Athletic Elegance Archives

Design of new generation of Genesis G90 flagship revealed

The G90, flagship of Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, has undergone a full model change. This is the model which originally began life as the Hyundai Equus. In 2015, when the Korean carmaker launched its new luxury brand, the Equus became the Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea). The model was then facelifted and now enters its second generation.

Athletic Elegance design philosophy
Much of the new design adopts the Genesis design cues that are guided by the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’. The frontal presentation consists of a new Crest Grille which has a luxurious look with its Layered Architecture finish. This comprises two G-Matrix patterns layered on top of one another to create a 3-dimensional effect.

Resembling the brand’s emblem, the Two-Line headlamps located on both sides of the grille feature the thinnest such lamp designs by Genesis. Intercrossing the lens of the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) with low beam powered by MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology has made it possible for thin lines of the headlamps.

Clamshell Bonnet
A special design feature is the Clamshell Bonnet, a single panel that combines the bonnet and fenders in order to eliminate panel gaps and create a sleek impression. This sleekness is also embodied in the Guilloche (a decorative technique) pattern-applied emblem, which is nearly 80% thinner than seen on previous emblems.

Viewed from the side, the Parabolic Line design can be seen to start from the bonnet and flows along the bottom of the window to the boot in a seamless line. The voluminous body has been further enhanced with the Athletic Power Lines on the fenders around the wheels, projecting power and dynamism.

The DLOs (Day Light Openings) that surround the first and second-row seat windows are designed to harmonize with its thick C-pillars. This offers second-row passengers both an open atmosphere and privacy at the same time, a clear complement to the model’s image as a best-in-class luxury sedan.

The elegant proportions of the wide rear create a strong and well-balanced image. The Two-Line rear combination lamps – key elements of the Genesis design language – are elongated along the boot, with Genesis’ lettering emblem placed concisely between them.

To draw focus to the iconic Genesis design elements on the upper rear part of the car, functional elements, such as the license plate, various sensors, and the reverse lights, have been placed toward the bottom to ensure that the rear offers a clean look.

Long-wheelbase version
Genesis will also offer a long-wheelbase version with more space for the second-row door and C-pillar area. This allows more space for the rear seats. This longer version also comes with an exclusive design for the 20-inch wheels. There are also exclusive front and rear bumper designs with chrome decorations on the rims.

2022 Genesis G90 long-wheelbase — *G90 Long Wheelbase version.*

“The G90 will redefine the flagship luxury design experience in a unique way only offered by Genesis,” said to Head of Genesis Global Design, SangYup Lee. “The G90 is the ultimate expression of Athletic Elegance that carefully balances dynamic driving and an elegant rear seat experience.”

With the G90, Genesis plans to expand its presence in the luxury sedan market not only in Korea, but across the globe.

Genesis to add G80 Sport variant to its range in October

Genesis, the Hyundai Motor Group’s premium luxury brand, is adding a sportier model to its G80 range. To be known as the G80 Sport, it will be launched in the third quarter of this year. No doubt, this model will be an important one for the European market which the Korean brand has just begun entering.

Genesis design identity
The G80 range was launched last March and the G80 Sport uses the same Genesis’ design identity of ‘Athletic Elegance’ but has its own front end design. Additionally, the radiator grille has a dark glossy chrome, and a 3-dimensional wing-shaped front bumper accents the intake grille. Black bezels around the LED headlamps also contribute to the bold and sporty look.

Lower down, the G80 Sport will have exclusive 20-inch dark sputtering alloy wheels with their G-Matrix Pattern and two additional caliper colours offered in black and red.

There is also a unique bumper design at the rear to give a powerful and aggressive appearance. The Genesis designers adjusted the colour of the bootlid molding too, while adding a new diffuser design to the bumper.

The G80 Sport will be available in Cavendish Red, an exclusive new colour. The name is inspired by a cliffside on the north coast of Prince Edward Island in Canada, while the colour was drawn from the area’s famous red cliffs.

Sport-specific equipment
Inside, the G80 Sport receives the Sport model-specific 3-spoke steering wheel, and the dashboard garnish comes in 3 different designs including Sport-exclusive real aluminium, real carbonfibre, and a diamond-patterned hybrid weaving pattern, which will debut for the first time ever in the G80 Sport.

Customers will also be able to choose exclusive seat quilting designs based on their choice of a diamond or V pattern. They have a choice of three interior colour themes, including black monotone with a choice between grey or red stitching, and Sevilla red.

Technical details are likely to be similar to the G80 sedan with additional emphasis on driving dynamics. The G80 Sport will also have Rear Wheel Steering to enhance cornering capabilities. The petrol powertrains available for the sedan are a 304 ps 2.5-litre turbocharged Inline-4 and 380 ps 3.5-litre turbocharged V6, as well as a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 210 ps.

The Genesis story
Genesis initially began as a model name, used for high-end luxury sedan under the Hyundai brand. However, in 2015, the carmaker decided that it should become a standalone brand. This followed the same sort of approach taken by Honda (Acura), Toyota (Lexus) and Nissan (Infiniti) when they wanted to move higher up in the market.

Until this year, Genesis has focussed on the Korean, North American and Russian markets. This year, it has entered China and since last month, it started its entry into Europe. The first European markets are the UK, Germany and Switzerland. Since 2015, Genesis has sold more than 500,000 vehicles, with the G80 accounting for more than half of that number.

Genesis reveals G70 Shooting Brake for European market

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