Genesis X Skorpio Concept – 1,115 PS/1,153 Nm V8 engine; carbon-bodied, tubular framed off-roader
Taking on the off-roading sports car idea in the vein of the Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and the Porsche 911 Dakar, albeit with more extreme terrain in mind, the Genesis X Skorpio Concept emerged to show the Korean luxury brand’s front-engined concept that is far less low-slung than the mid-engined Magma GT concept unveiled in November.
Being “an extreme off-road vehicle designed to be driven across the toughest and harshest terrain,” according to Genesis chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke, the X Skorpio Concept features a tubular frame and a full roll cage, with many components sourced from off-road endurance racing specialist firms.
Built with a combination of fibreglass, carbon-fibre and Kevlar, the segmented exterior panels of the X Skorpio Concept are designed to be repaired quickly and efficiently in the harsh environments such a vehicle is expected to operate in.
Genesis typically does not reveal powertrain details for its concepts, though it has offered a glimpse of sorts this time for the X Skorpio Concept; under the clamshell bonnet is a V8 engine producing 1,115 PS and 117.6 kg-m (1,153 Nm) of torque.
For rolling stock, the X Skorpio Concept is fitted with 18-inch beadlock wheels and custom 40-inch off-road tyres, while braking is by Brembo Motorsport. Genesis claims “generous approach and departure angles”, a short wheelbase and a high breakover angle, while high-clearance fenders and durable skid plates aim to prevent the vehicle getting stuck or damaged when driven as intended.
Inside, the X Skorpio Concept gets the aforementioned roll cage, four-point harnesses and reinforced structural components. The cabin is seen to be functional, yet more luxurious than the trophy truck category of Baja competition machines that the X Skorpio Concept outwardly resembles.
Instrumentation is by a display unit mounted on a competition-style steering wheel, while secondary controls are via a panel of buttons arranged a grid. There is also a sliding display that can be positioned closer to the driver for single-occupant navigation, or towards the passenger for co-pilot duties. Grab handles are located on either side of the centre console.
Genesis has not indicated if the X Skorpio Concept is being considered for production or indeed, competition, though with its tubular frame construction, 1,115 PS V8 engine and a chassis to suit, it certain appears to have the base ingredients to fit the bill for trophy truck racing. What do you think?
