Korean luxury brand Genesis has revealed its most aggressive-looking vehicle yet with the GV80 Coupe Concept.
It’s calling the concept, a virtually production-ready rival for the likes of the BMW X6, a “statement of intent for the future, hinting towards more emotional and performance-oriented models”.
It took the wraps off at its flagship retail space, Genesis House in New York City, and confirmed the vehicle would enter production.
While it didn’t announce timing, reports out of Korea have suggested it will enter production early in 2024. These reports have also indicated it would only be offered with the top twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, though Genesis hasn’t yet confirmed powertrain details.
Though clearly derived from the existing GV80, it’s not simply the current model with a more sloped tailgate.
Genesis’ distinctive split-level lighting remains, though the headlights move away from the brand’s individual cube multi-lens array and instead have the appearance of a single lighting element. Genesis calls this “seamless light performance”.
The tail lights also echo this “seamless” signature.
There’s a more aggressive front bumper, while the familiar crest grille is finished in black with four slots underneath.
Instead of a panoramic sunroof, there’s a carbon-fibre roof that helps lower the centre of gravity. The GV80 Coupe Concept also rides on five-spoke forged aluminium wheels.
Blistered fenders and two rear spoilers – one upper, another a lip on the “elliptical concave ducktail” – complete the look.
Inside, the concept seats only four, with each occupant receiving a sporty bucket seat upholstered in suede and Nappa leather with bright orange stitching.
Each seat also features carbon-fibre seat backs finished in the same Magma colour as the exterior.
Carbon-fibre trim can also be found on the dashboard and centre console, while the standard GV80’s controversial two-spoke steering wheel is substituted for a sportier three-spoke item.
The most aggressive touch in the interior is a ‘G-Matrix’ strut brace behind the second-row seats, intended to increase the body’s structural stiffness.
The dashboard appears largely unchanged, apart from new trim.
Genesis says the concept signals the next chapter for the brand.
“At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80, and G90 models,” said Hyundai Motor Group chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.
“Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs. Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes.”
Mr Donckerwolke also said the concept showcases “the antagonistic character that lives within… Genesis’ design philosophy”.
Genesis recently previewed a trio of two-door concepts – two coupes, one convertible – under the X nameplate. The droptop is reportedly entering production.
MORE: Everything Genesis GV80
Keyword: Genesis previews BMW X6 rival with GV80 Coupe Concept