The high-riding, V-8-powered concept produces 850 pound-feet of torque and could signal a future Dakar Rally entrant from the brand.
Genesis has revealed a new off-road concept car called the X Scorpio, which is designed to conquer desert terrain. The concept has a tubular chassis, an integrated roll cage, and a V-8 that makes 1100 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque.
The intense concept car may signal a future of rally racing for Genesis, which is currently preparing for its inaugural World Endurance Championship season.The Rub' al Khali, otherwise known as the 'Empty Quarter,' is the largest continuous sand desert on earth, and it stretches over parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Measuring roughly 250,000 square miles, the Empty Quarter is a vast expanse of rocky plains and sand dunes that can reach more than 800 feet high. For several years, it's been home to the Dakar Rally. Now, tucked beneath a range of sand dunes, the desert has also become the launch site for the newest Genesis concept: the X Scorpio.Unlike most concept cars launched in recent years, the X Scorpio is not an EV. Instead, the new Genesis concept sources its power from a free-flowing V-8 that makes 1100 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The automaker hasn't divulged anything about the engine's origins, but we can confirm that the V-8 generates a guttural roar akin to the trophy trucks that compete in the Dakar Rally. Inspired by Dakar RacersIt's fitting then that the X Scorpio concept is set up in a similar fashion to the trucks that tackle the gruesome Dakar. It rides on a set of 18-inch beadlock wheels and custom 40-inch tires that are managed by a set of motorsports-grade Brembo brakes. A specially tuned suspension lifts the X Scorpio concept well above the road, as its intended purpose involves high-flying jumps off sand dunes. The bodywork is a combination of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass to keep the weight down. The panels are kept close to the tubular frame and paired with the high-clearance fenders, which provide an enormous breakover angle. The air intake mounted to the roof serves as a visual metaphor for a scorpion's stinger in a not-so-subtle nod to the concept's namesake.Despite the race-car bones, the X Scorpio concept's interior is draped in finery. The dashboard is covered in leather and has a sizable navigation screen mounted in front of the passenger. The steering wheel is adorned with the instrument cluster, as well as a handful of controls for things like the windshield wipers and headlights. The console houses the switches for the rest of the controls and is flanked by Alcantara grab handles. Bound for Production?Historically, Genesis is a company that likes to put its concept models into production. While that's not likely with the X Scorpio, the concept could still be part of the brand's future. According to Luc Donckerwolke, the brand's chief creative officer, 'Each concept is a signal of what's possible, a glimpse into the DNA of Genesis' future.'As Genesis is already looking to enter the world of racing with its first World Endurance Championship season this year, it doesn't seem like a huge leap for the brand to consider racing the Dakar Rally in the future. The automaker is already building a presence for itself in the Middle East, and finding success in the world's most famous off-road race would only strengthen that position.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used Cars
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