Following the Genesis X Concept and then the Genesis X Speedium Coupe Concept, the third and final member of the series has been revealed as the Genesis X Convertible Concept, which will be displayed at the coming Los Angeles Auto Show.
As with the two earlier concepts, the X Convertible showcases the Athletic Elegance design language of the Hyundai Motor Group’s luxury brand. This includes the Genesis Crest Grille and with the X Convertible, the design is taken further up the emotional scale.
Following the launch of the Genesis GV70 SUV last year, an electrified version is now being introduced in selected markets outside its home market and will be made at the Hyundai Motor Group’s factory in Alabama, USA from next month. It will be the first Genesis model to be built in the USA and the first-ever Genesis production to take place outside South Korea.
The Electrified GV70, as it is referred to, shares the same design based on ‘Athletic Elegance’ as the GV70. The front end shows more attention to aerodynamic efficiency, vital for electric vehicles which need the lowest wind resistance possible. The Genesis signature Crest Grille has thus evolved into an aerodynamic crest that features an inverted G-Matrix Pattern and incorporates a hidden EV charging port, creating a minimalist yet sophisticated look.
The Hyundai Motor Group has announced a new global strategy which will ensure that its vehicles remain technically and functionally up to date throughout the vehicle’s entire life. This will see all vehicles (Hyundai, Kia and Genesis) transformed to Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) by 2025.
The industry-leading initiative is expected to transform the customer experience via constantly evolving software technology. It will encompass all models and enable upgrading of all vehicle functions such as safety, convenience, connectivity, security, and driving performance.
The upgrades will be delivered ‘Over-The-Air’ and the vehicles will be equipped with the necessary hardware to receive the updates. This means that owners need not visit a service centre, saving time. The ability to upgrade software will also enhance resale value of the vehicle which will be kept up to date even after 10 years in use.
In April this year, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be like. At that time, it showed only the exterior of the concept car inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.
Now, we get to see the inside of the X Speedium Coupe which, like the exterior, embarks on a design evolution of the Grand Tourer concept in the coming age of electrification. Over the 5 months since it was first revealed, the interior design was developed by the Genesis design group which adopted a ‘freestyle’ design exercise.
“The X Speedium Coupe was conceived as an internal design exercise that we later decided to reveal publicly. It was nothing more than a hard model built on our Athletic Elegance design identity,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke. “Given the positive reception it received at the event, we chose to complete the concept and present it to discerning attendees at the Pebble Beach Concours. The interior captures the Genesis brand’s ‘Beauty of White Space’ design ethos, which suits various luxury lifestyles and adds to the appeal of the dynamic GT.”
Driver-oriented layout and UI concept The interior of the X Speedium Coupe leverages a classic Korean design principle known as ‘the Beauty of White Space’. Inspired by Korean architecture, this aligns closely with the ideology of reductive design and is expressed through a minimalist and pure form language punctuated by strong design elements.
The asymmetric, driver-oriented layout is a continuation of the theme found on Genesis’ more recent concept cars, in which all the control systems and displays surround the driver. The instrument panel and floating centre console wrap around the driver cockpit, amplifying the driving experience.
This effect is further accentuated by the interior’s contrasting colour palette, which clearly distinguishes the driver’s area from the passenger space. The driver’s seating area is set in Pinegrove Green, a complement to the Inje Green exterior.
The contrasting Monterey Gold around the driver’s seat—a colour inspired by the scenery along the Northern California coast—alludes to the yellow flowers and golden sand found in the region.
New sound architecture In addition, Genesis is exploring the future of audio experiences through a new sound architecture. This blends technology and art while highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. In collaboration with sound mater Guk-il Yu, the head of Metal Sound Design (a company that specializes in high-performance speakers), the X Speedium Coupe features strategically-placed speakers to fill the interior with rich sound.
Tweeters, mid-range speakers, woofers and sub-woofer are strategically positioned to provide the finest staging sound experience. The aluminium tweeters, which emit high-pitched sounds, were flawlessly crafted with a precision milling method to optimize acoustic performance.
Driver-focused cockpit The driver-focused cockpit has a curved OLED display that visualizes the heritage of high-performance cars. The cluster’s GUI includes a centre-mounted motor output indicator designed in a ‘newtro’ (new+retro) style – a stark contrast to the RPM gauges found in cars with combustion engines.
The vertical display on the right side of the driver’s seat features an integrated touch display with an optimized UI design. The display includes the start button as well as the multimedia and vehicle control functions.
Craftsmanship in the details The X Speedium Coupe’s cargo area has X straps on top of the loading space, a detail inspired by the brand’s unique G-Matrix Pattern, a design feature derived from the Genesis Mint Concept.
