Genesis shows off X Convertible concept

GENESIS revealed its X Convertible concept ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show in California this week, a model it says completes its X concept trilogy and shares its architecture and electric driveline with the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe.

With an interior that draws inspiration from Korean roof architecture – a nod to both the brand’s origins and a most important aspect of convertible cars – the folding hard-top model features an integrated moonroof above the front row of seats that Genesis says offers occupants an open feel, even when the roof is in place.

Its creators say the Genesis X Convertible concept showcases the purest form of the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language, combining the “ideal proportions” of a long bonnet, generous dash-to-axle ratio, short front overhang and long wheelbase.

This “stately yet relaxed” pose is joined with a gently rearward-sloping horizontal belt line, while muscular blisters around the wheels form an athletic ‘Coke bottle’ plan view and integrate into an elegant silhouette when viewed in profile.

Wheels featuring a combination of the Genesis G-Matrix pattern and a concave aero dish design mix form and function, intended to help extract heat from the brakes.

From the front, the X Convertible concept carries the characteristic Genesis quad headlights and crest-shaped grille, with air inlets for powertrain and battery cooling relocated to the lower openings of the front bumpers.

At the rear, the concept looks more like a production car and features a concave elliptical duck tail intersected by horizontal quad taillights.

Inside, is a driver-centric four-seat asymmetric layout with wrap-around instrument panel that flows into the centre console. A two-tone Giwa Navy and Dancheong Orange colour scheme is said to lend the cabin a modern look and feel.

The primary colour, Giwa Navy, is named after the roof tiles on Korean homes and is made from recyclable wool fabric. The textured, woven pad graphic “wraps around the cabin, contrasting with the smooth and sleek leather surfaces of the seats”, Genesis says.

Meanwhile, Doncheong Orange, named after the traditional decorative colourings on Korean wooden buildings, serves as a bold accent colour, encircling the cabin in a familiar two-line motif, and featuring on the upholstery’s stitching.

Externally, the Genesis X Convertible is painted in pearlescent Crane White hue which designers say represents “the nobility and sanctity” of the white crane.

“Genesis started life by producing sedans mainly targeting business users. While creating a new, differentiated design DNA, we gradually increased the emotional appeal by applying this DNA to the SUV typology,” explained Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“Now, electric powertrains have given us the perfect scenario in which to enjoy nature and propelled the brand to create vehicles with even greater emotional resonance. It is the normal development of Genesis to increase the athletic and emotional facet of our design philosophy by creating an emotional trilogy: the X family.

“Innovation is the catalyst to becoming more engaged with the environment around us. We are in the process of transitioning Genesis into a company that will deliver products for customers to enjoy.”