Hyundai-owned luxury brand Genesis unveiled its creatively named X Speedium Concept at this week’s New York International Auto Show – a two-door battery-electric concept car that previews the future of Genesis design in the age of electrification.
This concept is an evolved version of the well-received Genesis X Coupe that debuted last year. The X Speedium does away with that model’s traditional grille and headlight arrangement, instead utilizing a pair of narrow LED light strips to create two separate, uninterrupted lighting signatures, which flow along the front fascia to form a diamond shape that’s evocative of Genesis’ grille design.
The X Speedium looks almost identical to the Genesis X Coupe from the side, although the automaker has given this concept a different set of multi-spoke alloy wheels. The rear is also similar; however, the integrated spoiler now has a more upright and pronounced ducktail shape. A prominent lower rear diffuser, which pulls inspiration from the world of motorsports, also gives the X Speedium a more aggressive appearance from the rear.
The Speedium name is derived from a 3.9-kilometre racetrack located in Inje, Korea – about 120 kilometres east of Seoul. The concept’s green exterior colour, dubbed Inje Green, was likewise inspired by the lush forests and brush that surround the 20-turn circuit.
Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer at Genesis, says the X Speedium is not a traditional concept car that previews plans for a future production car, but is intended to provide hints at what kind of styling elements may be applied to future Genesis EV models. So while Genesis has no plans to put a sporty electric coupe such as this into production, fans of the brand can expect some of its DNA to trickle to real Genesis products.
“This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey towards our future EV design,” Donckerwolke said. “This isn’t a show car – it’s a look into our design processes as we explore ideas for the next wave of EVs, one that incorporates Genesis’ DNA.”
