Hyundai Debuts Genus in Geneva
Mar 20, 2006, 09:02 |
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| Hyundai Genus |
With its Genus coupe-wagon crossover concept car debuting at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and which combines the sporting dynamism of a coupe with the versatility of a traditional wagon, Hyundai is previewing future trends in medium car usage.
Genus challenges the traditional compromise of vehicle choice faced by demanding modern lifestyles, according to Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Rüsselsheim near Frankfurt, which created the car.
“The dynamic five-door concept blends roominess and comfort with elegance and practicality. It offers space and comfort similar to a traditional wagon but has an elegant, dynamic exterior. The Genus thus provides the answer to emotional desires and practical necessity,” Bürkle said.
Capability
The Rüsselsheim design team developed the Genus as a medium-size vehicle with a broad appeal to many target groups. With its multi-use concept, Genus can be used for work, extensive shopping tours, family holidays as well as for numerous leisure activities.
A long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs and a wide stance enable increased interior comfort and loading capacity without compromising the fundamental proportions inherent in a coupe.
For maximum versatility, the floor features an integral hatch which can be lifted to reveal a retractable bench seat. The bench extends out to rest over the trunk sill and together with a sliding deck that is concealed in the bumper, it forms a multi-use outside seating area. The sliding deck can also be used separately to carry bicycles and other sports equipment.
Inset B and C-pillars allow a flush sweep of glass along all side windows which are fully retractable and together with a large panoramic glass roof, enable multi-sensorial experiences normally associated with coupes and cabriolets.
Genus is powered by a 2.2 litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine (CRDi) and equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission for a dynamic yet comfortable and economic ride. The AWD drivetrain underlines the sporty character of the Genus.
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| Hyundai Genus rear |
Exterior Design
The formal language of the purist concept has been defined by the free-flowing form of a wave. Expressive front and rear blend in a harmonious fusion through a constantly evolving extruded body, painted in metallic champagne.
The face is defined by a rounded hexagonal mouth taking up the whole front area like the air intake of a fighter plane, where all surfaces start around it and sweep back into the body shape. The jewel-like swept-back headlamps evoke birds’ eyes and are positioned atop the radically radiused front corners.
Prominent windscreen pillars flow up from the sculptured bonnet producing an arrow flight section shooting towards the front grill. The flowing silhouette of the car has a sleek cab-forward configuration with a roofline dramatically tapering to the rear. Uninterrupted concave shoulders connect the narrow greenhouse to the tall body, giving it almost coupe-like attributes.
The interplay of the shoulder line between the front and rear lamps resembles a silk cloth draped over the tensioned string of a bow. The panoramic side glass is chopped by the clamshell tailgate whose shut lines orbit around the rear glass producing a ring structure, which doubles as the D-pillar. This element, which intersects the rounded tail, is unified by sleek teardrop-shaped taillights.
Interior Design
The interior’s visual forms mimic the continuous flowing nature of sand dunes. Vast surfaces seemingly sculptured by gently blowing wind, generate tension and dynamism whilst retaining a sensitive fluidity. The focal point of the interior is the elegantly contoured instrument panel combined with the floating frame of the foldable centre stack that conceals the blue illuminated menu-screen.
Vast swathes of natural aubergine leather and contemporary silk-like reflective textile drape over the primary surfaces, which contrast with light beige leather inserts. The free flowing sculptured form is complimented by intricate anodised metallic details such as the longitudinal air vents or instrument surround.
Genus’ interior represents the concept of a versatile living space, a cocooning environment with a high beltline in which to feel safe and protected. In being surrounded by the rhythm of curved flowing volumes creating a sensory spirit, occupants will experience a relaxing environment, the cosseting wave-inspired form of the seats providing an exciting invitation. Seeking to encapsulate passengers, an integrated supporting shell flows in a serene wavelike form, which is repeated in a perforated graphic on the seat upholstery. The shell embraces the seats and forms a visual alliance from the centre console to the integrated armrest.
The wrap-around roll-bar with an integrated almond-shaped roof light separates the front from the rear passengers’ compartment. The individual rear seats slide forward and build a visual unit with the sliding two-layer trunk floor, providing a flexible wrap-around cargo space.
