Update: Genesis has confirmed to Motor1.com that the GV80 Coupe Concept will enter production.
As the world preps for the start of the 2023 New York Auto Show, Genesis steps in a bit early with something special. The GV80 is already known as a posh SUV from the luxury brand, and now we have a version with coupe styling. Say hello to the GV80 Coupe Concept.
To reiterate, this is presently just a concept vehicle. In its announcement regarding the very orange SUV, Genesis states it hints towards "more emotional and performance-oriented models" while calling this a statement of intent. Considering we've seen a heavily camouflaged prototype resembling a GV80 coupe testing in winter conditions, the intent could be close at hand. But for now, Genesis relegates this SUV to the concept world.
Gallery: Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept
That's not to say we have zero information to share. The GV80 Coupe Concept is a four-seater instead of five, it's but not necessarily designed for cross-country trips in exquisite stretched-out comfort. Those seats are carbon-fiber with some aggressive bolstering and upholstered with Nappa and suede leather – front and rear.
The seatbacks are painted the same orange (officially called Magma) as the exterior, and behind the second-row seats, you'll find a fixed strut brace. Folding down seats for extra storage space in this SUV is not an option.
If you see shades of the Genesis X Speedium concept in this GV80 Coupe, you're not wrong. Debuting around this time last year, it's the inspiration for the GV80's wheels, lighting elements, and rear hatch profile. At the front, the big crest grille is finished in black, reaching a bit shallower into an aggressive lower fascia with added vents for cooling. Fenders have a bit more flare, and that coupe roof isn't black for the fun of it. That's more carbon fiber coming into play. Two subtle spoilers – one at the roof and the other across the back in a ducktail fashion – are both aesthetic and functional items.
Clearly, Genesis is presenting the GV80 Coupe Concept as something that isn't just an SUV with a sloped roof. Unfortunately, there aren't any details to share regarding its powertrain at this time, though Genesis does remind us of the GV80's rear-wheel-drive platform. In top trim, the present-day SUV packs a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. That seems like a good place to start for a proposed GV80 Coupe with four seats and an aggressive stance.
"At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80, and G90 models," said Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Group chief creative officer. "Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs. Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes."
