Nov 30, 2018

What we're driving: The Genesis G70

Genesis G70 takes on German icons like BMW 3-series. Photo: Genesis

This week I'm driving the Genesis G70, a worthy finalist for North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY).

If you don't know Genesis, it's Hyundai's new luxury brand. The G70 is the latest model in the lineup, a compact performance sedan aimed squarely at German icons like the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Why it stands out: Starting at $35,895 (thousands less than the Germans), the G70's bang-for-the-buck combination of performance and luxury is hard to beat.

  • I drove the 2.0T rear-wheel-drive model with an optional 6-speed manual transmission — one of three powertrain choices.

Active safety tech: Like all Genesis models, the G70 comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems like forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

The bottom line: The Genesis G70 has already won Motor Trend's 2019 Car of the Year. It's up against Volvo's S60 sedan and V60 wagon and Honda's reborn electric Insight in the independent NACTOY awards. The winner will be announced in January at the Detroit auto show.

Go deeper: What we've been driving in past weeks

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World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

Countries where novel coronavirus cases are falling may be hit with a "second peak" if they relax restrictions too soon, World Health Organization emergencies chief Mike Ryan warned during a briefing Monday. "We're still very much in a phase where the disease is actually on the way up," he added.

By the numbers: Almost 5.5 million people have tested positive for the virus as of Monday, and more than 2.2 million have recovered. The U.S. has reported the most cases in the world (over 1.6 million from 14.6 million tests). The U.K. is reporting over 36,900 deaths from the coronavirus — the most fatalities outside the U.S.

Go deeper (2 min. read)ArrowUpdated 16 mins ago - Health

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 5,498,849 — Total deaths: 346,306 — Total recoveries — 2,233,180 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 1,662,768 — Total deaths: 98,223 — Total recoveries: 379,157 — Total tested: 14,604,942 — Map.
  3. World: Italy reports lowest number of new cases since February — Ireland reports no new coronavirus deaths on Monday for the first time since March 21 — WHO suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine over safety concerns.
  4. 2020: Trump threatens to move Republican convention from North Carolina — Joe Biden makes first public appearance in two months.
  5. Public health: Officials are urging Americans to wear masks over Memorial Day.
  6. Economy: New York stock exchange to reopen its floor on Tuesday — White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says it's possible the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by November's election — Charities refocus their efforts to fill gaps left by government.
  7. What should I do? Hydroxychloroquine questions answered — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Updated 19 mins ago - Politics & Policy

LATAM Airlines files for U.S. chapter 11 bankruptcy

A LATAM air attendant aboard one of the company's planes in March. Photo: Kike Calvo/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

LATAM Airlines Group SA said in a statement early Tuesday the firm and its affiliates in in the United States, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.

Why it matters: Latam is Latin America's largest airline and its shareholders include Delta Air Lines. CEO Roberto Alvo noted in the statement the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the airline industry.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)ArrowUpdated 1 hour ago - Economy & Business