NEW YORK SHOW: Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept revealed

Genesis has unveiled its latest two-door concept car, the Genesis X Speedium Coupe, on eve of the 2022 New York motor show – but unlike previous concepts from Hyundai’s premium brand, this one looks set for production very soon.

As reported by carsales yesterday, Hyundai Motor Company has submitted the new concept’s name for trademarking with IP Australia exclusively under Class 12 (automobiles; parts and fittings for automobiles; sports cars; coupes) and it’s clear from this global debut that a flagship coupe is on its way from Genesis.

“The concept car previews what prospective owners of Genesis can expect from Genesis’ next wave of electric vehicles,” said Genesis in a statement.

“The name Speedium was inspired by the passion for motorsports felt by Genesis designers at the Korean racetrack.

“The name also encapsulates Genesis’ belief that the emotional value of driving will remain strong in the era of electrification.”

Following on from the Genesis X Concept revealed 12 moths ago, the X Speedium Coupe has been designed under a “less in more” motif but still retains many of Genesis’ signature design cues, primarily the Two Lines theme and ‘crest grille’, even if the doesn’t technically existing anymore.

Being all-electric, there is far less of a need for cold air to be channelled into the would-be engine bay and so designers have replaced the usually expansive mesh grille with a solid element outlined by the full-width daytime running lights.

Three traditional intakes can be found underneath this virtual grille but the star of the show up front is undoubtedly the lighting signature that traces back across the front wheel-arches and front wings.

While the front-end is certainly striking, it’s the X Speedium’s side profile and rear haunches that really grab the headlines.

Featuring an extended glasshouse and a gently curving roofline that continues all the way down to the base of the integrated lip spoiler, the X Speedium Coupe’s overall silhouette can be likened to the classic Jensen Interceptor, albeit without the thick C-pillar and wrap-around rear window.

The size of the glasshouse is accentuated by the subtle B-pillar while black and chrome trim adorning the rear window is complemented by the two-tone alloy wheels, silver character line and the previously mentioned lighting signature.

Behind those large-diameter alloys lurk a set of lime green brake callipers and suitable beefy rotors that further underscore the car’s high-speed, zero-emission grand touring ambitions.

Like most Genesis models, the X Speedium Coupe’s rear-end is a resolutely simple affair where we find the obligatory Two Line tail-lights which, like the front, creep around to the flanks of the car – just not to the same extent as the DRLs.

“We are giving each design element space to breathe,” said Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“It’s not about making the design elements compete with each other, but about orchestrating the elements so that they complement and respect one another.

“This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design.”

There’s been no word from Hyundai or Genesis on what platform underpins the concept but our money would be on the current e-GMP architecture that underpins all of the Hyundai group’s dedicated battery-electric vehicles, including the 430kW/740Nm Kia EV6 GT.

If the X Speedium Coupe or at least a more ADR-compliant derivative does make it to production, as alluded to by the aforementioned trademark application, we expect the new Genesis flagship to pack a similar if not greater punch than the supercar-scaring Kia.

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