Genesis unveiled their first
crossover last night and, if that wasn’t exciting enough, the company also used
the event to hint at a handful of upcoming models. While the company was coy on
specifics, six models were shown on the screen while Hyundai Motor Group Chief
Design Officer Luc Donckerwolke was speaking. He didn’t say what those vehicles
were, but teased “I know that you would like to see more light on this photo
but, for now, we’ll keep the mystery.”
We’re not entirely sure what
all the vehicles are, but the model on the left is likely the GV80. The vehicle
next to it appears to be a crossover as well as we can see the outline of a
roof rack. This suggests it’s our first official glimpse of the GV70. The next
two models are sedans with the first appearing to be the redesigned G80. We’re
not entirely sure what the second sedan is, but it’s likely the facelifted G70.
Previous reports have
suggested the updated G70 will arrive in the next year or two, and feature a
revised design that echoes the rest of the Genesis lineup. The current model’s
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine could also be replaced by a new
2.5-liter unit sourced from the Hyundai Sonata N-Line. That engine is slated to
produce 290 hp and 420 Nm of torque which would
be an improvement of 38 hp and 68 Nm.
The remaining two models
appear to be the Essentia and Mint concepts. The vehicles haven’t been
officially confirmed for production, but former Genesis boss Manfred Fitzgerald
suggested the automaker was exploring the possibility. In later interviews, he
even said they were validating a chassis for the Essentia as well as trying to
get the “powertrain equation right and defining which way we want to go with
it.”
