Is the Genesis GV80 Concept Luxury’s Fuel-Cell Future?

The Genesis GV80 concept is a hydrogen fuel-cell luxury SUV, previewing a possible future direction for Hyundai’s luxury brand.

byStephen Edelstein|
Genesis News photo
Share

0

On Wednesday at the 2017 New York Auto Show, Genesis unveiled the GV80 concept—a hydrogen fuel-cell SUV that previews the luxury brand's potential inclusion in parent Hyundai's green-car plans.

Genesis didn't offer many details on the GV80's powertrain, instead choosing to focus on the design. A production Genesis SUV is almost a certainty, and that model will likely borrow some elements from the smoothly-surfaced GV80. The spiderweb-like detailing in the wheels, pillars, and other areas may not make it, though.

Genesis

On the inside, the GV80 features a futuristic dashboard design that strips away nearly all analog controls. The defining element is a 22-inch OLED display screen that runs most of the length of the dash, and is paired with a digital instrument cluster for the driver. Naturally for a luxury vehicle, the cabin is covered in wood (in this case ash) and leather trim.

Genesis

Genesis parent Hyundai is already one of the main players in the fuel-cell game. It sells the Tucson Fuel Cell in certain parts of California, and is planning a second-generation fuel-cell SUV to replace it. That model was previewed by the FE Fuel Cell concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, and is slated to go into production next year. Infrastructure remains a major drawback to fuel-cell cars, however, as fueling stations are still few and far between.

Genesis

It doesn't seem out of the question that Hyundai would apply its fuel-cell technology to Genesis. In fact, given Hyundai's plans to massively grow its green-car sales, it makes plenty of sense. Both Hyundai and Kia have a slew of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars in their lineups, so why shouldn't Genesis get in on the act?

Genesis
stripe
Genesis NewsNews by Brand