Another noteworthy detail is the leather; the material itself as well as its application. The quilted pattern on the leather seats and the door trim gives the impression of a classic sportscar. Meanwhile, the steering wheel features cut-off leather that were salvaged from re-purposed car seat materials and woven together.
Eco-friendly leather Two types of leather were used in the interior: vegetable-tanned leather and an innovative new breathable grain leather. The vegetable-tanned leather is treated with plant-derived substances – such as citrus fruits and mimosa – and processed without chromium.
Compared to ordinary leather, the breathable grain leather used in the upper part of the cabin requires less water and lower levels of chemicals to manufacture. The threads used in the finishing process are made from repurposed plastic, adding to the material’s durability and water resistance factors.
According to Donckerwolke, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. “This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.
There are various ways of expressing luxury in a car and designers are always looking for new ideas. The design team at Genesis has come up with something unique which is a standout features in the brand’s first battery electric model – the GV60.
Known as the Crystal Sphere, it represents a striking interior focal point for GV60 and an emotional connection between the driver and the vehicle. Beautifully crafted, the Crystal Sphere embodies Genesis’ approach to design, luxury and ergonomics. It is adapted from a feature first seen in the Genesis X concept car.
Located in the floating centre console, the sphere appears as a sparkling, jewel-like object placed within the spacious and balanced cockpit which is inspired by the ‘Beauty of White Space’ philosophy of traditional Korean architecture.
“As the GV60 is an electric vehicle, it is naturally extremely quiet, making it a challenge to alert the driver that the car is ready to drive. Our engineering and design teams collaborated closely to create this unique and captivating way for the driver to engage with the vehicle through the Crystal Sphere. Combining form with function, Crystal Sphere embodies Genesis’ commitment to offer unrivalled technology, premium design and driver appeal,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer at Genesis.
Form and function When the GV60’s electrical systems are turned off, the Crystal Sphere becomes part of the vehicle’s ambient cabin lighting, delivering a calming glow to the cabin when the car doors are opened to welcome its occupants.
When the driver pushes the engine start button, the sphere rotates through 180˚ to reveal the metal finish Shift-By-Wire controller, creating a compelling atmosphere of futuristic mobility. By turning the transmission dial that is knurled for optimum grip, the driver is able to select the desired gear, receiving haptic feedback that confirms a gear has been engaged, including a subtle vibration when requesting a direction change, such as when shifting from drive to reverse.
Practicality and safety The Crystal Sphere also acts as a safety feature, which is important for an electric car that is very as silent. Typically, the only indication of the car’s current state are the icons on the instrument cluster. When charging, the Crystal Sphere is not able to be rotated into driving mode, while it glows red as a warning when reverse is selected.
Featuring a real glass finish, Crystal Sphere has been laser-engraved on the inside with an elegantly delicate interpretation of the Genesis G-Matrix design signature. Created after numerous sampling and modifications, this optimized pattern is further highlighted by the soft backlit illumination.
Yet with its role in controlling the transmission, the Crystal Sphere is much more than a bold decorative element. As a result, Genesis engineers have made durability and ease-of-use a priority. Everything from the motor output to the materials used and specifications of the wiring was thoroughly evaluated through cycle testing in high and low-temperature environments, as well as being engineered to withstand heavy loads.
As a unique centrepiece, the Crystal Sphere will be included as standard across all versions of the GV60 range. Now on sale in Europe, the GV60 is priced from £47,005 (around RM255,000).
First Genesis BEV The GV60 is Genesis’ first vehicle to be built on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the Hyundai Motor Group. It is available with rear-wheel drive model, all-wheel drive, and a performance model with all-wheel-drive. Each model features a 77.4-kWh battery pack, and the RWD model has a claimed maximum driving range of 451 kms per charge.
The RWD model’s motor output is 168 kW/350Nm, while the AWD model has a 160 kW motor for its rear wheels and a 74 kW motor for the front wheels, providing a total output of 234 kW with a maximum of 605 Nm.
The performance model has two 160 kW motors for the front and rear wheels, delivering a total output of 320 kW, maximum torque of 605 Nm, but the claimed maximum driving range is 368 kms on a fully charged battery pack.
A Boost Mode, activated by a button on the steering wheel, can increase straightline performance for 10 seconds. This will enable the vehicle to go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4 seconds.
Genesis has announced its debut in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) sim racing videogame series as an official manufacturer partner of the Gran Turismo World Series, an online global motorsport championship. GT7 is developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. and was recently released on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles.
