The sleek, raked-roof four-passenger SUV had its global debut in NYC, just ahead of the New York Auto Show
- The GV80 Coupe Concept debuted April 3 at Genesis House in New York City
- The SUV coupe’s design was inspired by the X Speedium Coupe Concept
- Production models are not quite confirmed, but are very much expected
Every year since it launched as a brand in 2016, Genesis has unveiled a surprise in New York City. Often it’s a new vehicle, sometimes it’s a concept. This year, a couple days before the doors opened at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, the seven-year-old luxury brand pulled the sheets off its latest concept.
Genesis welcomed journalists and other guests to the “immersive destination” that is Genesis House in NYC for the reveal of the GV80 Coupe Concept, presenting the new SUV alongside a menu of Korean appetizers and a few words from designer Luc Donckerwolke.
The GV80 Coupe Concept rides on the maker’s rear-wheel-drive platform, and is finished in an orange as fiery as the liquid-hot magma that flows not far beneath the surface of its country of origin. As Donckerwolke puts it: “The colour symbolizes the self-confident and passionate attitude of Korea. There is a quiet, efficient, disciplined and humble first impression, soon contrasted by a high-performing and extroverted attitude.”
Up top, there’s a black carbon-fiber roof with some spoiler action; and up front, a dark mass where the grille used to be. Also larger intakes, slimmer headlights, and of course a blunt, coupe-ish rear end.
At the event, doors of the concept were opened to allow for looking – but no touching – at the clean interior’s three-spoke steering wheel, minimalist dash, carbon-fiber accents layered on black Nappa and suede leather, and four racing seats replete with orange accent stitching that looks almost tartan, plus a strut brace for added stiffness.
There are a number of elements of the GV80 Coupe Concept that are familiar already, too, including those loud, five-spoke forged aluminum wheels; and the “Two Lines” light bar that looks like an equals sign wrapping around the front and rear sides of the vehicle.
The concept boasts the first SUV-coupe architecture in Genesis’ nine-vehicle stable, and it’s one that will probably join them in production. A Genesis SUV coupe would fit well into a segment already populated by plenty of luxury brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, and even Lamborghini.
Genesis has not given any specs or performance details for the GV80, and hasn’t said for sure whether it will enter production, or when. But don’t be surprised if it joins the lineup in a permanent way soon. The brand has been continuing to gain steam and market share. It had its best year in the U.S. last year, moving 800,000 units, and is on track to beat it again this year after the hottest Q1 sales ever.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept will be on display this week at the New York International Auto Show.
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