Written by Menswear Style in Cars on the 19th February 2018

Genesis has unveiled its progressive GV80 Concept SUV during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The new fuel cell concept SUV continues to build on the global brand’s expressive and refined ‘Athletic Elegance’ design direction. The GV80 Concept reveals precision details and a confidently evolved design language that provides subtle glimpses into the bold future of Genesis design and product development.

The Genesis GV80 Concept is the brand’s first interpretation of a versatile luxury SUV, which strikes a perfect balance between elegance and versatility. On the exterior, this is seen in the concept’s confident posture and athletic prowess, while the spacious interior indulges passengers and immerses them in technology that connects them to the vehicle. Recognising the brand’s global impact, the GV80 Concept utilises the latest plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric technology to combine eco-performance and capability, all skillfully designed to fulfill the needs and explore the escapes of the urban adventurer. Genesis will continue to study the benefits of similar alternative propulsion systems and eco-friendly technologies for future product applications.

“The GV80 Concept is a SUV that alludes to the confidence and evolution of the Genesis brand – its design is timeless, with an understated yet dynamic overall surface complexity,” said Head of Genesis Design, Luc Donckerwolke. “These are all characteristics that embody Genesis products and delicately reflect distinctive elements, which you’ll continue to see in future models from our brand. Canada stands on the forefront of global brand development for Genesis, and we are excited to unveil the GV80 Concept here,” said Head of Genesis Brand, Manfred Fitzgerald. “This concept is an important milestone for the brand to share our vision of the future, introducing a further expansion of our product portfolio.”

Exterior Design & Inspiration 

The GV80 Concept presents a modern and refined interpretation of a capable sport utility vehicle, building on the strength of architecture and the beauty of natural elements. The design team thoughtfully expressed these ideas throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle in utilising exceptional materials and purposeful forms to create a feeling of desire. The concept’s overall shape is distinguished by its proportions, finely balanced with dominant surfaces, exhibiting sophistication and functionality that conveys the SUV’s infinite versatility to the driver. The front of the GV80 Concept showcases the signature Genesis crest grille that features a proud representation of the brand’s logo in the shape of the lower grille surround. The diamond motif mesh grille and wide-set horizontal quad headlamps that encase jewel-like graphics assert the SUV’s powerful stance and stately presence. Below the lower setting, an aerodynamic fascia channels air through precision facet cut-outs around the front wheels and side rocker panels. These warm-toned alloy elements signal key structural components and technical features alluding to the GV80 Concept’s functionality and alternative powertrain. The rest of the exterior panels’ bespoke Ice Granite finish provides a subtle contrast against the rest of the precision detailing.

Interior Design Concept 

Designed in harmony with the refined exterior, the interior of the GV80 Concept creates a sophisticated environment for its passengers through superior craftsmanship, creative attention to detail and advanced technology. The interior cabin immediately greets passengers with a bridge instrument panel that stretches from door to door creating a welcoming and spacious ambience. A wide 22-inch curved display set in the instrument panel cascades into the driver’s cluster, which combines the precision of a classic speedometer with the immersive flow of information from a digital display. Further uniting the interior and exterior, the GV80 Concept’s side pillars are constructed with a structural truss design viewable from inside and outside the vehicle. This detail brings in the exterior environment, promoting a unique interaction with the outside landscape. Additional versatile storage compartments are creatively integrated throughout in the lower doors for ultimate convenience.

Interior HMI Concept 

The GV80 Concept’s interior features an innovative Human Machine Interface that offers users intuitive operation and function control through the use of a new multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch. All of this technology is seamlessly blended into the precision designed details of the vehicle. The horizontal 22-inch curved OLED infinity display presents two distinct zones, providing separate driver and passenger experiences. An ash wood lower centre console integrates the high-tech controller and polished linear metal inlays with capacitive touch capabilities. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition as another method for interacting with the informational panel. Through touch control, each metal string allows direct access to the most commonly used functions including Navigation, Entertainment, Communication, and Environment (or customised driver settings). By tapping these metal strings, passengers gain separate control of a mini-view on the right side of the wide display without disturbing the driver.

Interior Colour and Materials 

To complement the refined exterior, the GV80 Concept’s beautifully crafted interior environment showcases a curated combination of high-quality materials, vibrant colours and rich textures that lend themselves timeless sophistication. The GV80 features exquisite semi-aniline leather interior, with quilted diamond stitching on the interior door panels, seat inserts and centre console side, harmonising with the facet details on the exterior. The meticulously-wrapped rich leather on the upper instrument panel is contrasted with distinctive Architexture suede on the instrument panel bridge that elegantly surrounds the front passengers for an interesting tactile accent. Echoing the warm alloy metal from the exterior, the trim detail below the bridge indicates the flow of cabin air and is highlighted by polished aluminium trim pieces. Embracing its urban and outdoor spirit, the GV80 Concept’s ash wood centre console and floorboards provide a contemporary organic element to contrast against the other authentic materials. Finally, the SUV’s cargo area features an elegant tonal and texture effect by Architexture suede, dark grey leather and slate ash wood that is both visually appealing and functional with contrasting sleek metal tie downs.

A first look at the Genesis Reveals GV80 Concept SUV design which was showcased at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.