Genesis is in the midst of a critical phase. The Korean luxury arm of Hyundai is gaining market share while focusing on improving the customer experience and introducing new models. After the launch of the updated GV70, we caught up with Ash Corson, Director of Genesis Product Planning.

Corson has an extensive background, having helped grow and launch 11 product lines in previous roles. He played a key role in launching Lexus’s F Sport brand and later joined Hyundai, where he worked on mobility and connectivity. Late last year, he took over product planning for Genesis. At the LA Auto Show, we had a chance to sit down and pick his brain about the future of the brand. 

Unique Approach To Electric Performance

First, we asked Corson how Genesis would differentiate itself regarding electric performance. For example, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is widely considered one of the very best electric performance cars in the marker right now. It rightfully gained that notoriety with a mix of blistering performance and fun engaging features. How does Genesis expand on that theme without copying it too much?

More: Genesis Confirms GV60 Magma Launch For Next Fall

“The I5N is one of the groups best products. There’s a reason that it continues to rack up awards including the engagement, the fun-to-drive aspect. I think that’s really where it excels. When we talk about Genesis and Magma, it’s a different beast. The origins of Magma go back to Korea where it’s literally volcanic”, he explained.

“There’s this underlying immense power beneath the surface. It’s really again performance art. I think is a great way, in my opinion, to think of the directional positioning of what that will look like. How it sounds, how it feels the type, you know, the tactile nature of some of the controls but the precision too,” Corson continued.

“You look at Gordon Murray with his T50 and that precision there or Bugatti with their watch faces. There are lots of great things going on in the industry but the common route I think is engagement. I think the Genesis Magma will really again evoke the emotion at the product level in a deeper way than what’s out there right now.”

Authenticity In The Genesis Magma Lineup

Considering that Magma is evidently going to be a trim that could end up on many models, we wondered how Genesis would keep it from getting too watered down. Notably, Corson spent a long time at Lexus helping to develop the F performance brand. Today, one could say that Lexus uses F-Sport a little too liberally. Genesis wants to stand out by making its Magma lineup authentic.

“Our announcement that we’re going racing at Le Mans is a sign of authenticity. You really have to make sure you’re authentic and have credibility in terms of what you are presenting to the customer. The GV60 Magma has that credibility. It crushed the Goodwood Hill Climb, and it will be an award-winning product too. Our intent is not to just milk this for merchandising. If we deliver the sensations we often talk about… touch, sight, sound, scent, then by nature we can’t dilute it.”

G70 Future: A Key To Genesis’ Legacy

Finally, we asked about the G70. It’s the way that many younger buyers find the Genesis brand. That said, it’s an obvious candidate for the Magma treatment. Corson already disclosed that Genesis sees Magma as a trim that could extend to all models but we wanted more confirmation about the future of G70. While he didn’t say exactly what that looks like, it’s clear that Genesis isn’t forgetting about its sports sedan.

“It’s our Gateway product. It’s our youngest product and in my opinion quite strategically important to get those enthusiasts’ advocates. So, it’s something at the platform level that my team discusses, you know, globally every day including this week,” said Corson.

Review: 2024 Genesis G70 Turbo V6 Is Better Than Ever

“So it’s something that our market is the biggest for. There are other markets that aren’t really selling the G70 in their lineups. That being said, you know, it’s an obvious space for Magma, for example. So I can’t comment on the, you know, detail on that product space because it’s an active one but it’s something that we think about very, uh, intently.”

Looking Ahead For Genesis’ Sports Sedan

Hopefully, that will lead to another generation in the not-too-distant future. Every major luxury brand Genesis is targeting has a high-quality gas-powered sports sedan. Keeping the G70 is just one more way the automaker can demonstrate that authenticity. We’ll continue to be on the lookout for developments in line with these new statements. 

