Update: Our reporter, currently in a press conference with Hyundai executives, messaged us to say that the GV80 Coupe Concept will go into production. The more outlandish aspects of concept cars are often toned down in production versions, so the GV80 Coupe that reaches showrooms may not look exactly like the concept.
In the run-up to the 2023 New York International Auto Show, Genesis has just unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept. It’s definitely a concept, but it isn’t a coupe.
Well, not in the accepted sense of some low-slung, sleek thing with two doors. But with the fashion for SUVs to spawn fastback-roofed variants — like the BMW X6 (born out of the X5), Audi Q5 Sportback, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe — it follows some kind of logic for Genesis to bring a more rakish roof to its GV80 luxury midsize SUV.
A Closer Looks Rewards With Fine Details
Not that logic is the main reason to buy a “coupe” version of an SUV. In these instances, styling takes a front seat. And Genesis has certainly shown some artistry here. The roof is the most obvious thing, but the more you look at it, the more the other details come through.
Like the rear spoiler and side-mirror housings made of carbon fiber, the rear wing above the back window, four extra little vents below the blacked-out grille, plus a couple of trapezoid-like exhaust outlets. Oh, and the massive drilled brake discs at each wheel. All these things are distinctly sporty.
Sporty is not usually mentioned in the same sentence as Genesis, but here we are. These go-faster cues multiply once the doors are open and we look into the cabin. It has four race-car bucket seats, as well as lots of suede-like material for the upholstery and more carbon fiber in the center console. Since this GV80 Coupe is a concept — so far — Genesis hasn’t given any details of what might be simmering away under the hood.
Not Far From Production-Ready
The other thing about this concept is that it isn’t so outlandish. Although Genesis hasn’t said one way or the other, the company easily has the means and the machinery to make this a production reality. Even with that roof, rear headroom is still pretty good. And since BMW has its M division and Mercedes-Benz has its AMG arm, it’s possible for Genesis to create its own high-performance operation.
Then again, it seems odd that a company that has pledged to make all its vehicles all-electric by 2030 might start building something that would clearly relish burning gasoline. Or perhaps it could be the marque’s last hydrocarbon hurrah.
