New Models
New Models

Genesis Essentia concept revealed

All-electric GT hints at future product plans


httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_85FLs-v4I

The Genesis Essentia concept has been unveiled at the New York motor show this week, previewing the company's future vision for "product performance and technology".

Featuring a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque construction, the Essentia is the Korean marque's first battery electric vehicle. It represents Genesis's initial concept for a "true GT car".

Despite not having a conventional combustion engine, the Essentia maintains classic Gran Turismo proportions – a long bonnet blending into a swept-back cabin.

"The search for dynamic proportions was contrasted with advanced aerodynamic flows to highlight the bionic combination of performance and aesthetics," said Luc Donckerwolke, head of Genesis design.

Key design elements include a version of the company's 'Crest Grille', which "highlights efficiency and aerodynamics". The bonnet is transparent, allowing you to see the carbon-fibre chassis, formula car-style nose cone and exposed pushrod suspension.

Up front there are also intakes positioned on each side of the grille, acting as functional air curtains, streamlining the airflow around the vehicle's front corners.

Also flanking the front grille are the company's signature 'Quad Lights', which were first seen on the GV80 SUV concept. The light units feature laser optical technology, allowing for extremely thin, flush lenses that are integrated into the Essentia's body.

Each set of lights also extend into a side blade that feature on each front fender, creating a striking and unique light signature. Behind those blades are functional air outlets that reduce pressure buildup and drag.

The cabin is accessed by a pair of butterfly doors with integrate fingerprint controls and biometric facial recognition into the B-pillar, allowing a recognised user to open and close the doors. At the rear the Quad Light signature features again for the tail-light, while 'Midas Metal' copper wheels fill the arches.

Inside, the Essentia has been designed to "maximise the connection between car and driver".

The mixed-material approach features a mix of colours and trims, including Cognac leather seats with chevron quilting, Oxford Blue leather trim for the centre console, steering wheel and dashboard, while layered carbon-fibre inserts proved a 3D optical effect and are scattered throughout the cabin.

Ahead of the driver is an 8.0-inch widescreen cluster, which Genesis says shows "only what is necessary for driving".

While they aren't pictured, the Essentia features a second row of seats finished in Oxford Blue velvet. The Essentia also has a luggage compartment behind the rear pews that allows "plenty of cargo room for a weekend road trip".

Genesis is yet to detail the Essentia's electric powertrain, though we do know it features a "high-density" battery pack hooked up to "multiple" electric motors.

The company estimates the sporty concept can sprint from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in just 3.0 seconds.

Finally, the Genesis Essentia features vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology, along with machine learning intelligent to recommend routes based on driver inclination.

"And when the route is chosen, Essentia automatically tailors the driving character to its owner’s preference for that road," Genesis says. "From seat position to powertrain performance and audiophile system to chassis settings, the joy of the journey deserves technology to match."

The vehicle can also integrate with smart homes and devices, allowing situation-based personalisation for users. Genesis hasn't offered any word on whether the Essentia will make it to production, but a flagship sports car from the Korean marque seems pretty cool!

Click the photos tab for more images

MORE:Genesis Showroom
MORE:Genesis News
MORE:Genesis Reviews
MORE:Search Used Genesis Cars for Sale
MORE:Genesis Showroom
MORE:Genesis News
MORE:Genesis Reviews
MORE:Search Used Genesis Cars for Sale
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent