The Genesis G80 is a luxury car produced by Hyundai’s Genesis brand line. It is a four-door sedan that seats up to five people. The G80 was first available in 2017, and it began production in 2016. It is available in two trim levels, including base and sport. These vehicles have a range of engine options, from 3.3 to 5.0 liters and horsepower that ranges from 278 to 420. All engine types are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on the Genesis G80.
Smart Sense Safety Technology
The Genesis G80 has the Hyundai Smart Sense safety technology, which is a proprietary package available for vehicles made under the Hyundai brand. The first part of the Smart Sense technology is Lane Keep Assist. This technology uses sensors and lidar to detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. The vehicle is able to adjust itself to get back in the lane and sounds an audible alert to warn the driver of the lane drift.
Smart Cruise Control
The Genesis G80 also has the smart cruise control portion of Hyundai’s Smart Sense technology package. This technology makes use of radar on the front end of the vehicle. The radar is responsible for measuring the distance to the car ahead. The G80’s computer then calculates the appropriate rate of speed in order to maintain a clear driving distance ahead. If the Genesis G80 needs to come to a stop by the driver pushing on its brakes, the Smart Cruise Control automatically reengages at the same speed, using the same distance management techniques. These speed and distance management technologies are also necessary for autonomous cars.
Blind Spot Detection
The G80’s blind spot detection technology alerts you with audible and visible warnings when you attempt a lane change and there is already a vehicle in that lane of traffic. The light activates in the exterior side mirror to show where the vehicle is in your blind spot. If you attempt to make the lane change and use your turn signal, the Genesis G80 then delivers an audible warning when the turn signal is activated.
Automatic Stopping for Pedestrian Detection
Self-driving cars need to be able to detect a pedestrian in their path. The Genesis G80 has automatic braking when it detects that an obstacle ahead of it is stopped. It picks up a stopped animal or vehicle. If a pedestrian crosses the road ahead of the G80, this system in concert with the cruise control and the lane departure warning camera all work together to engage the emergency brakes.
Driver Fatigue and Distraction Detection
Another important feature of autonomous cars is having the artificial intelligence analyze the actions and behaviors of other vehicles and using them to predict what might happen and what it should do. In the Genesis G80, the car’s software is able to analyze what the vehicle’s own driver is doing. The software is set up to detect changes in driving patterns that could indicate the driver is tired or falling asleep. The G80’s technology is also designed to deliver an alert for a distracted driver.
LED and Touchscreen Displays
The driver information center of the Genesis G80 uses high-tech features that may also be found in autonomous cars. The information center is a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an available larger 9.2-inch touchscreen. The screens are backlit with light-emitting diodes. The touchscreen displays key pieces of information, such as the time and navigational information. It also has selections for infotainment, such as Sirius radio or the driver’s own media. The larger screen option uses a high-definition display that results in a three-dimensional type of effect. In autonomous cars, this information center could be where the riders input the address of where they want to go. Self-driving cars might also use the display for passenger entertainment and comfort options.
Design Award
The Genesis G80 has been recognized as a finalist for the International Design Excellence Award, which is given out by the Industrial Designers Society of America. The 2018 model year of the G80 sport was nominated for the award based on its sleek exterior design as well as its integrated technology on the inside. Nominations for the award include the technological and design aspects across categories such as innovation, benefit to the user, benefit to society, benefit to the client, and appropriate aesthetics. The innovative technology that benefits the driver could help Hyundai and its Genesis brand progress toward additional research and development in the area of self-driving cars.