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John Mahoney29 Mar 2018
NEWS

NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Genesis stuns with breathtaking electric coupe

Premium Korean brand shows off high-performance coupe; design said to inspire all future Genesis models

Genesis has stunned show-goers at the New York motor show with the unveiling of its all-new Essentia Concept.

Previewing a pure-electric high-performance GT, the Genesis Essentia is the fledgling standalone premium brand’s first battery-powered concept.

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Standing just 1270mm tall, at first glance the stylish concept looks more like a reimagined SRT Viper than one of the Hyundai-owned marque’s premium sedans.

The four-seat Genesis Essentia echoes the traditional grand tourer's long bonnet and a swept-back cabin. Uniquely, the concept coupe gets a transparent bonnet that gives the effect of a single piece of glass that stretches from nose to tail. Look closely and you’ll also see a cool motorsport-inspired double-bubble roof.

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Underneath Essentia is pure supercar with its main structure being an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque. Panels are also composite to keep weight to an absolute minimum benefiting both range and performance.

Genesis hasn't quoted any power or torque figures, however, with the coupe sporting two powerful electric motors, we’re tipping it will not lack in get up and go. Genesis does claim Essentia will reach 100km/h in around 3.0sec.

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Keeping it stable at high speed, Genesis designers have blessed the coupe with some advanced aero. Hence the pronounced F1-style nose cone, pushrod suspension and carefully positioned air intakes on the left and right of the firm's trademark 'crest' grille.

At the front of the car, you'll also spot the reappearance of the dramatic twin-strip LED light set-up that was first introduced on the GV80 Concept at New York show in 2017. Expect the lights to appear on forthcoming Genesis production models, albeit without the Essentia's next-generation laser tech.

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Huge functional air vents behind the front wheels, meanwhile, are there to reduce air pressure that causes drag.

At the rear of the car, again, aerodynamics dictates. That explains why there's a large carbon-fibre rear diffuser and yet more venting — this time for the rear wheel-arches.

Access to the cabin is via a pair of butterfly doors that require fingerprint and fascial recognition before unlocking and opening. Inside, Genesis designers say they have worked to reduce clutter. The intricate designs precipitated the use of 3D printing. Indeed, many of the parts cannot readily be made using mass-production techniques.

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From its Cognac-coloured front leather seats and contrasting Oxford Blue leather rear seats, the designers say that the cabin takes its inspiration from high fashion and classic colour combos. That explains the use of blue velvet-wrapped headlining.

Ahead of the driver is a wide-screen display that's said to projects only critical information.

Genesis says Essentia is designed to have plenty of luggage space and be a practical GT.

As well as its next-gen pure-electric powertrain the new Genesis concept also debuts the car maker's vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle technology.

Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) the car can even remember your favourite road — automatically tailoring the car for more enthusiastic driving… From switching the powertrain, suspension and steering to their sportiest settings, to readjusting your seat and sound system to an appropriate soundtrack…

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The same embedded AI is said to not only recognise roads but also the driver's mood and is capable of engaging in two-way dialogue through voice command. The on-board help, meanwhile, can also make electronic payments on your behalf taking care of parking charges, for example.

Sadly, it's unlikely a production version of the Essentia will ever see the light of day. Instead, the dramatic coupe will be used to preview how the Genesis' ‘Athletic Elegance’ design language will evolve.

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It also gives an opportunity for new Head of Genesis, Kia and Hyundai design, Luc Donckerwolke an opportunity to make his mark on the premium car-maker. Donckerwolke replaces Peter Schreyer, who retires this year

“A Gran Turismo typology highlights our ambition as a luxurious car brand for the connoisseurs and it is the perfect base to project our DNA in the future," said the ex-Lamborghini and Bentley design chief.

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