Let’s just hope now that Genesis actually puts this sleek all-electric grand tourer into production.
When thinking of GT cars, the usual (read: European) suspects like Aston Martin, Ferrari, BMW, Audi and Mercedes will typically be the marques that come to mind. Soon however Genesis might join this rather elite club of cars with its Genesis X Concept, if they ever put it into production that is.
The fifth Genesis concept car to see the light of day, this new EV-based ‘Gran Turismo concept car’ supposedly ‘embodies the essential elements that Genesis pursues in its designs’. What this translates to in non-marketing terms though is that this cool coupe seen here could well indicate what the upcoming models in the premium South Korean automaker’s lineup will look like.
Touted as Genesis’ ‘new take on sustainable luxury car design’ and the ultimate vision of the automaker’s ‘Athletic Elegance’ design direction, the exterior aesthetic of the Genesis X begins with an overly large version of the marque’s diamond-shaped ‘Crest Grille’. A feature that has been a tad divisive on its other models, over here however the looks perfectly fine when viewed together with its aggressively-styled front bumpers with large air intakes, one-piece clamshell hood and twin-lined LED headlights that stretch along the side of this concept GT.
Speaking of the sides, the svelte side profile of the Genesis X further accentuated by those beefy haunches that hide beneath it hilariously huge turbine-style alloy wheels (21-inch up front and 22-inch out back) with lime green brake calipers. Moving further up top meanwhile, a pair of digital cameras in place of wing mirrors and the Lençóis Blue exterior hue add a touch of modernity to what is a rather traditional coupe-like silhouette.
Continuing on the topic of tradition and looking round the back of the Genesis X, it would seem that the rear-end design follows on from the current lineup of cars with its twin-lined LED taillights most recently seen on its new GV70. Looking at it a bit longer too, there may be the possibility of spotting some 911 or even Mercedes-AMG GT influence from the rear third quarter of this Genesis concept. Though that is not necessarily a bad thing of course.
Now being a Grand Tourer, the Genesis X naturally features the GT staple of ‘a driver-oriented design with a cockpit that surrounds the driver with all operating systems and displays’. Though the South Korean automaker perhaps wasn’t actually planning to make the dashboard layout of its concept car look rather like a modern interpretation of what could be found in an A80 Toyota Supra from the 90s.
Aside from that coincidental throwback though, the Genesis X does feature some other nice interior touches worth highlighting. Among which include the Crystal Sphere Electronic Shift Lever mounted atop a floating centre console, a thick-rimmed two-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and interestingly enough, front bucket seats with four point harnesses.
As for what is under the hood of the Genesis X, the answer to that question is currently still unknown because Genesis has yet said anything apart from it being EV-based. The South Korean premium automaker is also uncommitted as to whether or not this GT will ever make it into production, though certain design elements seen here has been confirmed to carry on in future models.
With the market out there for luxury GT cars from even the established manufacturers currently being one that is shrinking year-on-year, it is almost certain that Genesis will not be in a hurry to rush this particular concept car into production. It is nevertheless still a shame though that such a gorgeous car will never make see the light of day.
PRESS RELEASE: Today, Genesis officially introduced the Genesis X Concept, an EV-based GT (Gran Turismo) concept car.
A world-premiere video captured the concept car’s debut, which took place on March 26 on a private rooftop in Los Angeles, showcasing the latest expression of Genesis design before a stunning backdrop.
To mark the occasion, Genesis partnered with award-winning director, Jason Bergh, in the creation of a film highlighting the dynamism of California’s car culture, Genesis’ pioneering spirit, and the promise of a sustainable future for all. The film can be viewed through Genesis Worldwide and local social channels.
“The car that we are unveiling today is a concept car that embodies the essential elements that Genesis pursues in its designs. Please take a moment to meet the future of Genesis design through this concept car, which embodies our brand’s progressive and audacious spirit” said Jay Chang, Global Head of the Genesis Brand.
The Genesis X Concept is the brand’s fifth concept car, following the New York, GV80, Essentia, and Mint concepts, and epitomizes its new take on sustainable luxury car design.
