First post here. I've been eyeing the 6MT G70 for a few weeks now. While I see what you're saying, I know what they're doing. What do you think the take rate is going to be with the 6MT G70? I'll bet it'll be less than 10%. Lets face it, automatics are taking over. Us manual enthusiasts should be thanking Genesis for even offering a manual version of the car WITH Brembo's all around and a limited slip differential. As you noted yourself, Audi has dropped the manual from their 2.0T A4 for 2019 making them a manual-less manufacturer (in the USA at least). Alfa doesn't offer one period in the USA, MB really hasn't since the 90's,
Cadillac with the ATS does as does BMW for some of their 3 Series, but lets face it, how much longer will they? Even VW confirmed that the next Golf R will be DSG only. I'm a strong advocate for manuals. I have had my 2006 Mk5 GTI since new and it is manual as is my daily driver 2015 Mazda 3 hatchback. I only consider manual cars to buy, so offerings are getting slim.
Now back to your post, I do agree that it'd be super awesome if the 6MT G70 for the USA had the following (in addition to what it does have):
Copper headlight treatment
Dark tint taillight covers
Dark chrome grille
Heads-up display
Dinamica microfiber headliner
These are indeed not included for the manual? I thought the manual did get the low beam assist? Not a huge deal breaker for me either way.
Low beam assist
Genesis logo approach lights (MT does not)
Rain-sensing windshield wipers would be cool IF you can disable them, but again, not a deal breaker for me. No sunroof, honestly, 10 years ago, that would've bothered me, but after having the Mazda (a base iSport), I can deal without one since it has the goods (LSD, Brembos, 6MT, RWD). My GTI does have one too. The power folding, auto dimming exterior mirrors would be nice too (mostly the auto dimming portion). As far as built in NAV, at least it has
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto standard. And with iOS 12, Waze should finally be fully integrated.
I'm just glad to see that the US spec 6MT G70 has the heated and ventilated leatherette seats, full LED lighting, and the 15 speaker Lexicon audio system. AFAIK, the Canada 6MT G70 has the Nappa leather, but no ventilation and I don't think they get the Lexicon audio system either. Correct me if I'm wrong.
With all of that said, if they had offered all of that with the 6MT, you'd now have a $40+k car. Maybe they should've offered the "base" version they are offering and then an AT equivalent version just without the AT and without the SCC/ACC (since it sounds like Genesis doesn't want to deal with having that responsibility with a manual; Honda, VW, Toyota with their new 6MT Corolla HB do have adaptive cruise control available with their manuals. But again, since the take rate is going to be <10%, I see their point in not offering a fully loaded version. Just as Alfa did. Alfa said they were going to have a 6MT offering for the USA and then BOOM! Last minute, they decided 8AT only. When you look at the sales numbers of a 3 Series vs a Gulia, you'll see why that is.
Sorry for the long first post!