Wild Genesis X Skorpio Concept Car Unveiled [w/video]

Genesis recently unveiled a wild X Skorpio off-road concept vehicle. It was designed to perform across demanding terrain including deserts. The X Skorpio Concept, inspired by a black scorpion, is Genesis’ first extreme off-road vehicle. Fittingly, a working prototype was shown to potential clients at a dynamic launched event held in the harsh ‘Empty Quarter’ of the United Arab Emirates.

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The X Skorpio concept is an extreme off-road vehicle designed to be driven across the toughest and harshest terrain. With a tubular frame, a full roll cage and many components sourced directly from off-road endurance racing specialists, the X Skorpio Concept explores yet another facet of the Genesis brand and highlights our intent to inject emotion and adrenaline into different segments
– Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer, Genesis.

Building the Brand

Genesis is the luxury arm of Hyundai in the same way that Lexus is a step up from Toyota. The Korean brand has been making strides with its Genesis sub-division, particularly, in North America, emulating a similar trick performed by Lexus decades ago. Genesis offers a number of luxury and performance models in the USA. However, it seems the company is looking to build its brand into other parts of the world. As a result it has started to offer a wider array of products, such as the Genesis X Skorpio. Genesis is clear about the target market: The X Skorpio concept is tailored to the automotive culture and lifestyle of the Middle East, where off-road racing and recreational driving — often at high speeds while navigating airborne jumps — are a favorite pastime.

On the Offensive

Genesis has made a few interesting expansion plans to increase its visibility as part of its product and brand offensive. The first was the news that the company would be joining the world of endurance racing with a bespoke prototype, which you can read about at this link. In addition the automaker also showed a mid-engined sportscar that is heading for production, called the Magma GT. The third is the radical Genesis X Skorpio.

High-riding Sportscar

The high-riding X Skorpio is built around a spaceframe concept with integrated roll cage. The design features high ground clearance, generous approach and departure angles, a short wheelbase and a high break-over angle; ideal for cresting dunes. The body is made from a combination of glass-fibre, carbon-fibre and Kevlar for durability and reduced mass. The Genesis X Skorpio is powered by a V8 engine that develops a whopping 1 150 N.m of torque along with 820 kW of power. It is equipped with 18-inch bead-lock wheels paired with custom 40-inch off-road tyres.

The interior is focused on luxury first, with a dash of utilitarianism throw-in for good measure. Genesis combined matte and glossy finishes and painted interior trim pieces to match the exterior. Deep bucket leather seats are fitted with four-point harnesses to keep occupants firmly in place. The instrument cluster is mounted to the steering wheel for quick reference. A touchscreen navigation system can slide across the dashboard. As a result the screen can be set in the middle when you are riding solo or moved across the far side for the co-pilot to use – neat.