- Genesis concepts are usually equal parts practical and luxurious, but the new GV80 Coupe Concept adds aggressive flair.
- Four bucket seats, a roll bar, and massive five-spoke wheels make up the visual touches to this performance-oriented crossover.
- Few details are known about its powertrain, but the concept is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform that should shed weight and optimize handling.
Sporty SUVs and crossovers are all the rage these days, and some of them are even setting a performance benchmark across vehicle segments. But the SUV wasn’t initially intended for canyon carving, so manufacturers are going to great lengths to improve its handling. Manufacturers like BMW, Jaguar, and Genesis make some genuinely comfortable, downright fast, and dynamic crossovers and SUVs.
Ahead of the New York International Auto Show, Genesis pulled the cover off its newest concept, known as the GV80 Coupe Concept. Contrary to its previous concepts, the GV80 Coupe is more focused on performance than sheer beauty, and it’s wrapped in the shell of its current GV80 model.
Based on the X Speedium Coupe Concept unveiled in New York last year, the GV80 Coupe Concept combines practicality with the dynamism of a sports car, with Genesis hinting that this concept will shape its future. Based on the current GV80, the coupe version retains its Double G-Matrix Patterned Crest Grille and quad lights, while replacing the traditional seats with buckets and interior trim with a roll bar—yes, a roll bar in a 5000-pound crossover.
It appears this roll cage and the addition of front bucket seats aren’t posturing. Genesis says the rear-wheel-drive platform under the GV80 Coupe lends itself to more balanced performance driving, even with extra weight. Genesis didn’t say which powertrain is present underhood, but we suspect the more powerful, 375-hp, 3.5-liter V6 was installed, as Genesis says it added four slots within the bumper to reduce shadowed thermal flow.
Aerodynamics were a big part of creating the GV80 Coupe Concept, with an upper rear spoiler and elliptical concave ducktail spoiler lip for more downforce. Five-spoke wheels (seemingly sized over 21 inches) and a carbon-fiber roof emphasize the sporting nature of this curvy crossover.
If you’re wondering about that sunset-like color, Genesis is appropriately calling it Magma. Just don’t let it burn you! “The color symbolizes the self-confident and passionate attitude of Korea,” says Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’ chief creative officer. “There is a quiet, efficient, disciplined, and humble first impression soon contrasted by a high-performing and extroverted attitude.”
The interior of Genesis products has always been a luxury highlight and, even with an emphasis on track-ready performance, the company focused on keeping the four passengers happy. Black Nappa and microsuede leather with plaid double stitching are the main interior materials, though the orange piping and carbon-fiber weaves on the functional surfaces are pretty sweet too. Best of all, Genesis has reinforced the body with a G-Matrix strut brace behind the front bucket seats.
Slick-back performance SUVs aren’t a new concept and manufacturers like Porsche, BMW, and Audi have sold their own versions for a few years now, though none of them feature a roll bar and such massive wheels. That’s at least worth some uncomfortable bragging rights if this model ever comes to market. As with most concepts, we know very little about production intent or timeline, but it’s cool to see Genesis considering an ultra-high-performance SUV. And we’d sure like to drive it if it ever comes out.
Would you be interested in buying a GV80 Coupe, or do you think the production version could lose some of its flair? Please comment below.
A New York transplant hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Emmet White has a passion for anything that goes: cars, bicycles, planes, and motorcycles. After learning to ride at 17, Emmet worked in the motorcycle industry before joining Autoweek in 2022 and Road & Track in 2024. The woes of alternate side parking have kept his fleet moderate, with a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and a BMW 318i E30 street parked in his Queens community.