For well over a decade, some production cars have shown up to owners with electric door poppers. The technology isn’t exclusive to electric vehicles or exactly novel, either. The C5 Chevrolet Corvette has electronic door releases, as does the Dodge Viper.

In the USA, any car with this type of door release has to have a manual backup, and that’s where we find our problem today. Every automaker gets to decide where and how they’ll employ that manual backup. Let’s have a quick look at exactly where Dodge decided to put them on the new Charger Daytona.

More: Clueless Thief Trapped Inside Corvette C8 Begs Owner For Help

Carscoops was on hand at the Los Angeles Auto Show to see the new Charger Daytona. One thing we noticed right away was the door popper button in the cabin. It’s located on the side of the door card and passengers will likely use their thumb to smack it when they want to get out.

It also had us immediately wondering where the manual backup was. Here are a few photos of the door card. Take a moment and see if you can spot it. If you can’t find it, move on to the next as we get closer and closer to the handle.

Notice that the manual release is somewhat deep and far forward on the door card. From the driver’s seat, it is completely out of view. The new Jeep Wagoneer S has a similar design with a slightly easier-to-find and access manual release. It’s easy to see why some condemn handles like this. Will drivers unfamiliar with the car be able to get out in the case of a crash or power failure in the car?

That’s a real issue that many Tesla drivers have ended up complaining about. While, no doubt, it’s the responsibility of an adult driving a car to understand how to escape in case of emergency, it’s easy to understand why people end up confused by handles like this.

To Tesla’s credit, the front door manual release is typically right on top of the armrest, far more visible and easy to use than the one in the Dodge Charger Daytona. At the same time, the rear door release is sometimes under the carpet in the middle of the rear bench seat. That’s not simple or easy to find in an emergency.

This isn’t even a problem that needs to exist because some automakers like Lexus and Audi seem to have a very simple and elegant solution. Rather than present a button to pop the doors, they still use a physical handle. Pulling on it gently engages the electric door release. In case of emergency, a full hard pull on the exact same handle will actuate the physical backup and the door will open.

In some cases, the button that engages the electric release also is a handle that occupants can pull out to engage the manual release. Should door handles like those in Lexus and Audi products be required or should automakers have the freedom to add manual releases as they see fit? Tell us your thoughts below!

Image Credits: Stephen/Casey Rivers for Carscoops

The long-awaited Kia EV9 GT has finally broken cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, stepping into the limelight as the brand’s most powerful three-row SUV to date. Following the formula set by the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT dials up performance and attitude for Kia’s electric flagship, even if it holds back slightly on outright power compared to its smaller sibling.

Power to the People

While the two electric motors in the EV6 GT combine to produce 576 hp, the new EV9 GT has been capped at 501 hp. Driving the front wheels is a 214 hp motor, while located at the rear is a 362 hp unit. There’s no word on why Kia didn’t give the EV9 GT the same amount of power as the range-topping EV6, but it’ll still hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, which is a very impressive figure for a vehicle of this size.

Sharper Handling Meets GT Badging

To give the EV9 GT some genuine dynamic credibility, Kia has equipped it with selectable, electronically controlled suspension that adjusts alongside steering and brake responses. Modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive provide versatility, but for maximum fun, there’s a lime-green GT button on the steering wheel that transforms the SUV into full attack mode.

Review: The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Is A Ballistic Missile That Redefines EVs

One standout quirk is the Virtual Gear Shift system. Mimicking the experience of a traditional gearbox, it offers simulated “gear shifts” and even limits acceleration at the so-called ‘rev limit.’ Hyundai pulled a similar trick with the Ioniq 5 N, and while it’s likely to divide opinion, paddle shifters and an Active Sound Design system attempt to inject a dose of driver engagement. Kia has also added an electronic limited-slip differential for improved cornering grip, bolstering the EV9 GT’s performance credentials further.

Range Anxiety? No Comment

Kia has yet to release official range figures for the EV9 GT. For now, buyers will have to live with some unanswered questions about how far this performance-focused SUV can travel on a single charge. What we do know is that it’s equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug and supports rapid DC charging. With the right charger, the battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes.

