Latest news with #XGranEquatorConcept
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Genesis takes aim at Land Rover with its new off-roader concept car
Genesis has taken the wraps off its latest concept car, the X Gran Equator Concept. The new model is named after a famous Arabian horse, but the equine-inspired concept is quite clearly taking aim at Land Rover rather than Ascot, showing where Genesis ' future intentions lie. Genesis used the New York Auto Show to reveal its latest car, with the X Gran Equator coming a year after Genesis revealed its Neolun SUV concept at the same festival. There are plenty of design features shared with last year's concept, such as the super-smooth two-line headlamps and taillamp arrangements, as well as the bluff-looking front end. However, the X Gran Equator (it's the Equator bit that apparently relates to a specific stallion) features an exaggerated bonnet that's around a third of the length of the whole car, giving the concept a cab-rearward look. There are plenty of traditional SUV styling cues with big 24in wheels and dark wheel-arch cladding, plus fancy integrated roof rails that could be set for production along with the split tailgate. And although the concept has five doors, the rear door handles are hidden, with the front ones sitting flush to the bodywork. Inside, Genesis says that the X Gran Equator 'orchestrates contrast between analogue architecture and digital technologies.' However, there's no sign of a digital screen, just four circular displays that are said to have been inspired by the dials of vintage cameras. There are three further circular displays with digital read-outs for driver information, plus eight neatly laid out chunky toggle switches in the centre of the car and what looks like a revolving crystal gear selector like the one in the Genesis GV60. There are further chunky off-road-inspired features including lidded storage trays in front of the passenger and grab handles surrounding the cupholders in the back centre armrest. The contrasting dark and light fabrics, and the cross stitching, all look to be of high quality too. Although this is purely a styling exercise for Genesis with no details on what powers the X Gran Equator, we'd expect it to be fully electric given the brand's promise to fully electrify its whole model range. Genesis says that the concept is 'an exploration of elegance and adventure designed for those seeking the serenity of nature and the thrill of the unknown' and that although the car isn't confirmed for production 'its design language and innovative features showcase the brand's future design potential.' However, with last year's Neolun concept – including its rear-hinged back doors with no central pillar – said to be pretty much production-ready, we'd expect some of the detailing from this new concept to find its way onto Genesis' new range-topping SUV, which we expect to see as Genesis' next all-new model in 2027.
Korea Herald
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Genesis unveils new electric off-road SUV
Hyundai Motor Group's premium brand reveals X Gran Equator Concept ahead of 2025 New York auto show Hyundai Motor Group's premium brand Genesis unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept, a first electric off-road sport utility vehicle, at the Genesis House New York on Tuesday, as the carmaker continues to expand its portfolio. 'The X Gran Equator Concept is an exercise in harmonizing contrasts, combining elegance with ruggedness, and the spirit of exploration with refined comfort,' said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of genesis. 'It represents the orchestration of true off-road competence and uncompromising luxury, designed to enable the discovery of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.' Under Genesis' design philosophy of athletic elegance, the off-road SUV concept model features a long hood, sleek cabin, dark wheel-arch cladding and 24-inch beadlock wheels to highlight its adventure readiness. According to Genesis, the name of the new concept car was inspired by Equator, which refers to the finest stallion in the world of Arabian horses, to reflect the vehicle's elegance, performance in extreme conditions and sense of grace. Although the X Gran Equator Concept has not been confirmed for production, Genesis noted that its distinctive design language, such as the integrated roof rails and split-opening tailgate, illustrate the brand's future design potential. Genesis on the same day also revealed a full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar, the brand's high-performance car developed to compete in motor sports, building on its performance vision declared in March last year. Genesis pointed out that the GMR-001 Hypercar, inspired by the brand's Magma performance lineup, combines aerodynamic precision with sculptural fluidity, balancing elegance and aggression. 'The GMR-001 Hypercar, like every race car, is a sculpture designed by the constraints of efficiency and performance — combined with the design DNA of Genesis — the brand with the Two Lines,' said Donckerwolke. 'The livery is an orchestration of the tension and balance of the distinctly Korean character of the brand, with gradients from Magma orange to dark red emphasizing the high temperature of the powertrain. And the color gradients from light to dark of the Magma writing in Hangeul is an optical Doppler effect that expresses the glorious sound of the V8 Twin Turbo engine in motion.' With the debut of the life-sized GMR-001 Hypercar as a prototype, Genesis will continue getting ready to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027 Both the X Gran Equator Concept and the GMR-001 Hypercar will be on display at the upcoming 2025 New York International Auto Show scheduled to open to the public starting Friday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
