Genesis unveils supercar concept: The X Gran Berlinetta VGT
The grand reveal of the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo concept by Genesis took place at the GT World Series World Finals in Barcelona, Spain, showcasing the brand’s interpretation of a supercar. Drawing inspiration from the Essentia Coupe, which debuted at the 2018 New York Auto Show, this new concept boasts an even more refined design per Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design philosophy.
In terms of exterior aesthetics, the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo incorporates design elements reminiscent of Genesis’ roadworthy models, particularly the Genesis G90 and GV80. The intricacies of the exterior are accentuated by detailed character lines and the LED strips outlining the Two Lines and Crest grille, which serve as the brand’s signature design elements. Notably, the striking magma color applied to the concept is not merely an aesthetic choice but is deeply rooted in Genesis’ Korean identity, drawing inspiration from the nation’s volcanoes and reflecting the emotion, passion, and vibrancy of its culture. Additionally, the lightning motif extends to the rear, where an oval design contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.34, placing it within a range that, while not among the most aerodynamic cars globally, still attests to a respectable aerodynamic profile.
Photo: Genesis
Stepping inside the supercar, one encounters a carbon cabin crafted in alignment with Genesis’ Beauty of White Space design philosophy. The interior exudes luxury while maintaining a focus on racing, featuring a digital panoramic interface for information and a surround digital monitoring system. The inclusion of a steer-by-wire system further enhances the driving experience, promising precision and decisiveness in maneuvering.
Under the hood, the X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo is propelled by a front mid-mounted Lambda 11 V6 engine, leveraging Genesis’ E-SC technology for electrical assistance. The combustion engine alone demonstrates impressive capabilities, generating 870 hp and reaching up to 10,000 rpm. However, when combined with the 201-hp electric motor, the supercar achieves a remarkable total output of 1,071 hp and 1337 Nm of torque.
Photo: Genesis
John Krsteski, Genesis’s Senior Chief Designer, sheds light on the brand’s aspirations, stating that their objective was to craft a timeless design rooted in the essence of motorsport. The global design team, comprising car and racing enthusiasts, embraced the challenge of creating a race car that seamlessly integrated Genesis design elements with high-performance attributes. This endeavor has not only resulted in the X Gran Berlinetta VGT concept but has also become a source of inspiration for other projects within the brand.
Looking ahead, the X Gran Berlinetta VGT concept is set to make its virtual debut in Gran Turismo 7 come January. Enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its inclusion in the game, with early access promised to those who watch the Manufacturer’s Cup broadcast in GT7. The transition from the virtual realm to tangible roads has been successfully executed by other manufacturers, exemplified by McLaren’s Solus GT, which initially debuted in the virtual racing world. As anticipation builds, there is hope that the Genesis concept will eventually make the leap to real-world roads.
Photo: Genesis
Adding to the excitement, the X Gran Berlinetta VGT concept will soon join the lineup of new additions to Gran Turismo 7, sharing the virtual space with notable counterparts such as the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and the 2010 Lexus LFA. This diverse array of vehicles further enriches the gaming experience for enthusiasts and serves as a testament to the ongoing evolution of virtual racing platforms.