The luxury brand of the Hyundai Motor Group will make available to championship competitors the Genesis X GR3 and G70 GR4 concept vehicles, as well as the G70 Sport Sedan for the Manufacturer’s Cup.
“Genesis is pleased to be presenting the dynamic G70 sport sedan and our ambitious GR3 and GR4 concepts in Gran Turismo 7,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice-President and Head of Genesis Global Design Centre. “This platform allows fans of racing to get behind the wheel and discover the bold designs and performance ambitions of Genesis as we continue to explore the brand’s entry into motorsport.”
The X GR3 and G70 GR4 are concept vehicles which were shown last year when Genesis revealed the vehicle design process at an ultra-modern experiential installation called ‘The Performance of Design’ during Monterey Car Week. The two concept vehicles were part of a trio of models developed in collaboration with the creators of the Gran Turismo videogame series.
The X GR3 is based on the Genesis X Concept shown last year and reinterpreted in the Gr.3 racing specification. It is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with 555 ps.
The G70 GR4 Gran Turismo, is a California-built 420 ps racing car derived from the Genesis coupe. It is a completely reimagined G70 sport sedan for competition with a GT-inspired racing package. Building on the existing G70 model to create a bold, yet elegant, high-performance racing car, it showcases the motorsport intent of the brand.
Other concepts under study are the GR1 Alpha_DB, GR1 Bravo_GB, and GR1 Charlie_ET, all of which are potential designs for a future Vision Gran Turismo Concept that will be an elite racing car.
While the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was in the spotlight being announced as the 2022 World Car of the Year award at the New York International Motor Show, Genesis – the third brand in the Hyundai Motor Group – unveiled the X Speedium Coupe to give a preview of what the luxury brand’s next wave of electric vehicles will be liked.
The concept car reflects Genesis’ principle of reductive design with Genesis’ wings and Two Lines prominent, while an hourglass silhouette gives the car its muscular presence. It was born out of a ‘freestyle’ design exercise based on the Genesis X Concept and inherits the brand’s design philosophy of ‘Athletic Elegance’.
Inspired by passion for motorsports
The name ‘Speedium’ was inspired by the passion for motorsports which Genesis designers felt at the Korean racetrack. It also encapsulates the brand’s belief that the emotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification, while the addition of the ‘coupe’ further accentuates the enjoyment of driving through aesthetic designs.
On the front, Genesis’ signature Two Lines lamps have evolved into a full-width element that encompasses the shape of the crest resembling the Genesis Crest Grille. It is designed to carry the brand signature of the wing face for the electrification era by integrating the daytime running lamps with the low beam and high beam together. It carries an EV face that symbolizes Genesis’ transformation towards becoming an all-electric car brand with a 6-model line-up by 2030.
From an overhead perspective, the hourglass silhouette is evident, while the curvaceous and sensuous form accentuates the wheelarches creating muscular presence. Viewed from the side, the Parabolic Line extending from the front to the rear of the car maintains a certain tension in the design as a classic car would.
The concept car’s metallic emerald green shade is referred to as ‘Inje Green’. The reference to a Korean racetrack is seen in the colour which encompasses the mountainous landscape where the track is located.
According to Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of the Hyundai Motor Group, the X Speedium Coupe challenges the status quo of a defined car type. This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design. This is not a showcar… it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA,” he said but clarified that it is also not a conventional concept car that previews plans for the production line-up.
Genesis House in New York
The X Speedium Coupe was unveiled at Genesis House in New York, a cultural space which opened in 2021as the brand’s home in the USA. Measuring 4,340 square metres and consisting of 3 floors, it has been a venue for numerous events held in collaboration with various artists and the local community. The environment at Genesis House also allows guests to enjoy a Korean cultural experience with a restaurant and Tea Pavilion.
Besides a library, there is also an exhibition space displaying the Genesis line-up of existing models and concept cars. Tessellated mirrors set off the design of the cars on display, and a curator is on hand to provide detailed explanations in various languages.
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.
First generation G90 (2017)
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.
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.
In the past year, Genesis, Hyundai’s premium brand, has been busy expanding its range, especially with its entry into the European market this year. Soon, the range will be joined by the new GV60, the brand’s first electric vehicle based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated EV platform (E-GMP).
Numbering system of Genesis range
The ‘G’ in GV60 represents ‘Genesis’, while the ‘V’ represents the vehicle’s versatility. The number ‘60’ is the lowest in the Genesis line-up and comes as the brand evolves its model-numbering scheme to fit the design identity of ‘Athletic Elegance.’ Applying a different approach from convention (where smaller numbers refer to smaller size), lower numbers will emphasize athleticism under the scheme, with elegance represented by higher numbers.
Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP for EVs
Sleek, coupe-like design
The exterior design highlights a high-performance image along with a dynamic and smooth appearance, with the front featuring a design optimized exclusively for an electric vehicle. Below the line of flanking Two-Line Quad Lamps is a more athletic Crest Grille. While there is no internal combustion engine to cool, the grille is still used to allow air to blow towards the high-voltage battery pack in the underbody for cooling.
The GV60 will also see a new wing emblem applied to the grille, with the thickness of the emblem reduced by nearly 80% from previous models. It has the same unique Guilloche pattern often seen in luxury watches, a blend of the brand’s analogue sensitivities with high-tech innovations.
In addition, Genesis designers have opted for a ‘Clamshell Hood’ for the first time, a single panel which combines the bonnet and fenders, creating a sleek impression by removing lines between the parts.
The side view shows a smooth and dynamic profile of a high-performance coupe. The silhouette is simple yet sharp, running from the bonnet to the rear spoiler. The spoiler accents the coupe-shaped roof. A chrome line flowing from the windscreen to the top of the Day Light Opening (DLO) window extends to a C pillar-garnish design that embodies the image of ‘electric’, adding a distinctive characteristic to the model.
Shoulder volume is emphasized in the rear fender to create a low and wide profile and further accentuate the image of high-performance by combining it with technical functions such as various sensors, taillights, and rear turn signals at the bottom.
Digital rearview mirrors
The GV60 will not have conventional door mirrors using reflective surfaces. Instead, they will capture the rearward views on either side using a camera and display images on a monitor. The door handles remain flush when not needed, improving aerodynamics, and automatically pop up when the driver approaches the car.
The Crystal Sphere
The interior takes on Genesis’ design ethos of the ‘Beauty of White Space’ to create a spacious and comfortable interior. At the same time, it has embodied differentiated images with its floating architecture and unique details. The most noticeable feature is the Crystal Sphere, a sphere-shaped Shift-By-Wire (SBW) that intuitively informs drivers when the car is ready to drive.
The Crystal Sphere is one of the most compelling design elements of the GV60. When the car’s powertrain is turned off, the Crystal Sphere becomes mood lights, adding to the aesthetic of the driving experience. When readying to drive, it rotates and the SBW display appears, creating an indoor atmosphere of futuristic mobility. The Crystal Sphere can this also provide emotional connection with driver while indicating driving status.
The ‘floating’ console, where the Crystal Sphere is located, works with other design features such as the slim cockpit and flat floor to provide passengers with a maximum level of openness. The ‘crash pad’ in the cabin is designed in a wide and slim shape to augment the pleasant interior, emphasizing a high-tech atmosphere with a wide-screen integrated indicator for audio, video, navigation, telecommunication.
Genesis has not given details of the electric powertrain although it is likely to be shared with recent new EV models like the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6. The launch date is also unknown but the Korean market is likely to get it this year, and shipments to other markets will start in 2022.
Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, is aiming to develop a performance side to its image, just like the three Japanese luxury brands (Lexus, Infiniti and Acura). It is already finalizing a range of GT models that will appear in showrooms in the next couple of years.
This weekend, during the Monterey Car Week in California, Genesis is showing its design process at an ultramodern experiential installation called ‘The Performance of Design‘. At this event, the brand will unveil 3 concept models developed in collaboration with the creators of the PlayStation Gran Turismo videogame series.
G7o for competition
One of the models that will convey its motorsport intent are the G70 GR4 Gran Turismo, a California-built racing car, during an exclusive event. This is derived from the G70 sedan but completely reimagined for competition with an all-new GT-inspired racing package.
“The G70 GR4 GT builds on the existing G70 model to create a bold, yet elegant, high-performance racing vehicle,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Genesis Design. “We are pleased to be presenting this vehicle and others as we explore the brand’s entry into motorsport.”
4 other concepts
Besides the G70 GR4 GT, there will be the GR3 and 3 potential designs for a future Vision Gran Turismo Concept, an elite racing vehicle. The three design studies are:
GR1 Alpha_DB – an experimental concept that embraces ‘Athletic Elegance’, separating the brand’s iconic two lines to form one seamless design and testing the limits of aerodynamics and speed.
GR1 Bravo_GB – a sophisticated mobile sculpture, proving that function and beauty can work as one.
GR1 Charlie_ET: a design embracing the technical precision of ‘Athletic Elegance’, capturing the tension, athleticism and performance of Genesis products.
Immersive experience with AR and VR
Visitors to the facility will be able to ‘experience’ these new designs with the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies that will create an immersive environment.
