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Genesis, and now Ioniq—a fresh all-electric label—the South Korean automaker evidently has strategic visions for the coming years. One of these strategies involves electrified editions of its Genesis range of upscale automobiles, and today we caught a glimpse of one of them at Hyundai Canada HQ through a autoTRADER.ca.
YouTube channel, little can be discerned about the vehicle due to the extensive camouflage. Nonetheless, there are a few discernible features.
autoTRADER Canada – YouTube
The first noticeable aspect is the presence of a substantial charging cable protruding from the front of the vehicle. The second is the replacement of the traditional radiator grille with a solid-patterned cover-plate featuring an altered rendition of the Genesis emblem. Instead of the typical “G” within a winged crest, the G now seems to be stylized like the power button of an electronic device, a smart way to indicate that this car is now electrified. It seems probable that the new emblem is also illumined, given the soft, white, translucent plastic from which it’s crafted.
A closer inspection of the vehicle in the video reveals little else due to the extensive camouflage, but it’s clear that, at the very least, the fundamental design of the G80 remains unaltered in its electrified form. It still retains the original G80 wheels, suggesting that there have been no external design alterations made at this stage. This vehicle most likely serves as a prototype, hence significant design changes may not be evident.
We’ve previously seen another electric G80 test mule at the Nurburgring; however, back then, our knowledge about it was as limited as it is now. Presumably, if this mule represents a fully electric variant, it eliminates the current twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, but details about the powertrain remain scarce. Given that this vehicle was initially designed as a gasoline-powered model, the electric range may not be exceptionally impressive, akin to Ford’s electric Transit Van. Nevertheless, Hyundai is developing a flexible electric platform, which might have been adapted for this purpose.
Regardless, if Hyundai aims to be a serious contender in the EV realm (much like Ford and GM), it must make significant strides from the get-go. With this in mind, the company asserts that it will introduce 11 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) over the next five years. The specimen observed here likely represents one of them.
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