Genesis shows its softer side with roadster concept
NEW YORK – In a departure from the usual aggressive styling that goes with sports cars, Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis delivered a prototype at the New York International Auto Show that plays to its softer side.
The Essentia concept vehicle is an electric-powered, high-performance concept roadster with a long, shapely hood and swooping curves that are aimed at being a counterpoint to the sharp angles, sinister headlights and other elements that go into most testosterone-driven sports cars.
It’s the kind of prototype automakers used to build just to show the capability of their designers and point to the future. These days, most concepts are more practical — forerunners of designs that are already coming to real models.
Genesis designers saw this concept as a chance to put their imaginations to work.
“We did not want the typical sports car (look),” said Luc Donckerwolke, head of Genesis design after the car’s debut. Sports cars that are too aggressive looking can backfire. “A lot of people see that as a provocation,” he added.
So the Essentia concept got it’s soft, curvy shape. “It’s about the joy of driving,” he said.
Genesis says Essentia is its first electric car to make use of a carbon-fiber shell.
It’s not the kind of car automakers are quick to order to production — they typically wouldn’t sell a lot of them — but Donckerwolke says don’t count it out. Genesis executives might decide it’s just the kind of car that can help distinguish Genesis in a crowded market for luxury cars.
“It’s the icon of the brand,” he said.