Genesis unwraps luxurious GV80 Coupe Concept

GENESIS has unwrapped its luxurious GV80 Coupe Concept in New York this week, the model said to serve as a “statement of intent for the future” and a “preview of Genesis’ future programs”, hinting that a production version of the vehicle is likely.

The South Korean marque says the “more emotional and performance oriented” GV80 Coupe Concept characterises its design philosophy while further emphasising the athletic styling attributes for which Genesis models are now known.

With a sumptuous four-seat cabin, the GV80 Coupe Concept is said to drawn inspiration from the recently outed X Speedium Coupe Concept, combining “the practicality of a lifestyle oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car”.

Genesis says the GV80 Coupe Concept sports its new Double G-Matrix fascia with patterned crest grille, quad headlights and slotted bumper, the latter said to “reduce shadowed thermal flow” for improved cooling.

The rear-wheel drive platform of the model is said to have enabled designers to offer long bonnet- and generous dash-to-axle proportions which are further emphasised by an anti-wedge parabolic line, muscular blisters and fenders “that contrast with the vehicle’s elegant coupe silhouette”.

The front fenders of the GV80 Coupe Concept wear the Designed by Genesis plaque its maker says highlights the exclusive character of the vehicle, while the five-spoke aluminium wheels and carbon-fibre roof contribute to dynamic driving qualities and a sporty character.

Further emphasising the sporting prowess of the concept model is a functional upper rear spoiler and spoiler lip on the elliptical concave ducktail, the rear-end of the car once more characterised by Genesis’ signature Two Lines tail-lights. The concept is finished in a “distinctly Korean” Magma red paint.

Continuing the themes of the exterior, the GV80 Coupe Concept’s cabin features a three-spoke steering wheel, contrasting black Nappa and suede leather upholstery with plaid double stitching, orange piping and carbon-fibre weaves, and four bucket-style seats. The backrest of the seats is finished in carbon-fibre and painted in body colour.

A strut tower brace is visible in the cargo compartment, hinting again at the model’s sporting nature.

Genesis did not reveal powertrain details of the concept model, though it is likely a production variant would share the same under-bonnet offerings found elsewhere in the GV80 range.

“(The GV80 Coupe Concept) emphasises the duality of the Genesis brand by showcasing the antagonistic character that lives within the Athletic and Elegance parameters of Genesis’ design philosophy,” said Genesis group chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80 and G90 models. 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.”