Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand and its rival to the likes of Lexus and Mercedes, has shown off a new concept coupe that "previews what prospective owners of Genesis can expect from Genesis' next wave of electric vehicles." If this is what they'll look like, sign us up...
Freestyle design exercise
This is the Genesis X Speedium Coupe (great name...) and it has been dreamed up as part of what's being called a "freestyle design exercise" led by Genesis' Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donkerwolke. Donkerwolke was just this week awarded the 2022 World Car Person of the Year, and from this evidence, we can see why.
The Speedium name, incidentally, was inspired by the passion for motorsports felt by Genesis designers at the Korean racetrack. Meanwhile, the fact that it's a coupe apparently "accentuates the enjoyment of driving through aesthetic designs." Whatever about the marketing speak, it's certainly handsome. Genesis' signature split headlights have been extended out into two ultra-long LED strips which form the 'face' of the Speedium, while the deep v-shape in the lower light imitates the style of the current Genesis grille.
Open-door moment
"This car is an open-door moment in Genesis' journey towards our future EV design," said Donckerwolke. "This isn't a show car - it's a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis' DNA." That journey, says Genesis, will see it become an all-electric brand by 2030, starting with next year's GV60 electric SUV (which platform shares with the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5).
In side profile, the Speedium gets what Donkerwolke calls an 'anti-wedge' profile, so the tail of the car dips down in a more elegant fashion, albeit with a kick-up 'ducktail' spoiler that puts us in mind of 1970s Porsches. Looked at from directly overhead, the car is said to have an 'hourglass' figure, with "curvaceous and sensuous form accentuates the wheel arches creating muscular presence."
"We are giving each design element space to breathe," said Donckerwolke. "It's not about making the design elements compete with each other, but about orchestrating the elements so that they complement and respect one another."
Green inspired by mountains
That green paintwork (green is always the best colour) is also a bit special. Called "Inje Green" it's meant to evoke images of Korea's mountainous landscape.
Mind you, the Speedium was actually revealed in New York, in the heart of the old meat-packing district, at Genesis House. This is a combination of cultural centre, restaurant, exhibition space, and dealership that "carries forward the bold and innovative spirit of the brand by welcoming guests in a gracious manner that is deeply rooted in Korean culture."
Will Genesis come to Ireland? Yes, is the short answer, but you might need to be patient. Hyundai Ireland has confirmed that it's looking to launch Genesis here, but that given the current issues with vehicle supply, it might not arrive until late 2023 or early 2024, and the GV60 SUV will be the first model on sale.