Genesis shows epic X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept
Time for Genesis to join the Vision Gran Turismo ranks in some style
While none of the production models from Genesis have wowed just yet (in the UK, at least), it has produced some genuinely jaw-dropping concepts. See the X Convertible concept, for example. Now there’s this, the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept, just to force the point home. So there’s hope, perhaps, for a real Seoul stunner in future.
Not least because there are design cues here familiar from production models. No, really. The front end treatment, particularly the shape of the grille, identifies it as a Genesis, and while it gets rather more dramatic than usual from there it doesn’t completely abandon the familiar principles. It’s just the light bar and Two Lines design philosophy has never been applied to something so arresting before. You’ll recognise the orange from the GV80 Coupe Concept too, of course. And just look at those wheels!
“Our goal was to create a timeless design rooted in the essence of motorsport,” said John Krsteski, Genesis Senior Chief Designer. “We have an incredibly diverse global design team that are car and racing enthusiasts. The designers relished the opportunity to create a race car that featured Genesis design elements as well as technical performance attributes. It has become a catalyst of inspiration for our other programs.” Genesis’ press material for the X Gran Berlinetta VGT draws particular attention to the ‘anti-wedge attitude’, ‘virtual parabolical tensioned theory’ and cab rearward proportions, all of which are said to be shared with the production line up. So while a Genesis supercar isn’t going to happen, expect to hear of this car’s influence in upcoming creations.
As for actually virtually driving the Genesis, there it gets even more exciting. Because while many manufacturers have taken the Vision Gran Turismo opportunity as a chance to electrify everything, this Berlinetta has a 10,000rpm V6. Alongside a hybrid motor, total outputs are 1,071hp and 986lb ft, which ought to make it pretty fast. The driver’s eye view will show quilted bolsters to make high-g cornering and pit stops comfy, while the ‘Beauty of White Space’ philosophy employed by Genesis keeps only vital info on show via the wide, slender central screen. The whole thing, like the outside, looks superb.
Once upon a time it was probably easy to belittle the effort invested in Vision Gran Turismo cars, but as the stature of the franchise has grown even greater so the incentive is there to get the most engaging design and experience possible in front of a fresh audience. You can bet there will be plenty of GT gamers who know nothing about Genesis, but will be more than a little intrigued by a 1,000hp V6 supercar that looks like this. Having been revealed as a full-scale model at the Gran Turismo World Finals in Barcelona, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept will be available with the latest GT7 update, coming in January. What to do first - drive it, or just keep gawping?
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It obviously doesn't of course.....
Let’s be honest, neither are pretty
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