One of the most impressive cars by far on display at
the 2018 New York Auto Show is the Genesis Essentia Concept.
Designed to preview the future of the company, it
uses an electric powertrain and it’s packed with technology that some already
take for granted on their smartphones. For example, it has facial recognition
and fingerprint sensor used to open and close the doors.
In the cabin, users will be mesmerized by the
gigantic widescreen display. It stretches across the width of the dashboard and
provides access to all of the car’s functions. It’s not exactly
driver-friendly, as the navigation menu sits in front of the passenger, but those
behind the wheel do get a sub-menu on the instrument cluster, telling them
where to turn left or right.
And speaking about the instrument cluster, this is
fully digital as well. It might also provide a few important details about the
car Genesis wasn’t keen on revealing just yet, such as the top speed – 269 km/h, and the total range 373 km. The rest of the cabin
features a minimalistic layout, with the only physical buttons being located
next to the gear selector, and on the steering wheel.
Quad headlights and taillights, reminiscent of the
Genesis GV80 FCV SUV, an evolved grille, transparent hood and a
retro-futuristic bubble roof reminiscent of Italian concepts from the past
dominate its exterior. It also gets functional air vents behind the front
wheels, slim pillars, butterfly doors and bronze wheels, shod in Pirelli tires.
The sexy concept leaves the impression that it came
from Pininfarina, or other famous styling houses from Italy, and that’s a big
plus for the Hyundai-owned brand.
