Genesis Hasn't Forgotten Its Stunning Concepts

The Genesis brand has one priority at the moment: to release an SUV. With SUVs dominating the market, Genesis will likely see a massive sales uptick when it finally reveals its the GV80. Genesis will follow up the GV80 with a smaller SUV called the GV70 but these are not the only new models the Korean automaker has planned. In fact, the company says it plans to release a third new model by 2021.

This third mystery model is still unconfirmed but based on a recent interview with MotorTrend, it seems very likely that one of Genesis' stunning concept cars will be put into production. Genesis brand chief Manfred Fitzgerald told MotorTrend the company is "grinding" to turn its concept vehicles like the Essentia Coupe and the Mint into real production models.

"It's just a matter of getting the (Essentia) powertrain equation right and defining which way we want to go with it," Fitzgerald said at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. "Some options we are still validating, as well as the whole chassis. Different configurations and different options are on the table." Genesis already makes a strong 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 with 365 horsepower, which would make an excellent option for a two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Even the Mint Concept, which looked pretty far from production-ready when it debuted at the 2019 New York Auto Show, is still earmarked for production. "It hits all the marks," Fitzgerald said referring to the Mint's diminutive size and spacious interior. "This is what the future will hold. For people to limit the Genesis brand to what they see on the street, they will be definitely wrong."