Genesis has been busy of late with numerous enticing concepts.
Both pickup and minivan concepts remain shelved but show potential future directions.
Truck used ladder-frame EV platform; minivan followed single-box, space-age styling.
Arguably, Genesis has shared more interesting and desirable concepts over the last few years than just about any other automaker. In addition to the two in this story, the Magma series of concepts has ignited a passion-fueled interest among lovers of high-performance vehicles, with one garnering more attention than any other: the G90 Wingback. This is truly a dream-machine.
The design sketches for two concept vehicles were developed internally but never advanced beyond that “what-could-be” stage. The projects, one a fully electric pickup truck for the North American market and the other, a high-riding luxury minivan called “Jet On Wheels”, showcase the brand’s experimental approach to segment expansion.
Pickup Concept Targeted EV Truck Segment
The electric pickup, referred to simply as “The Pickup,” was conceived as a ladder-frame EV for the North American market. Renderings suggest a vehicle sized and styled to compete with the Rivian R1T, ex-Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Cybertruck. It featured Genesis’s signature Two-Line LED lighting, a prominent Crest grille, and a bold upright stance that emphasizes utility and capability.
The truck concept incorporated elements like a flip-up front storage compartment, side-skirt storage spaces, and all-terrain tires mounted on unique alloy wheels. One image depicted the vehicle towing a custom-designed Airstream trailer, suggesting its intended towing function.
Genesis Pickup Concept | Photo: ahhoang_cdn via InstagramGenesis designed the pickup around a chassis similar to the X Gran Equator concept. A rendering of the interior showed a five-seat layout with a minimalist dashboard, a slim digital instrument cluster, and a curved passenger display spanning the width of the cabin.
Despite early design progress, Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke confirmed that Genesis chose to shelve the project to focus on other priorities, particularly the Magma performance line.
Futuristic Minivan Explores Luxury MPV Segment
Genesis also shared images of a separate design study, a minivan concept dubbed “Jet On Wheels.” This high-riding van displays (in the image) an SUV-like ground clearance and a single-box stretched aerodynamic profile, incorporating a steeply raked windshield and a sculpted glass tail section.
Genesis’s familiar design motifs, such as Two-Line LED lighting and the parabolic side crease, are integrated into the concept’s very unconventional form.
Genesis “Jet On Wheels” Concept | Photo: ahhoang_cdn via InstagramDonckerwolke described the project as part of Genesis’s internal design exploration. Speaking to Auto&Design, he said, “We did it because at Genesis we all know we might make a van sooner or later… It seemed perfectly natural to us to also address this typology of vehicle.”
The luxury MPV market, particularly in China, has seen rising interest from premium automakers. Though the Jet On Wheels is not scheduled for production, its existence suggests Genesis is keeping an eye on the segment.
Genesis X Skorpio Concept: When Extreme Luxury Takes on the Desert
Both projects, as well as the latest X Skorpio Concept, are part of Genesis’s widespread experimentations across vehicle types not currently in its lineup. Alongside these concepts, the brand has also explored hydrogen SUVs, mid-engine supercars, and the luxury city car Mint Concept.
Hyundai Motor Group is developing electric and ladder-frame pickup platforms for markets including North America and Australia. While not confirmed, these platforms could support future Genesis-branded variants if the company revisits its electric truck plans.
Source: Carscoops
