Genesis has revealed more of its electrification plans for North America and a new concept previewing its future design. The latter is the Genesis X Speedium Coupe, an evolution of the original vehicle shown last year. Its new name pays homage to Inje Speedium, a racetrack in the city of Inje, roughly four hours from South Korea’s capital of Seoul. This brings it closer to production and shows the next evolution of the brand’s identity. While it retains the Two Lines concept, the front fascia has changed, doing away with the traditional grille. The two light strips are now connected and create an outline of Genesis’ crest since the only openings are in the lower part.
Unlike its first iteration, the Genesis X Speedium Coupe isn’t a traditional three-box two-door vehicle. It loses the rear deck lid in favor of a rear that tapers off quickly and kicks up into the duckbill spoiler. Together with the long hood and cab-rearward but upright greenhouse, its exterior design is reminiscent of old liftbacks like the Saab 900 and the Viggen Coupe. Most of the rear has been retained from the original including the quad LED taillights. Finished in a hue called Inje Green, the color is inspired by the mountainous landscape surrounding the racetrack that the vehicle is named after.
This prototype came out as a result of a “freestyle” design exercise with the original X Concept led by Luc Donckervolke, Chief Creative Officer at Genesis. “This car is an open-door moment in Genesis’ journey toward our future EV design,” said Donckerwolke. “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.”
Alongside the X Speedium Coupe, Genesis also announced its Priority One program. This was designed to create a personalized purchase for the GV60, the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle. Customers interested in purchasing one can go to Genesis’ website, provide their contact information and put down a refundable $500 deposit. Genesis Concierge will handle the process and match prospective customers with a qualified dealer. “We are pleased to bring the highly-anticipated first Genesis EV to market in the U.S. with GV60,” said Claudia Marquez, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis Motor North America. “With Genesis Priority One, we are renewing our promise to our clients to provide a purchase experience tailored to them.” Initially, Genesis Priority One will launch in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York for a limited time while quantities last.
Genesis has also confirmed that the Electrified GV70 will be its first U.S.-made vehicle with production starting in December 2022. The crossover will be built in Hyundai Motor Group’s Mobile, Alabama facility. This reinforces the brand’s electrification initiative in North America, which also includes the GV60 and the Electrified G80 sedan. The Electrified GV70 features a dual-motor configuration with up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque but Genesis hasn’t revealed the crossover’s battery size.
From 2025 onward, Genesis will only release BEVs and it aims to sell 400,000 units globally. The GV60, Electrified GV70, and Electrified G80 make up the first salvo of models. In total, there will be eight BEVs joining Genesis’ lineup ranging from sedans to sports cars and crossovers. The BEV-specific E-GMP platform will underpin most of these vehicles, including the upcoming GV90, Genesis’ upcoming flagship three-row SUV, and the second-generation G70 compact sports sedan.
