Hyundai’s in-house luxury brand Genesis has unveiled the GV80 Concept SUV at the New York International Auto Show. The GV80 Concept is the brand’s first interpretation of a versatile luxury SUV, which strikes a perfect balance between elegance and versatility. On the exterior, this is seen in the concept’s confident posture and athletic prowess, while the spacious interior indulges passengers and immerses them in technology that connects them to the vehicle.
The GV80 Concept presents a modern and refined interpretation of a capable sport utility vehicle, building on the strength of architecture and the beauty of natural elements. The design team thoughtfully expressed these ideas throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle in utilizing exceptional materials and purposeful forms to create a feeling of desire. The concept’s overall shape is distinguished by its proportions, finely balanced with dominant surfaces, exhibiting sophistication and functionality that conveys the SUV’s infinite versatility to the driver.
The front of the GV80 Concept showcases the signature Genesis crest grille proudly presented by the lower grille surround, which establishes a dominant center spine that runs through the length of the vehicle. The diamond motif mesh grille and wide-set horizontal quad headlamps that encase jewel-like graphics assert the SUV’s powerful stance and stately presence. The rest of the exterior panels’ bespoke Ice Granite finish provides a subtle contrast against the rest of the precision detailing.
The elegant posture of the GV80 Concept is defined by a parabolic line that establishes the confident side profile, and visually connects the front and rear to further reveal the SUV’s athletic and nimble nature. Muscular fenders house bold 23-inch mesh alloy wheels designed to reduce weight and cool the large brake system. Electronic door handles sit flush underneath the concept’s dynamic crease line for enhanced aerodynamic performance and simplicity.
The core of the vehicle is extended through the rear, visualized by the center spine detail in the upper rear brake light. Further fortifying the GV80 Concept’s athleticism, slim quad lamps elongate towards the powerful rear quarter panel for a planted stance. Laser fiber optic technology in the tail lamps produces a truly unique Genesis lighting signature at night.
Designed in harmony with the refined exterior, the interior of the GV80 Concept creates a sophisticated environment for its passengers through superior craftsmanship, creative attention to detail and advanced technology. The interior cabin immediately greets passengers with a bridge instrument panel that stretches from door to door creating a welcoming and spacious ambience. A wide 22-inch curved display set in the instrument panel cascades into the driver’s cluster, which combines the precision of a classic speedometer with the immersive flow of information from a digital display.
Further uniting the interior and exterior, the GV80 Concept’s side pillars are constructed with a structural truss design viewable from inside and outside the vehicle. This detail brings in the exterior environment, promoting a unique interaction with the outside landscape.
The GV80 Concept’s interior features an innovative Human Machine Interface that offers users intuitive operation and function control through the use of a new multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch.
The horizontal 22-inch curved OLED infinity display presents two distinct zones, providing separate driver and passenger experiences. An ash wood lower center console integrates the high-tech controller and polished linear metal inlays with capacitive touch capabilities. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition as another method for interacting with the informational panel. Through touch control, each metal string allows direct access to the most commonly used functions including Navigation, Entertainment, Communication, and Environment (or customized driver settings).
By tapping these metal strings, passengers gain separate control of a mini-view on the right side of the wide display without disturbing the driver. The custom inlayed console runs through the center spine of the SUV emphasizing the length of the vehicle while creating four separated zones. Each passenger is invited to a tailored seat with access to the capacitive touch inlays and an individual entertainment system allowing for control of a customized user experience.
all images courtesy of Genesis