Genesis debuts sexy X Gran Berlinetta concept

GENESIS has pulled the virtual sheet from its stunning X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo concept this week, the high-revving V6 petrol-electric powered ‘digital’ sports car revealed at the Gran Turismo World Finals in Spain and ready to ‘drive’ in the Gran Turismo video game by January 2024.

With a claimed 799kW and 1337Nm combined output, the hybridised model is said to boast a 10,000rpm redline from its Lambda II (V6) petrol engine and offer 150kW and 266Nm from Yasa E electric motor alone.

As has been the case with previous concepts, Genesis has hinted that some of the styling cues shown in the X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo are likely starters for future production models.

The concept’s “pure and muscular” form and cab-backwards proportions expressing the Korean luxury car maker’s typical anti-wedge attitude, one it says centres around a “virtual parabolical tensioned theory” common to its current line-up.

With a “lean” mid-engine layout the X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo sports Genesis’ new frontal fascia with familial Crest Grille and Quad Lights. In true Genesis form, these connect with the Two Lines brand identifier to the rear, the flowing body accentuating the car’s rear haunches and culminating in an elliptical concave rear end.

The rear of the vehicle is framed by a substantial rear spoiler and lateral trailing edges for high-speed aerodynamic stability. Despite this, the drag coefficient of the model is a rather average 0.34Cd.

As has been the case with previous Genesis concept cars, the Magma red finish is a nod to the brand’s country of origin, referencing Korea’s “volcanoes and the emotion, passion and vibrancy of the nation’s culture”.

“Our goal was to create a timeless design rooted in the essence of motorsport,” said Genesis senior chief designer John Krsteski.

“We have an incredibly diverse global design team that are car and racing enthusiasts. The designers relished the opportunity to create a race car that featured Genesis design elements as well as technical performance attributes.

“It has become a catalyst of inspiration for our other programs.”

Inside, the X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo channels Genesis’ Beauty of White Space theme to create a “purist environment” for the driver.

The essential functions of the vehicle are prioritised to help the driver maintain focus while on track, the highlight of the cockpit undoubtedly its yoke-style steering “wheel” with its own central instrumentation touchscreen. Genesis says the steer-by-wire arrangement allows for precise and decisive manoeuvring, giving the driver a “competitive advantage”.

Gran Turismo 7 players who watch the Manufacturer’s Cup broadcast in GT7 will receive early access to the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo concept as a gift from January 2024. The broadcast begins on December 2.