Even though I have been a car aficionado and a professional automotive journalist for more than ten years, it took until this summer for me to finally visit the Nurburgring. A mix of not prioritizing the trip and missing out on automaker invitations meant I kept hearing from others about how remarkable the experience was while remaining a bit skeptical.
I made it a goal to go this year, so during an extended work/personal trip to Europe this summer, I carved out a weekend at automotive heaven—and while I probably picked the wrong dates, it was nothing less than astonishing. Over two days, I was able to drive several cars, but before tackling all 13 miles of the Nurburgring Nordschleife alone, I went on a ride-along to get a feel for the track.
While accompanying Genesis in France for its Hypercar launch at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I discovered that the Korean automaker provided a Ring Taxi service at the track. They graciously offered me a ride if I happened to be nearby, so after sorting out the logistics, I found myself getting into the passenger seat of a G70 sedan, unsure of what to anticipate. The downsides? It was Saturday, and the place was packed. Plus, the temperature was 102 degrees ambient, hitting upwards of 107 on the asphalt.
Would this be a relaxed lap? Would it be full throttle? Who was driving? What were their credentials? Was the car modified? Should I engage the driver in conversation or stay quiet? I barely had a moment to ponder or ask those questions when the boom gate rose, and my driver quickly made it clear he was in a rush without uttering a single word.
Within moments of entering the track at the Döttinger Höhe straight, we were hitting around 135 mph, with no signs of slowing down as corners approached. It wasn’t until we reached the tight turns before and after the official start-finish line that I truly grasped how serious this guy was. He was an older, fit gentleman with a white beard, looking straight out of one of those “Sexy Santa” holiday cards. Wearing yellow-tinted driving glasses, his movements were incredibly precise and smooth. He clearly had a profound understanding of what he was doing.
Our ride was the Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Prestige RWD, featuring a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 that, complemented by the optional variable exhaust, produces 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 167 mph. However, at that moment, the critical feature was the G70’s 13.8-inch ventilated Brembo brakes, as they were going to be essential.
Out of the blue, while casually going 150 mph through the Kotenborn section, he suddenly asked: “First time?” I replied, “Yes, I’ve only navigated the track in video games.” He chuckled and said, “In real life, you can’t hit reset,” and continued driving flat out.
The car felt absolutely exhilarating, though not literally. But with the extreme heat, the hot and circulating air from the traffic around us, and the engine pushed to its limits, the A/C was clearly struggling. And so was I. I didn’t quite reach the point of feeling nauseous, but I wasn’t entirely comfortable at moments while being jostled side to side repeatedly. Fortunately, those smart Genesis folks provided sick bags in each door pocket.
I experienced a mix of elation and disappointment when the lap came to an end, as it meant I could regain my composure, roll down my window, and let in some fresh air, only to discover the outside air was hot and humid. I also learned that my driver had been racing at the Nurburgring (including the annual 24-hour endurance race) for about 15 years, accumulating thousands and thousands of laps. On busy Saturdays when the Ring Taxi service is fully booked, he completes around 35 to 40 laps in a day alone. It’s no wonder he was intimately familiar with every aspect of that place!
I’ve been in the shotgun seat with prominent drivers like Max Verstappen, Tom Kristensen, Ben Collins (The Stig), Jordan Taylor, Timo Bernhard, and numerous others at the wheel, and I would easily rank this experience among the most thrilling, without a doubt.
Here’s the twist: the nice little USB drive that Genesis provided me with onboard footage of my lap turned out to be defective, and I didn’t realize this until I returned home. So unfortunately, I have no footage to share my experience here. I only have a couple of clips I recorded with my iPhone, which you can view in the Instagram embeds above. Regardless, that’s alright, since if there’s an abundance of anything on YouTube, it’s videos of ‘Ring laps.
Later that day and the following day, I had the chance to drive a Polo GTI around the Nordschleife, and subsequently, a fully prepared Mini JCW race car. Both were incredible, but the Mini was an absolute riot. I really hesitate to use the term “pilgrimage,” but visiting the Nurburgring truly is precisely that for car enthusiasts.
If you haven’t experienced it, you should genuinely make an effort to do so. And if you’re curious about the Genesis Ring Taxi, you can click here for additional information.
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**The Genesis G70 Showcases Remarkable Performance on the Nürburgring, Competing with Leading Sports Sedans**
The Genesis G70 has established itself as a strong competitor in the sports sedan market, highlighting its outstanding performance capabilities on one of the most demanding racetracks globally—the Nürburgring. Renowned for its challenging layout and varied terrain, the Nürburgring functions as a testing ground for automotive manufacturers, allowing them to push their vehicles to the limit under extreme conditions. The G70’s commendable lap times and handling characteristics have placed it alongside established rivals in the luxury sports sedan sector.
**Performance Specifications**
At the core of the Genesis G70’s performance lies a choice of vigorous engines catering to driving enthusiasts. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, generating 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For those craving additional power, the available 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine produces a hefty 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Both engines connect to an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth shifting and quick acceleration.
The G70 also incorporates an all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability, especially around the challenging corners of the Nürburgring. This system, paired with a well-tuned suspension setup, enables the G70 to maintain composure and agility, making it a formidable opponent against more well-known sports sedans.
**Handling and Dynamics**
One of the defining attributes of the Genesis G70 is its handling dynamics. The sedan utilizes a rear-wheel-drive platform, contributing to a balanced weight distribution and a more engaging driving experience. The adaptive suspension system allows drivers to tailor their ride quality, switching between comfort and sport modes to fit their preferences.
During testing on the Nürburgring, the G70 showcased impressive cornering abilities, featuring precise steering feedback and minimal body roll. The sedan’s skill to handle tight turns and remain stable at high speeds is a testament to its engineering and design. Furthermore, the G70’s braking system, equipped with large ventilated discs, delivers strong stopping power, further solidifying its performance credentials.
**Competing with the Best**
The Genesis G70 has been compared to some of the premier sports sedans available, such as the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. While these competitors have traditionally been seen as benchmarks in the market, the G70’s performance at the Nürburgring has captured the attention of automotive aficionados and critics alike.
The G70 not only matches but, in several instances, exceeds its rivals concerning performance metrics. Its competitive lap times and dynamic handling have positioned it as a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a combination of luxury and sportiness without sacrificing comfort or technology.
**Conclusion**
The Genesis G70’s performance on the Nürburgring emphasizes its capabilities as a high-caliber sports sedan. With a robust engine lineup, remarkable handling, and a focus on driver engagement, the G70 has effectively carved out a space for itself in a competitive marketplace. As Genesis continues to refine and evolve its offerings, the G70 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation, making it an attractive choice for those in search of an exhilarating driving experience.