The Genesis G70 delivered a memorable performance during a high-speed Ring Taxi ride at Germany’s Nurburgring Nordschleife, leaving a veteran automotive journalist impressed after experiencing the legendary circuit for the first time. The ride highlighted both the sedan’s capabilities and the demanding nature of one of the world’s most famous racetracks.
First Visit to the Nurburgring Leaves a Lasting Impression
After more than a decade as a full-time automotive journalist and a lifelong car enthusiast, the author finally visited the Nurburgring earlier this year during an extended work and personal stay in Europe.
Over the course of a weekend, the author drove several vehicles around the 13-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife. Before taking to the track personally, Genesis offered a ride in its Ring Taxi service following discussions during the automaker’s Hypercar debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
The experience took place on a busy Saturday with ambient temperatures reaching 102 degrees, while track surface temperatures climbed above 107 degrees.
Genesis G70 Ring Taxi Delivers a High-Speed Experience
As the lap began, the driver wasted no time building speed. Within seconds of entering the Döttinger Höhe straight, the Genesis G70 was traveling at approximately 135 mph and continued pushing hard into the circuit’s opening sections.
The driver, described as an older, very fit man with a white beard and yellow-tinted driving glasses, displayed smooth and precise control throughout the lap. His confidence became clear as the car carried significant speed through the demanding corners.
During the drive, the driver asked whether it was the author’s first visit to the circuit. After hearing that the track had only been experienced through video games, he replied with a laugh, “In real life you can’t hit reset,” before continuing at full pace.
Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Prestige RWD Specifications
The Ring Taxi vehicle was a Genesis G70 3.3 Sport Prestige RWD equipped with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Combined with the optional variable exhaust system, the engine produces 368 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque.
- Engine: 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6
- Output: 368 horsepower
- Torque: 376 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 167 mph
- Brakes: 13.8-inch ventilated Brembo brakes
Under the extreme temperatures and continuous high-speed driving, the air conditioning struggled to keep the cabin cool. The author also noted the physical demands of the ride, although the vehicle was equipped with motion sickness bags in each door pocket.
An Experienced Driver Behind the Wheel
After the lap concluded, the author learned that the Ring Taxi driver had been racing at the Nurburgring for approximately 15 years, including the annual 24-hour endurance race held at the circuit.
On fully booked Saturdays, the driver typically completes between 35 and 40 laps in a single day, explaining his familiarity with every section of the Nordschleife.
The author ranked the experience among the most exhilarating rides ever experienced, alongside laps shared with drivers including Max Verstappen, Tom Kristensen, Ben Collins, Jordan Taylor, and Timo Bernhard.
Missing Footage but Lasting Memories
Genesis provided a USB drive containing onboard footage from the lap, but the device turned out to be faulty and could not be accessed after the author returned home. As a result, only a few clips recorded on an iPhone remained available.
Later that weekend, the author drove both a Volkswagen Polo GTI and a fully prepared Mini JCW race car around the Nordschleife, describing both experiences positively while calling the Mini an absolute blast.
The visit concluded with the view that the Nurburgring is a destination worthy of any automotive enthusiast, while Genesis continues to offer its Ring Taxi experience for visitors interested in riding around the circuit.
