The Genesis Neolun concept offers a glimpse into the brand’s forthcoming flagship SUV, likely named the GV90. As is often the case with concept cars, Neolun, meaning «New Moon,» boasts several wild features. Among them are a retractable roof for cargo, heated floors, rotating front seats, suicide doors, and the absence of a B-pillar. While such features typically don’t make it to production, Genesis’s chief designer, SangYup Lee, asserts that the automaker will strive to make it a reality.
«We’re not making a show car for the sake of show business,» he tells Motor1 magazine. «Every design element has engineering research behind it.»
Adding suicide doors to production is one thing. Rolls-Royce has been using them for years, and even the Ferrari Purosangue features rear-opening doors. However, the absence of a B-pillar presents a different challenge. Without this element, ensuring sufficient vehicle stiffness and compliance with safety standards in collisions becomes a real concern.
Lee suggests it’s easy to do with a small car, citing the old BMW i3 as an example. It’s a relatively small opening. «In a car of this size, when you flip it, the roof needs to be strong enough to support the weight,» he explains. «But, as I said, never say never… Without the B-pillar, look at how much space it gives you. Imagine pulling up to a fancy concert with a red carpet, the door opens, or when you’re heading to the beach, the door opens, and you see the entire sea in front of you.» A beautiful thought.
There are other intriguing details. Lee takes particular pride in the headlights and emblems seamlessly integrated into the body. Run your hand over them, and you won’t be able to discern where one ends and the other begins.
The inspiration for Neolun came from Korean moon jars and river stones. Lee often carries a highly polished river stone in his pocket, and he wants Neolun’s surfaces to resemble it. «You should be able to identify a Genesis car even when your eyes are closed,» he says. «That’s how you open up the character of Genesis.»
This leads to a very smooth car. There are hardly any sharp lines or creases, in stark contrast to the large SUVs from other luxury brands. Neolun and the future production model intentionally stand apart. «This car is all about proportions, balance, and volume,» says Lee.
Genesis hasn’t provided a timeline for Neolun’s production, but Lee said it would happen «sooner rather than later.» Let’s assume a couple of years. Hopefully, all these fantastic elements will become a reality in the production car.
