Although Genesis was originally a Hyundai flagship model name, the company decided to spin it off as a stand-alone brand name for a line of more luxurious models. The name is fairly ‘neutral’ in the same way that Lexus, Infiniti and Acura do not immediately register as Japanese brands.
Since being established in 2015, Genesis has steadily built up its portfolio of products, mainly with the American market in mind. There are obviously other models to come and the design language that they may have has been shown in the Genesis X, an EV GT (Gran Turismo) concept car.
Unveiled on a rooftop in Los Angeles, the presentation depicted the dynamism of California’s car culture and the brand’s pioneering spirit, with the promise of a sustainable future for all. It is the brand’s fifth concept car, following the New York, GV80, Essentia, and Mint concepts.
“The Genesis X Concept embodies the essential elements that Genesis pursues in its designs. 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.
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 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 Sang-Yup 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.”
Inherent dignity and pride
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 wheelarch. The double-layered bumpers also create a strong impression.
The two-lined Quad Lamps symbolize Genesis’ unparalleled technology and design, while a 3-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 colour as the exterior in order to create a sense of unity.
Simple design with sophisticated image
The styling has a simple, yet sophisticated image by integrating the bonnet and the fender to create a single panel-based Clamshell bonnet, 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 profile follows the traditional GT model design with a long bonnet and 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 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.
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 designers maximized the concept car’s sporty sensibility by incorporating two-layered, turbine-type alloy wheels with 5 spokes. The lime accenting on the brake calipers hints at the high-performance character of the Genesis X Concept.
The concept car’s Lençois Blue finish was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.
Driver-oriented interior
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 colouring the driver’s seat scotch brown and the passenger seat an ocean-wave green-blue helps emphasize the concept car’s unique design.
The design of the dashboard creates the sense that it is enveloping passengers and is connected to a floating center console. Again, using the Two Lines design element, the slim and indirect air vents that surround passengers, as well as the side window molding, provide a sense of unity with the exterior design. Interior materials showcase the type of sustainable luxury that the Genesis brand pursues.
In addition, the Free-Form display, which manages various functions such as clusters, navigation and air conditioning system, and the Crystal Sphere Electronic Shift Lever, which integrates driving mode settings, add a high-tech atmosphere to the interior.
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.
