Genesis wants Essentia concept to become reality by 2021

Genesis has announced that its stunning pure-electric Essentia GT concept revealed at last week's New York motor show could be green-lit for production and be on sale as soon as 2021.

The Hyundai premium brand's vice-president, Manfred Fitzgerald, confirmed that a production version of the Essentia could be based on one of two dedicated pure-electric vehicle architectures the Korean car-maker would launch in 2021 and 2022.

Admitting he grew up with car posters on his wall, Fitzgerald said if Genesis was only interested in chasing sales and a "flash in the pan success" it would focus on SUVs but it wasn't, and a car like the Essentia could do wonders for the fledgling brand.

"I'm a true believer of these types of cars. I think they are the most emotional cars that a designer can do.

"I could not be happier if the company goes down the road and we get the OK to do so."

The Genesis VP stressed that as well as an internal desire to create a production version of the fast pure-electric coupe, it was also important to gauge feedback from the show to see how it would resonate with real buyers before deciding to produce a road-going Essentia.

Inspired by the famous Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso made from 1963-1964, unusually for a pure-electric car, the Essentia adopts traditional long-bonnet, swept-back cabin proportions and rear-wheel drive.

Genesis didn't give any details of the Essentia's pure-electric powertrain but claimed its rear-wheel drive concept could hit 100km/h, from standstill, in around three seconds.

Featuring the firm's trademark 'crest' grille, the Essentia's curves subtly incorporate an advanced aero package that includes an F1-style nose cone, pushrod suspension and large front wheel-arch extractors.

The Korean coupe's exotic design was overseen by new Genesis head of design, Luc Donckerwolke.

The Belgian is most famous for his designs at Lamborghini, where he penned both the 2002 Murcielago and the 2004 Gallardo, before moving to Bentley and abruptly leaving for Hyundai.