Genesis takes wraps off GV80 Coupé Concept, previewing its final petrol car
Drawing Two Lines under combustion power with a sporty SUV
Korean luxury car brand Genesis has given us a very good idea of what its final model powered by an internal combustion engine will look like, after taking the covers off its GV80 Coupé Concept.
Although officially a concept car, Genesis is expected to bring the fastback version of its flagship SUV to production as a rival to the likes of the Mercedes GLE Coupé and BMW X6, and the final design is likely to be very close to the model that was unveiled today at Genesis House New York.
Genesis says the GV80 Coupé Concept “combines the practicality of a lifestyle-oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car”, adding, “It is a statement of intent for more emotional, performance-oriented models and a preview of Genesis’ future programmes.”
However no performance details have been hinted at, other than to say the concept is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, marking a departure from the the GV80 SUV, which is only available with four-wheel drive. When questioned by Driving.co.uk, Genesis refused to be drawn on whether the SUV’s 2.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine would be used, with either the standard output of 300bhp or tuned for extra performance.
It’s likely whatever powerplant is offered the production GV80 Coupé will feature the SUV’s eight-speed automatic transmission.
The front of the GV80 Coupé Concept features Genesis’s double G-matrix patterned crest grille and the brand’s quad light layout, which has evolved from a multi-lens array to seamless LED strips that continue along the front wings in Genesis’s characteristic “Two Lines” signature. Wide air intakes are complemented by four slots within the bumper that reduce “shadowed thermal flow”.
The bonnet also previews Genesis’s forthcoming metallic badge, which is installed from below the body panel rather than glued on top.
But of course the big changes come at the rear, where the chopped roofline with an upper rear spoiler flow down to a pronounced spoiler lip, creating an “elliptical concave ducktail”. Genesis claims this creates increased downforce at speed. The Two Lines lighting continues at the back with the seamless rear lamps.
The concept’s sporty character is emphasised with unique five-spoke forged aluminium wheels and a carbon fibre roof, which reduces weight and lowers the centre of gravity.
The interior of the GV80 Coupé Concept is designed to contrast Genesis’s key philosophy of the “Beauty of White Space” with more athletic attributes associated with its sportier models.
The three-spoke steering wheel is covered in black Nappa and suede leather with plaid double stitching, orange piping and carbon fibre weaves on the functional surfaces.
The concept is strictly a four-seater, with painted carbon fibre sports seats designed to further reduce weight and hold occupants securely while cornering at speed. A G-Matrix strut brace behind the rear passengers emphasises the structural stiffness of the car.
Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer for the Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Genesis, said: “At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans … now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes.”
If Genesis does bring the GV80 Coupé to production, expect it to go one sale from early next year. It would be Genesis’s final petrol car, with the focus shifting to pure-electric models hence. The brand has six EVs planned by 2030.
Follow @wdron Tweet to @wdronRelated articles
- If you were interested in the Genesis GV80 Coupé concept you may also like to check out our Genesis GV60 review, which we awarded a maximum five stars.
- And don’t miss our story on Genesis’s technology that allows keyless car entry via face recognition
- Genesis boss: Aircraft-style steering yokes might be cool but safety must rule
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