In particular, the new concept car is a high-performance GT that maximizes use of the Two Lines design element that Genesis is known for.
The Two Lines theme, which is applied throughout the interior and exterior, including electric charging devices, embodies the design language of future Genesis EV models.
The name ‘Genesis X’ is a combination of Genesis and the letter X, which symbolizes a “hidden hero.”
“The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis,” said SangYup Lee, Head of Genesis’ Global Design. “The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models.”
The front of the Genesis X features a low, yet broad silhouette thanks to the combination of the shield-shaped Crest Grille, which represents the brand’s inherent dignity and pride, and the two-lined headlamps, which cut through the wheel arch. The double-layered bumpers also create a strong impression.
In particular, the two-lined Quad Lamps symbolize Genesis’ unparalleled technology and design.
Moreover, a three-dimensional G-Matrix pattern was applied to the sharp and intricate metal structure of the Crest Grille, the symbol of Genesis, to accentuate the imagery of a futuristic electric car. The internal pattern of the grille has been painted in the same color as the exterior in order to create a sense of unity.
Furthermore, the Genesis X presents a simple, yet sophisticated image by integrating the hood and the fender to create a single panel-based Clamshell hood, resulting in one clean, sensual and uninterrupted surface.
The bottom front air vent intake features a thin and sophisticated mesh form that not only creates a sturdy impression, but also helps cool down the vehicle, facilitates airflow, reduces air resistance, and helps extend mileage.
The side follows the traditional GT model design with a long hood and a short rear, and the two-lined lamps leading to the headlamps and taillights are impressive. In addition, the arching Parabolic Line that runs along the side, and the fender’s maximized volume, create a dynamic and elegant impression.
The Two Lines’ design in the Digital Side Mirrors and the side window molding accentuate the sophisticated aspects of Genesis design.
Furthermore, while the slick, slide-to-open charging door, which features no parting lines, creates a progressive and high-tech image, the Two Lines design element is emphasized through the two-lined lights around the charging port.
Genesis maximized the concept car’s sporty sensibility by incorporating two-layered, turbine-type alloy wheels with five spokes. The brake calipers’ lime accenting hints at the high-performance character of the new X Concept.
The rear design, incorporating the shape of a horseshoe, exudes a simple and sleek image, while the voluminous fender creates a sophisticated, yet strong impression.
In addition, the taillights, which feature a two-lined design like the headlamps, evoke a sense of unity with the front, and create a sophisticated and sensual image with diffusers that accentuate the Two Lines aesthetic.
The Genesis X Concept’s Lençóis Blue color was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that it is currently pursuing. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.
Inspired by the Beauty of White Space, the Genesis X Concept’s interior features a driver-oriented design with a cockpit that surrounds the driver with all operating systems and displays.
Differentiation of space by coloring the driver’s seat scotch brown and the passenger seat an ocean wave green blue helps emphasize the concept car’s unique design.
This concept also features a dashboard that creates the sense that it is enveloping passengers and is connected to a floating center console.
Furthermore, the application of the Two Lines design element to the slim and indirect air vents that surround passengers, as well as the side window molding, emphasizes the model’s Two Lines concept while providing a sense of unity with the exterior design.
In addition, the Free-Form display, which manages various functions such as clusters, navigation and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and the Crystal Sphere Electronic Shift Lever, which integrates driving mode settings, add a high-tech atmosphere to the interior.
The Genesis X Concept features bucket seats and four-point seat belts, which are optimized for driving, and its exposed metal seat frames create an athletic impression.
The Genesis X Concept’s interior materials showcase the type of sustainable luxury that the Genesis brand pursues.
The use of upcycled materials adds unique character to the Genesis X’s interior. A weave-patterned fabric made out of leftover pieces of leather from previous manufacturing processes was used for the safety belts, parts of the steering wheel, and the airbag cover, highlighting the concept car’s eco-friendliness.
To debut the Genesis X Concept to consumers around the globe, the brand opened its digital motor show website (http://digitalmotorshow.genesis.com) with the unveiling of the concept car, offering visitors various interactive experiences and 360-degree views of its interior and exterior.
