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Genesis, the luxury brand spun off from Hyundai in 2015, so far has just two sedans in showrooms with a third on the way, although an ambitious plan to fill out the lineup with SUVs and a coupe by 2020 is underway. But did you know that Genesis was planning something even bigger—something like a halo sports car? What was an excited rumor fueled partially by Hyundai’s N Vision Gran Turismo design study (pictured above) has just been confirmed as a reality by Australian publication Wheels.
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Speaking with Genesis’s vice president of design, Luc Donckerwolke, about the sports car, Wheels garnered a “we are definitely doing it.” Furthermore, the automaker’s vice president of research and design, Woong-chul Yang, described the project as “something our brand needs at this time.” The R&D chief elaborated that such a vehicle would prioritize electrification and battery power over a big ol’ internal-combustion engine. Yang also noted that the car’s development likely will be spearheaded by Albert Biermann, the leader of Hyundai’s nascent N performance division and former head of BMW’s M division.
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- 2019 Genesis G70 Prototype Drive: Look Out, Germany
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So far the sports car’s ideation is just that, and both Donckerwolke and Yang told Wheels that the car hasn’t left the design stage yet. That means the car is probably years away from seeing the light of day. In the meantime, Genesis has its work cut out launching the new G70 sports sedan as well as several SUVs and a new sports coupe. No question, however: A halo sports car with an advanced powertrain would elevate the brand’s station.
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