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First Look: Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept -- Sweet!

[Credit: All images courtesy Genesis]

 

 

The designers over at luxury brand Genesis have come up with what we think is one of the coolest new car designs of the year: the GV80 Coupe Concept. The four-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sports car/SUV mashup, which is rumored to sport a turbo V-6, is part of the brand's bid to diversify its lineup with more performance-oriented niche models.

Genesis already sells the Genesis GV80 (Kelley Blue Book's highest-rated midsize luxury SUV of 2023 and a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner) with available V-6 engine in the GV80 3.5T models and optional third-row seating, so the Coupe Concept is a spinoff that looks to compete with smaller, more racy high-end SUVs such as the V-6 turbo Porsche Macan or crossovers like the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Coupe SUV.

"At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80, and G90 models," said Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group's executive vice president for Design and chief creative officer. "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."

Genesis has released very few details about the GV80 Coupe Concept, but the car is intended to hit the real-world production line. Not even the engine specs are available, but for those of you who are tired of reading about electric cars, rejoice! Car and Driver has made an educated guess the racy coupe will sport a "twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine" as "the most likely powertrain option." Makes sense, given the engine choices for the regular GV80 midsize SUV.

The GV80 Coupe Concept's overall vibe, though, still creates excitement on its own.

The concept's front fascia sports the double G-Matrix patterned crest grille surrounded by very distinctive quad lights, which have evolved from multi-lens array technology to seamless light performance. Cooling is optimized by four slots within the bumper that reduce shadowed thermal flow.

Genesis' rear-wheel-drive platform provides the basis for the GV80 Coupe Concept's long hood and generous dash-to-axle proportions. These refined proportions are further emphasized by the anti-wedge parabolic line. It is complemented by the muscular blisters and fenders that contrast with the vehicle's elegant coupe silhouette.

The coupe sits low, rides on five-spoke forged aluminum wheels, and boasts a carbon fiber roof with lines that emphasize the vehicle's sporty character. The vehicle's optimized aerodynamic fluidity is complemented by an upper rear spoiler and spoiler lip on the elliptical concave ducktail, which provides increased downforce at speed. The seamless rear lamps complete the Genesis Two Lines signature design scheme at the rear.

The model's bold design is also emphasized by its Magma exterior color, which is just super hot.

Inside, the GV80 Coupe Concept really looks like it is ready to hit the track or even a rally circuit. The three-spoke steering wheel plays an important role in emphasizing the sportiness of the interior, which contrasts black Nappa and suede leather with plaid double stitching, orange piping, and carbon fiber weaves on the functional surfaces.

Four bucket seats provide increased body support during cornering, contributing to passenger safety and comfort, while the carbon fiber back rest, painted in body color, further accentuates the GV80 racy character. The structural stiffness of the body is reinforced with a G-Matrix strut brace behind the bucket seats.

No word on when the new GV80 Coupe will be produced. Car and Driver speculates it will be 2025 and start around $65,000. We can't wait to get more details from Genesis.

Sources: Genesis, Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book

Published April 2023

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