Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo series has evolved into much more than a racing simulator for automakers who use the Vision GT concepts to showcase the wildest dreams of their designers. The new Genesis X Gran Berlinetta does exactly that, incorporating the latest version of the Athletic Elegance styling language without the limitations of a production vehicle.
While some Vision GT concepts remained digital-only affairs, Genesis built a full-scale prototype of the X Gran Berlinetta, formally unveiling it today at the GT World Series Finals in Barcelona.
The new concept is an exotic hypercar designed for racing, although if you ask us, it wouldn’t look out of place at Pebble Beach. The low-slung body with the long hood and the cab-backward proportions is full of sexy curves and nicely integrated intakes contributing to a drag coefficient of 0.34 cd. Genesis’ signature Quad Lights go around the Crest grille and extend to the profile, making sure that the concept won’t go unnoticed in combination with the striking Magma color and the massive center-lock wheels. The rear end is dominated by an elliptical shape, interrupted by the large diffuser with an F1-style brake light.
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The interior successfully manages to combine a luxurious ambiance with motorsport-derived features, in a minimalist and uncluttered way. The centerpiece is a digital panoramic interface mounted on the base of the windshield. Besides displaying the essential information, it also improves visibility, showing feed from the surrounding digital monitoring system.
Genesis designers gave emphasis on the touch points, with luxurious-looking knobs on the yoke steering wheel, door cards, and dashboard. Last but not least, the heavily bolstered seats are quilted and padded, infusing a little bit of Genesis G90 flair into the carbon-fiber cockpit of this wild hypercar.
Massive Amounts Of Hybrid Power To Match Its Looks
The company shared the concept’s specifications, but the promised performance figures are destined for the virtual realm rather than the real world. The hybrid powertrain consists of a mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine and a Yasa E electric motor. The V6 alone roars to life with 870 hp (649 kW / 882 PS) and 790 lb-ft (1,071 Nm) of torque, revving up to 10,000 rpm, while the quiet electric motor adds an extra 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 196 lb-ft (266 Nm).
With a combined output of a hypercar-worthy 1,071 hp (799 kW / 1,086 PS) and 986 lb-ft (1,337 Nm) of peak torque, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT ventures closer to Bugatti Bolide territory than any other Korean model from the past.
“Our goal was to create a timeless design rooted in the essence of motorsport,” said John Krsteski, Senior Chief Designer at Genesis. “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.”
The concept certainly doesn’t look like it could evolve into a production offering, but the designer’s sentiments leave us hopeful that future Genesis products could capture some of its allure and exotic charm. After all, most of us would like to see the Hyundai Group’s premium brand trying its luck in more exciting segments. Until that day arrives, Gran Turismo 7 players can look forward to taking the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision GT Concept for a virtual spin on their screens, beginning in January 2024.
