2017 Genesis G90
If you thought Hyundai was crazy for trying to cook up a luxury 4-door with the 2009 Genesis sedan…well… for 2017…they’re trying a recipe that seems a whole lot crazier. Hyundai has gone all in and spun off Genesis as a whole new company: Genesis Motors. And their flagship, the G90, is our first taste of the new brand. So, let’s see if it’s well done, or just half-baked…
The Genesis G90 is the successor to the full-size Hyundai Equus, and is built on the lengthened chassis of the mid-size Genesis sedan, now called G80. So, the “90” is, in automotive parlance, an “all-new flagship sedan”. And, a self-proclaimed competitor to large-car stall warts Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. But, we think a more level playing field is with the Lexus LS and Cadillac CT6.
The G90 drives with a super-steady, rock solid feel. A 5 link front and rear suspension combines with electronic adaptive damping to keep things smooth on almost all roads. There was very little harshness, even on some rough pavement in the British Columbian countryside outside Vancouver. The level of isolation achieved is all you could ask for.
PATRICK LUCAS: "This is a cruiser for sure. On the highway, even on backroads like this, it is just whisper quiet, silky smooth..."
And that lends itself to truly appreciating the interior of the G90. Material quality is top notch. Seat comfort is excellent. And the overall design is clearly one of a top-drawer vehicle.
But the biggest hurdle that Genesis must overcome is separating itself from Hyundai. And seeing some carryover switchgear and buttons will remind more astute observers of the kinship. Get past that, and the G90 is every bit a luxury contender on its own.
Outside, it’s less its own thing, and more a combination of what it aspires to be. The front favors recent Audi A8s, especially the grille. While in the rear, it’s S-Class all the way. Take a step back, though, and it’s a handsome car that demands a second look.
Under the hood: a brand new standard 3.3-liter twin turbo V6 with 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery is strong, but perhaps lacks a little maturity in feel. Same goes for the eight speed automatic.
PATRICK LUCAS: "The one area it doesn't quite match up to its German competitors, I’d say, is in the powertrain. It's not quite as refined as an Audi, a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz..."
Fuel economy rates 17 city, 24 highway, and 20 combined. That’s about on par with rival V8s. Ditto the energy impact score of 16.5 barrels of oil used, and 7.5 tons of CO2 emitted annually.
A 420 horsepower 5.0-liter V8, and all-wheel drive, are the only options for the G90.
Everything else; automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, head up display, and multi-angle backup camera are standard. That makes for an easy pricing strategy, starting at $69,050. H-TRAC all-wheel drive adds $2,500, while the V8 adds $1,600 more.
Gaining a foothold is never easy, and in a segment with ultra-high expectations and long heritages, there will be many who look at the G90 as just a dressed up Hyundai. But then, we once said that about Lexus and Toyota too.
And, the 2017 G90 is the just beginning for Genesis. And, it is indeed a strong first step towards a time when Genesis Motors and “world class luxury” may be one and the same.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.3 liter V6 / 5.0 liter V8
- Horsepower: 365 / 420
- Torque: 376 lb-ft.
- EPA: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 16.5 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 7.5 tons/yr
2024 Toyota GR 86 TRUENO Edition
Paying Tribute to Eight-Six History
The Toyota GR86 may not be the fastest, flashiest or most expensive sport coupe around; but it’s for those very reasons that we consider it near-perfect for folks like us that just want to get out there and drive! For 2024, Toyota is giving us even more to love while also celebrating the origins of the legendary “eighty-six,” with this TRUENO edition.
When the “Gazoo Racing” team got ahold of Toyota’s 86 nameplate to make the GR86 for 2022, we didn’t think it could get any better. Now just two years deep, it turns out it can thanks to a few performance add-ons, and this 2024 Toyota GR86 TRUENO Edition has them all.
It’s okay if you don’t know the original AE86 Sprinter TRUENO this car refers to. For now, just know that the modern rendition celebrates that classic by carrying the same ethos of low-power, rear-wheel drive fun. In lieu of a downhill mountain pass, three days at Savannah’s Roebling Road Raceway sufficed as our playground.
2024 also sees the introduction of the GR86 Performance Package, available on all models and standard on the TRUENO. This $1,500 kit mounts Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers onto Premium grades; and throws in larger 18-inch wheels to Base GR86s to accommodate said brakes, upping package price to about two-grand.
Sure, no extra power; but we felt as fast as ever through Roebling’s nine corners.
The GR86 was already such a fun car to toss around, and these enhancements make it all the better.
The Brembos in particular are something else. Being so lightweight, late braking the 86 has always been easy, and these four-piston fronts and two-piston rears let our foot procrastinate even longer. Diving into corners, turn-ins are crisp with practically zero body roll.
But sometimes you just have to cut a little loose. Put on the throttle at just the right moment and the skinny 215-wide tires give way to steady slides; but they are Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, so there’s plenty of grip when needed.
[This] modern rendition celebrates that [AE86] by carrying the same ethos of low-power, rear-wheel drive fun.
Now, if you were enthralled by our Roebling Track Test of the GR86 two years ago and already went out and bought one, get this: these performance upgrades can be retrofitted on any 2022-and-up GR86 sporting 18-inch wheels.
It is a bit of déjà vu under the hood, seeing the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder BOXER putting out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a lot when stacked up to some other Japanese sports cars, but plenty for a sub-3,000-pound coupe. It’s sent to the rear wheels through a standard Torsen limited-slip diff and a six-speed manual with satisfying throws; though a six-speed automatic is available should you desire.
Our manual tester hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, almost a half second quicker than the automatic model we tested two years prior. The quarter-mile ended in 14.4 seconds at 99 mph, also a tad swifter.
Once we apexed turn nine and hit the front straight, we saw 131 mph before employing those Brembos. No doubt, this GR86 is far more potent than any stock 86 from before.
If you Google the Toyota AE86, you’ll no doubt find the boxy mid-80s hatch wearing a similar white and black “Panda” paint scheme, which this GR86 mirrors quite well; though, red is available too. Either color is contrasted by various black accents: glossy mirrors, door handles and a rear spoiler, joined by side graphics and a wrapped hood. You’ll see “TRUENO” badging adorning the lower front bumper and the rear deck, and the namesake subdued in each side graphic.
Inside, the cabin sports red-trimmed Ultrasuede seats, complimented by red stitching on the wheel and shift boot; and the knob itself gets a special TRUENO-logoed cap.
Plenty of physical controls for HVAC and the sorts, and the screen space respectfully limited to a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen; and smartphone integration makes it easy to queue up your favorite Eurobeat playlist. 2024 does sees more tech for manual models, now including Toyota’s Active Safety Suite with pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control and more.
Government fuel economy ratings for the GR86 with the manual are 20 city, 27 highway and 22 combined on regular.
Pricing for the 2024 Toyota GR86 starts at $30,395 with delivery. TRUENO pricing starts at $35,815— not a bad leap for a special edition limited to just 860 units here in the U.S.
We still think the Toyota GR86 is the perfect sport coupe for just about anyone, and these performance additions give us all the more reason to say so again. Whether you’re an avid enthusiast or a simple tofu delivery boy or girl with big dreams, the 2024 Toyota GR86 is a solid choice; and this TRUENO Edition may just be the one for you.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder BOXER
- Horsepower: 228
- 0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds
- EPA: 20 City / 27 Highway / 22 Combined
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- 1/4 Mile: 14.4 seconds at 99 mph
- Starting Price: $35,815