Subtle Aggression in Design

In typical Kia GT fashion, the EV9 GT’s visual upgrades are restrained but effective. It rides on bespoke 21-inch wheels, which frame larger, green-painted brake calipers. The front fascia gets minor revisions, including active air flaps and tweaked lighting elements, while the green accents continue inside. The cabin benefits from GT-specific sport seats with Alcantara inserts, unique ambient lighting, and a smattering of GT badges to remind you that this isn’t your standard EV9.

Kia America COO and EVP Steven Center sums it up: “The EV9 has been a home run for Kia, introducing the first mass-market electric three-row SUV, and the EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV.”

Delayed Gratification

All EV9 GTs will be produced in South Korea, with the first units expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2025. Pricing remains under wraps, but given Kia’s track record with its GT models, expect it to undercut rivals while still offering a mix of performance and practicality.

The Kia EV6 has already proven to be a practical and fun electric crossover, and for the 2025 model year, it promises to get even better. With a fresh look, upgraded tech, and a bit more performance, the EV6 facelift makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, following its earlier introduction in Korea and Europe. It now offers a longer range, improved handling, and a more aggressive design. The GT trim, meanwhile, gets a substantial power boost—along with the addition of simulated gear shifts.

Exterior Revisions

The first thing you’ll notice on the outside is the redesigned front fascia, now featuring slimmer LED headlights and more streamlined air intakes. The side profile sees fresh wheel designs and subtle tweaks to the cladding, while the rear boasts new LED taillight graphics and a revised bumper. While these changes are incremental, they manage to freshen up the EV6 without diluting its signature silhouette.

More: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

The facelift also brought an increase of 0.6 inches (15 mm) in length, due to the slightly longer front overhang. Overall, this reinterpretation of Kia’s Opposites United styling language is slightly different from the rest of the lineup, allowing the EV6 to retain its curved lines and sporty stance.

Interior

Inside, the crossover adopts a new curved digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays. Other changes include a redesigned steering wheel and a new finish for the center console. The displays can be customized with the colors and logo of your favorite NBA team, through the Kia Connect Store. Finally, the ADAS suite has been improved, and the cabin is quieter thanks to additional sound-absorbing materials.

Bigger Batteries and Extended Range

The 2025 EV6 ditches its smaller 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery options in favor of larger 63 kWh and 84 kWh packs shared with he facelifted Hyundai Ioniq 5. This upgrade results in a maximum range of up to 319 miles (513 km) for the top-spec 84 kWh RWD model, a modest but welcome improvement of 9 miles (15 km) over the outgoing Long Range RWD trim. In addition, towing capacity sees an uptick to 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg), further boosting the EV6’s utility credentials.

Charging remains swift thanks to the retained 800-volt DC fast charging architecture, although Kia has relocated the charging port to the left rear fender for most trims (excluding the GT), now supporting the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

The 2025 Kia EV6 is available with single (RWD) and dual (AWD) electric motors, which are carried over from its predecessor in the non-GT trims (Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line). The ride and handling of the E-GMP-based model have been upgraded, courtesy of an improved steering response, and a reinforced chassis.

More Power for the GT Trim

At the top of the lineup, the 2025 Kia EV6 GT takes cues from its sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Its dual-motor system now cranks out a hefty 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS), with a temporary boost to 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) in GT mode. This upgrade delivers 65 additional horses and 23 lb-ft (31 Nm) more torque than the outgoing GT, making it a more serious contender in the performance EV space.

More: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

In true Hyundai-Kia fashion, the EV6 GT also borrows the Virtual Gear Shift feature from the Ioniq 5 N, which uses sound effects and torque modulation to mimic the sensation of gear changes.

