The Genesis New York Concept shows Hyundai is serious about making waves with its new luxury brand spinoff.
Motive force for this concept is a hybrid drivetrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric power for a total output of 242 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission does the shifting, versus the usual hybrid setup of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
But the Genesis New York Concept is more about giving people a peek at the kinds of design elements we'll see on future Genesis products, rather than a ground-breaking drivetrain. The exterior is low-slung but with a huge grille, slit-like headlights, highly stylized 21-inch wheels, and a gorgeous quad-outlet exhaust system. Copper touches adorn the air dam, brake calipers, door sills, and exhaust area.
See our complete New York auto show coverage.
A 21-inch "floating" display screen for the instruments and multimedia functions highlights the four-seat cabin, although the large tachometer on the left of the screen remains analog. Besides the usual infotainment functions, the giant, curved display screen can also help owners address any mechanical problems the car encounters. For instance, if a check engine light comes on, it can tell the owner what is wrong; how severe the problem is; how soon the car needs service; where the nearest dealer is; make an appointment for you; and even advise the dealer about what work needs to be done before the car is brought in.
A Genesis official told us this is a feature we can absolutely expect on future models.
The open steering wheel design—reminiscent of ones found on airplanes—makes it easier to see the instruments. Stainless-steel mesh trim continues the exterior's copper theme, while the climate control vents and audio system's speakers feature a turbine look.
Genesis had previously announced it will launch a BMW 3 Series/Mercedes-Benz C-Class competitor. This isn't that car, and although specific dimensions of the concept weren't given, it appears slightly oversized for that segment.
But the New York Concept wasn't intended to focus on a specific model. Rather, the point is to show the bias the Genesis brand's cars will have toward design, materials, and technology.
That mission was surely accomplished.
Read our Genesis G90 first drive.
