It's that time of the year when the expensive and glamorous show-floors of the Big Apple deck up and host car-makers from around the world. Amidst a slew of cars that made their debuts at the 2018 New York Auto Show, Genesis has turned out to be a star. A flashy new Grand Tourer that goes fast and is powered by electric motors, the Essentia Concept is just what Hyundai's luxury brand needs to raise it's stakes in the upper echelons of the automotive industry.
Eschewing conservatism and embracing GT principles that are loved universally, the Essentia is a stunner any which way you look at it!
A light-weight carbon-fibre monocoque forms the crux on which the car is based. Classic GT cues - the long hood, the swept-back cabin and the fastback silhouette - combine with contemporary conceptual elements like the transparent hood, the bubble-shaped greenhouse, the exposed push-rod suspension and the formula car-style nose cone to create a strong visual impact. The butterfly doors and the parabolic character line running along the shoulders are the other highlights of this design that's expected to filter down to future Genesis models. The now-familiar Crest Grille and Quad LED illumination signature, like the ones we saw in the GV80 Concept previously, have been nicely incorporated as well.
Magnificent copper-coloured alloy wheels shod with thin Pirellis hint at the performance on store. Speaking of which, the car runs on multiple electric motors that store power in a high-density battery pack housed in the center tunnel in an I-shaped structure. Specifications aren't out yet but Genesis hints at sports car-like performance from this luxury Grand Tourer.
Interiors are pure concept stuff and are brilliant for the role they're supposed to play. Featuring Cognac leather seats with chevron quilting, center console finished in Oxford Blue leather, seat belt slots made of glass pearl-finished aluminium and layered carbon fiber decor, the Essentia Concept's cabin is a rich play of imagination at work. Ahead of the driver is a 8.0-inch widescreen display that looks fantastic and is operated by a central controller. The entire cockpit wraps itself around the occupants with an arc that connects the dashboard and the doors.
As you would expect from a luxury brand playing catch-up, a lot of technological innovations are promised with Genesis claiming the Essentia surpasses the industry standard, focusing on the connection between the vehicle and its environment. There is so much happening on this space these days and its better we don't talk about any of it until it actually happens and the car launches.
Having killed the Genesis Coupe that was sold with a Hyundai badge, Genesis needs a luxury GT coupe in its portfolio and the Essential fit the bill perfectly. Now, can you make it as it is, please?
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