Genesis Neolun, Magma Concepts Should Have You Excited, Here’s Why
With the 2024 New York Auto Show opening later this week, Genesis made sure to grab all the media attention with a special event on Monday night to introduce the Neolun Concept and a Magma program that previews future high-performance vehicles.
Let’s start with the former, whose name is derived from the Greek “neo,” or new, and the Latin “luna,” which means moon. The concept is said to encapsulate the brand’s technological innovation, while the exterior revolves around the principle of “reductive design,” characterized by clean, refined lines that eliminate any unnecessary details.
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“The Neolun Concept was inspired by Korea’s iconic moon-shaped porcelain jars,” Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke said. “It’s the epitome of timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship.”
Several tricks contribute to a perfectly smooth and clean body, starting with the flush headlights, taillights and logos. The pop-up roof rails are hidden until the driver needs them, while the electric side steps are automatically deployed when the doors open.
The distinctive coach doors, without any B-pillars connecting the vehicle’s body and roof, provide easier access to the interior. According to Genesis, development of such doors has reached a level where its application to production vehicles is now feasible.
Moving inside, designers aimed for a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s distinct hospitality culture. Passengers are greeted by a spacious cabin that accentuates comfort and relaxation, complete with soothing materials and colours. The front-row seats swivel to maximize space and practicality. Meanwhile, the audio system features an advanced “sound architecture” where each speaker is strategically positioned to create a concert hall-like feel.
One last item you should know about is efficient radiant heating throughout the vehicle, with films applied to the dashboard, door trims, floor, seatbacks and console sides. It’s inspired by Korea’s traditional “ondol,” a heating method that utilizes direct heat transfer underneath the floor to provide warmth, often found in traditional and modern homes.
Genesis said it hopes to turn the Neolun Concept into a production model sooner rather than later. We think that’s a good idea. Don’t you?
Magma, A New Era of Performance
With the newly announced Magma program, the company plans to develop a high-performance model for each production vehicle in the existing lineup. The GV60 Magma Concept foreshadows the launch of the first Genesis EV with upgraded motors and battery.
As far as styling goes, the exterior harmonizes aesthetics with considerations for chassis, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Compared with the standard GV60, it has been widened and lowered, giving it a more dynamic stance and allowing for a lower centre of gravity.
At the front, a wider and lower air intake in the bumper effectively cools the battery, motor and brakes, while three stamped holes above said air intake provide additional cooling. Added canards assist in generating downforce on the front axle, while fins have been strategically placed on the roof to control the aerodynamic flow and channel it to the rear wing, generating rear downforce.
The enlarged fenders with integrated outlets help reduce kinetic energy and improve cooling for the brakes. Similarly, the flow-formed 21-inch wheels feature integrated aero discs which also help cool the brakes.
The interior of the GV60 Magma Concept stands out with bucket seats featuring body-coloured seatbacks upholstered in nappa and suede leather, as well as double-diamond stitching patterns in orange and titanium grey.
“The brand will continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements,” Donckerwolke said. “While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond, prioritizing the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort.”
Save for the GV60 Magma, all upcoming Magma models will be limited-production vehicles including the GV80 Coupe (Genesis’ first coupe-style SUV), G80 Magma Special and X Gran Berlinetta (previously revealed in Barcelona).
The GV60 Magma, G80 Magma Special, X Gran Berlinetta and Neolun concepts will be displayed alongside other Genesis production models at the 2024 New York Auto Show, slated to open to the public on March 29th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.