Hyundai Unveils Genesis New York Concept
Since Hyundai split Genesis off into its own brand in November, the automaker has been hard at work crafting it into a true force to be reckoned with. They’ve already unveiled two vehicles in that short span of time: the G90 (formerly Equus) and the G80 (formerly Genesis). Of course, Hyundai would never slow down or stop there–the automaker is now rolling out an all-new concept vehicle that appears to signal a new dawn in terms of its design language.
The Genesis “New York” Concept was unveiled at this year’s New York International Auto Show last month. It’s similar in size to the 3-series and 5-series BMW sedans, but its design sensibilities are far more adventurous. The New York’s proportions and form factors follow convention (a hood, a cabin and a trunk), but it’s in the details where the car really shines.
It’s an aggressive, yet still sleek, car. Its low roof makes the side window spaces appear shallow, tapering elegantly into the trunk area with its slim, jewel-like taillamps and four exhaust pipes visually offset by copper trim.
“This car is not really a show car,” said Hyundai and Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer. “It’s much more of a glimpse into the future of Genesis. For us, starting from scratch as we did with the New York is a designer’s dream. We can build from a clean sheet; we don’t have to adapt to a prior work.”
It does seem like Hyundai plans to give the Genesis cars are high degree of independence similar to what Toyota did with Lexus. In fact, it’s not far-fetched to suggest that Hyundai plans for Genesis to compete directly with Lexus or BMW’s M division vehicles.
“The New York Concept is a progressive concept car that showcases the design quality of the brand. With its expressive volumes and refined design, the New York Concept truly embodies the athletic elegance which characterizes Genesis products,” said Genesis brand boss Manfred Fitzgerald.
When ArsTechnica asked Chris Chapman, Hyundai North America’s chief designer, what design element he’s most proud of on the New York Concept, he told them, “A car’s C pillar is the prime real estate for design. That’s the place where the car lives or dies design-wise… If it’s too thick or thin, if it leans too much or too little; those are critical questions. On the New York, it’s just right.”
Clearly, we can expect high quality from the New York Concept and Genesis’ future offerings. But what will the driving experience be like in such a high quality vehicle? Visit us at Rosen Hyundai to find out. While you await the New York Concept’s consumer-ready incarnation, why not test out a G80 sedan?
