Hyundai’s Genesis brand revealed its Essentia Concept electric vehicle on Wednesday, and it looks incredible. The concept, unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, is the first all-electric vehicle from the brand and uses lightweight carbon fiber to evoke luxury without compromising on performance.
The concept is part of a big push by Genesis to cement its position as a luxury car maker, with plans to release six new models by 2021. Although the Essentia is just a concept, it packs impressive specs that help it compete with the likes of the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S. Manfred Fitzgerald, global head of the Genesis Brand, said the vehicle is all about “our obligation as a luxury car manufacturer to create objects of desire, sparking passion and inspiration by emphasizing a culture while exceeding expectations in terms of technology and connectivity.”
Genesis Essentia Concept
On the outside, the Essentia packs speed into a luxury GT car. It’s capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just three seconds, with a multi-motor electric powertrain providing instant performance. The design reveals the pushrod suspension and front air intakes that shape the airflow. The front “Genesis Quad Lights” are built with laser optical technology for a unique design. Biometric facial recognition and fingerprint control in the B-pillar provides access to the interior.
On the inside, Genesis has gone for a minimalist approach. There’s an eight-inch screen behind the wheel, displaying key information like current speed and operated with a central controller. The cognac leather seats are paired with blue velvet, aluminum and carbon fiber to mix sport and luxury. The car uses vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology, using machine learning to suggest the best routes. A.I. and voice controls allow the driver to interact with the computer, while the car plugs into smart homes to allow for package deliveries and switch on the lights.
At this stage it’s just a concept, but Essentia shows how automakers are considering the potential for electric vehicle technology and A.I. to deliver new driving experiences.
It’s not the only exciting concept doing the rounds — Volkswagen’s I.D. Vizzion also looks set to stun.
