the Korean market, it'd be surprising if they didn't make it here.
Drift mode is only available on all-wheel-drive G70s with the Sports package. Genesis' official release doesn't go into detail, but drift modes for all-wheel-drive systems typically send more or all power to the rear axle. With stability control defeated, this allows an all-wheel-drive car to slide around predictably like an honest rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. Considering the take rate on all-wheel-drive is stratospheric in America, that's a welcome option.
So, too, is a valved exhaust. The new G80, for instance, drives extremely well and has a potent engine, but there's almost no engine noise. A valved exhaust allows you to hear the car growl in aggressive driving without sacrificing cruising quietness. That'll come on all V-6 G70s with the Sports package, while the new extra-aggressive "Sport+" driving mode that improves throttle response and weights up steering comes to all G70s.
All of this is in addition to the slew of non-performance tech that's coming to the new G70. A reworked, larger infotainment system, better semi-autonomous driving, and improved instrument cluster are all on the docket. The Korean-market model also offers a built-in dash cam, an NFC-powered phone-as-a-key system, and a slew of matte-finish colors. But don't get your hopes up, as those features were also shown on KDM GV80s and didn't make it stateside.
A spokesperson for Genesis USA said in an email there's a chance phone-as-a-key comes to the U.S. and that he's hoping for matte finishes, but finalized specs for the U.S. version. are not yet available. You'll just have to wait; The Korean launch is underway, but we're not expected to get the 2022 G70 until sometime in 2021.
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