Launch

The 2025 Kia EV6 (excluding the GT) will be assembled alongside the larger EV9 at Kia’s facility in Georgia. Sales are set to begin in the first half of next year, with pricing details to be revealed closer to launch.

Hyundai’s long-awaited three-row electric SUV has finally arrived in the form of the Ioniq 9. It serves as the brand’s equivalent to the Kia EV9 and is underpinned by the familiar E-GMP architecture beneath the skin of several Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models.

Powertrain Options and Performance

All versions of the Ioniq 9 come equipped with a massive 110.3 kWh battery and it will be sold in three different configurations. Entry-level Long Range models are equipped with a single electric motor at the rear, producing 214 hp (160 kW) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. Hyundai says this model can travel up to 385 miles (620 km) on the WLTP testing cycle when equipped with 19-inch wheels.

Read: New Hyundai EV Pickups May Be Named Ioniq T10 And Ioniq T7

Those seeking some additional performance can opt for the Long Range AWD. It adds a 94 hp (70 kW) motor to the front axle, with an extra 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque. Sitting at the top of the range is the Ioniq 9 Performance, rocking a pair of 214 hp (160 kW) motors at the front and rear. This model can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, whereas the Long Range AWD needs 6.7 seconds to hit the same mark, and the Long Range RWD takes 9.4 seconds. All models top out at 124 mph (200 km/h).

Regardless of what variant customers choose, all Ioniq 9’s support can be charged from 10-80% in just 24 minutes through a 350 kW charger. It also features a vehicle-to-load charging function.

Exterior Design and Aerodynamics

Visually, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 shares a lot in common with the SEVEN Concept from a couple of years ago. It sports the same Parametric Pixel lights as other Ioniq models and, despite its size, has a drag coefficient of just 0.259 Cd with the optional digital wing mirrors.

It’s also the first Hyundai to ditch a roof antenna and instead uses the windshield for GPS and satellite radio, the instrument panel for connected car services, and the tailgate glass for FM/AM radio. Buyers will be offered 19-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels, including a set of flagship 21-inch ‘Calligraphy’ shoes. No less than 16 exterior colors are available.

Interior and Tech Features

The Ioniq 9’s huge 123.2-inch (3,130 mm) wheelbase results in an expansive cabin clad in plush materials that looks like a great place for long road trips. A steering wheel similar to the one of the latest-generation Santa Fe comes standard and includes small green LEDs to allow drivers to keep track of remaining battery charge.

A single curved screen houses a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch infotainment display. As standard, the Ioniq 9 is equipped with eight speakers, although an optional 14-speaker array from Bose is optional. Other key features include several 100-watt high-output USB-C ports that receive power directly from the 110.3 kWh pack rather than the 12-volt battery.

Plenty of the interior surfaces are clad in eco-friendly materials, including recycled PET fabric, wool fabric, and eco-process leather, underlining the car’s environmental credentials. The Ioniq 9 will be sold in six- and seven-seat configurations and the second-row seats include a swiveling function, like the EV9.

Hyundai’s latest suite of safety features is standard. This includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and High Beam Assist. It’s also fitted with 10 airbags.

Availability

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will first launch in Korea and the United States in the first half of 2025 before expanding to Europe and other markets later in the year. Market-specific specifications and pricing will be announced at a later date.

It’s a big week for Genesis as it unveiled the new GV70 and Electrified GV70 to the public in California, just ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The two new models benefit from several changes both inside and out. The brand is also in the midst of increasing its dealership footprint.

“GV70 is our most popular model in North America, and we’ve welcomed over 85,000 customers into the GV70 family in just three short years,” said Claudia Márquez, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America during the car’s presentation.

Review: 2025 Genesis GV70 Is A Quiet Contender Ready To Unsettle Rivals

“The newly redesigned GV70 and Electrified GV70 offer all of the utility and interior refinement of a great SUV without sacrificing the fun-to-drive character that Genesis vehicles are known for,” she continued. Let’s take a deeper dive into the specific changes she’s talking about.

