Genesis for Gen3 Supercars?

Genesis has revealed three stunning concept cars that are destined to appear on the Gran Turismo video game series.

Unveiled at the Monterey Car Week in California, the trio includes a physical Genesis G70 GR4 static display based on the 2021 Genesis G70 sports sedan that was facelifted earlier this year.

Technical details of the Californian-built GR4 have not been disclosed, but we’d expect a development of the G70 flagship’s 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6.

The physical concept begs the question: Is Genesis about to go GT racing for real?

And could we see Genesis race cars on the Supercars grid in Australia once Gen3 regulations are introduced from 2022?

According to the car-maker, these concepts “further explore the brand’s motorsport future” and showcase Genesis’ “motorsport intent”.

We’ve asked Genesis Australia exactly what that means, and are awaiting comment.

With or without a motorsport program, Genesis will virtually unleash the GR4 in Gran Turismo, as well as another two concepts.

Sitting above the GR4 is the oddly-named Genesis X GR3 concept, a two-door coupe that bears some resemblance to the larger Genesis G80 luxury sedan.

Genesis is giving away very little on the X GR3 at this point other than on-track renderings, but some have speculated it previews an all-new Genesis GT80 high-performance model that was recently trademarked in the US.

Finally, there’s the Genesis Vision Gran Turismo, or VGT. Genesis says it hasn’t landed on a final design for the VGT, so instead released three potential designs: Alpha, Bravo and Charlie.

Prototype names also include GR1, which would presumably position the VGT for top-flight racing, in Gran Turismo at least.

Genesis has previously indicated an intent to go racing, with (then) global brand boss Manfred Fitzgerald telling carsales at the Monterey Car Week in 2018 that “motorsport is definitely an activity which we will be looking at, and are looking at right now; but give us some time”.

“We have to get the foundations right – the base right – then we can take it to the next level. Motorsport is definitely a valid activity that has a lot of things where we can see a very credible link to our brand,” he said.

Genesis concepts in the past have also alluded to a sporty future, including the striking Genesis Essentia coupe and Genesis X concept unveiled in March.