Genesis teases motorsport future with Vision Gran Turismo concept cars

Luxury automotive brand Genesis has previewed what it may have to offer if it chooses to go racing with a handful of concept cars in collaboration with Gran Turismo.

As a part of the Vision Gran Turismo series – which encourages manufacturers to create motorsport-focused models based on real-world offerings or blank-canvas ideas – Genesis has teased two race cars and a third unique concept, giving an insight into what it could serve up if it takes on the big players in racing.

First up, the G70 GR4 Gran Turismo – based on the G70 performance sedan but designed to fit into the game's GR4 category. It closely reflects the real-life GT4 regulations, utilising production cars with modifications like spoilers, roll cages and strengthened components.

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In reality, the G70 is powered by a 3.3-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which develops 272kW and 510Nm, available as rear-wheel drive only in Australia but offered with all-wheel drive in other markets such as the United States – where the G70 GR4 was conceived.

For the game's GR3 category, Genesis has introduced the X GR3, creating mystery as it isn't directly linked to any existing model but shares a closely-related design with the G80, however this car is a two-door while the G80 is a four-door sedan.

With added aero over the G70 GR4, the X GR3 is close to what we see in GT3 championships globally, although Genesis hasn't offered any details on the powertrain in its digital racer.

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Lastly, the Vision Gran Turismo Concept, is a vehicle not built to any existing regulations but rather designed as an exercise in what the company could potentially create with the only limits coming from within.

Genesis offered up three designs for its VGT Concept – first of all is the GR1 Alpha_DB. According to the firm, it's an "experimental concept which embraces Athletic Elegance by separating the brand’s iconic two lines to form one seamless design and testing the limits of aerodynamics and speed".

Second of the two designs is the GR1 Bravo_GB, which "presents a sophisticated sculpture, proving that function and beauty can work as one", while the final GR1 Charlie_ET "embraces the technical precision of Athletic Elegance, capturing the tension, athleticism and performance that is embedded into all Genesis products".

While Genesis isn't involved in any motorsport, its parent company Hyundai has been involved in the World Rally Championship and various iterations of the TCR Racing Series around the world for the past few years, enjoying success in both competitions as it moves itself to becoming a bigger player in the performance vehicle segment.

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