Longer range, standard NACS port

The new Electrified GV70 comes standard with an 84 kWh battery pack. That is up from the 77.4 kWh unit in the original version of this car. While Genesis didn’t drop a specific range estimate, they did say it’ll be more than the 236 miles (380 km) offered in the current GV70. Range was maybe the biggest issue with the GV70. We’re happy to see Genesis give attention to it.

Photos Genesis / Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

In addition, the Electrified GV70 comes standard with a NACS charging port. That means it’ll have access to the Tesla Supercharger network. It’ll also come with an adapter to hook up to CCS chargers as well. Those are both big wins.

Minor styling updates, huge 27-inch display

In addition, both the Electrified GV70 and the gas-powered version get new styling details inside and out. The front fascia is updated on each and the EV gets a charge port hidden in the grille itself. The tail lights on each car now better match the two-line headlamps.

More: LA Auto Show Promises Debuts From Hyundai, VW, And More

The cabin is updated too with a wide 27-inch OLED display that combines the gauge cluster and multimedia center. Overall, however, the interior in general isn’t too dissimilar from the current car. It continues with a sort of space-age vibe via rounded control interfaces. That’s appropriate considering the door cards. Available on the Electrified GV70, buyers can opt for semi-translucent panels that show off a starry night sky in them. They add just one more positive touch to an already luxurious interior.

No powertrain changes announced

It’s worth noting that not everything is updated or improved. After all, these are just facelifted versions of the current generation GV70. As such, the gas-powered GV70 still leverages two engine options. The base is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower (223 kW), and a 375 horsepower (280 kW) 3.5-liter V6 is also available.

When asked about the North American-specification Electrified GV70, the Korean company told us that they “won’t release details” just yet. For what it’s worth, the 2024 model had a dual-motor setup with an output of 320 kW / 429 hp (the front and rear motors delivering 160 kW each), with a “Boost Mode” allowing for a 10-second increase to 360 kW / 483 hp.

Genesis hasn’t released pricing for either GV70 but expect it to climb somewhat. The brand says the cars will show up at dealers in the first half of 2025. Speaking of dealers, it’s getting easier and easier to find one in North America. Genesis says it just opened its 60th location in the USA and now has 17 more in Canada. That doesn’t include Kia or Hyundai dealers that also offer Genesis cars. 

Photos Genesis / Stephen Rivers for Carscoops

We’re days away from the Los Angeles Auto Show and Fiat has quietly confirmed plans to introduce the 500e Giorgio Armani special edition. A debut is scheduled for tomorrow and the model will arrive early next year in limited numbers.

While the automaker only released a handful of details, their latest ‘product drop’ isn’t much of a surprise as the European variant was introduced over the summer. It celebrates the brand’s 125th anniversary and has been described as the “ultimate expression of Made in Italy.”

More: Fiat Introduces 500e Giorgio Armani, Says Grande Panda Could Come To America

We’ll learn full U.S. specifications shortly, but the European model has a unique Dark Green Micinalised or Ceramic Greige paint job. They’re joined by Giorgio Armani’s signature as well as 17-inch “GA” wheels featuring a burnished two-tone anodized finish.

Bigger changes occur in the cabin, which has been given a stylish makeover worthy of a premium fashion brand. The updates are immediately apparent as the 500e has laser-cut wood trim and special seats featuring chevron stitching as well as a unique central pattern. Buyers will also find special headrests and Giorgio Armani’s signature on the dashboard. Rounding out the highlights are a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a glass roof, and a six-speaker JBL premium audio system.

Like the standard model, motivation should be provided by a 42 kWh battery that feeds a front-mounted electric motor producing 117 hp (87 kW / 119 PS) and 162 lb-ft (219 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 8.5 seconds, hit a top speed of 94 mph (151 km/h), and travel up to 149 miles (240 km) on a single charge.

European model shown