Do you have a memory of a Korean convertible? One comes to mind, but it’s a rarity: the Kia Elan, based on the Lotus Elan M100. Hyundai has not had any convertibles in its history, except for two concept versions of the Hyundai Coupé (or Tiburon) and a cutaway Santa Fe used for a photo shoot, but discovered by an Australian media outlet and decided to test drive it as a joke. It would have been amazing to see a first-generation Hyundai Genesis or a topless Veloster.
Now it’s Genesis’ turn to dazzle us with the X Convertiblea four-passenger model that we’d love to see make it to production.
“Genesis began life building sedans primarily aimed at a more executive profile customer. As we created a new and distinctive design DNA, we gradually increased our emotional appeal by applying this DNA to the SUV typology. Now, electric motors have given us the perfect setting to enjoy nature and have driven the brand to create vehicles with even greater emotional resonance.”said creative director, Luc Donckerwolke.
The trilogy closes
It all started in 2021 with the X Concept, a beautiful, well-proportioned two-door Gran Turismo that took advantage of the Athletic Elegance design concept that today dresses the brand. Then came the X Speedium Coupé, with a Shooting Brake design and an evolution of the Genesis grille to symbolize its move into electromobility. Based on these models, this convertible was born, which seeks to materialize the pleasure of driving in the open air, but in a totally silent car. The Genesis X Convertible use a folding hardtop but with a glass surface, so that even when it is closed, you can enjoy the sky, isolated from noise or the weather.
The long hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as its minimalist design, give it two traits of presence that are difficult to combine: that of an imposing car, but also a relaxed posture. The parabolic line that originates in the front and unfolds over the front fenders ending at the oval hip line (which naturally includes a “duck tail” spoiler). Of course, the luminous double-line graphic is also the protagonist in this model.
And we can’t let go Multi-spoke wheels that mimic the structure of concave tires with aerodynamic plates (Turbofan style) that help extract heat from the brakes, but in a really elegant reinterpretation.
The interior features an asymmetrical and enveloping driving position for the driver. The colors chosen are not random either, since they celebrate part of the Korean tradition. For example, the color Giwa Navy, which is a kind of blue, is inspired by the roof tiles of Korean houses, in conjunction with the Dancheong Orange tone, inspired by the color used in traditional Korean wooden houses. The leathers and seams are combined with an ecological wool textile. And since it’s a convertible, the interior color needs to match the exterior, so Crane White was chosen. in honor of the bird that represents holiness and nobility in Korea.
The audio system, as with the X Speedium Coupé, was developed by sound master Guk-il Yu.who leads the company Metal Sound Design, a high-end sound firm dedicated to making metal speakers that are a true work of art, both in quality and in their presentation.
In summary, The idea of Genesis is to generate products with a design philosophy that combines the sporty, the elegant and the emotional, but from a more sustainable point of view and with some of the magic of Korea.