Genesis X Skorpio Concept Debuts as Would-Be Dakar Fighter
Remember the X Gran Equator off-road SUV concept unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April of last year? Well, Genesis is pushing exploration and adventure even further—much further, actually—with another concept called X Skorpio that aims to conquer the most extreme terrains.
It’s no surprise that Hyundai's luxury brand chose the United Arab Emirates with its world-famous Rub’ al Khali “Empty Quarter” desert to officially introduce the vehicle alongside the GV60 Outdoors, GV70 Outdoors and GV80 Desert Edition concepts (see photo gallery above). The name and design are directly inspired by a black scorpion, an insect known for its resilience and ability to survive in harsh environments.
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“With a tubular frame, a full roll cage and many components sourced directly from off-road endurance racing specialists, the X Skorpio explores yet another facet of our brand and highlights our intent to inject emotion and adrenaline into different segments,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer at Genesis.
The X Skorpio is built using a combination of fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar. The segmented, armour-like panels not only evoke the protective nature of a scorpion’s exoskeleton, the company emphasizes, but also enhance practicality by allowing for quick and efficient repairs in challenging locations. Genesis' signature dual-line headlights and taillights are obviously retained, with the former defining the grille's contour, and 32 additional lights are added to the front for optimal nighttime illumination.
Comfort-Focused Rallying
Inside the X Skorpio concept, the cabin is designed to be very utilitarian yet at the same time more refined and more comfortable than traditional rally SUVs like the ones competing at Dakar. It all starts with luxurious suede featuring intricate gradient patterns (crafted using state-of-the-art laser cutting techniques) and paired with leather that features unique stitching.
Genesis incorporated ergonomic seating with four-point harnesses, intuitive controls and climate control systems to reduce fatigue for the driver and co-driver. The instrument cluster is built into the steering wheel, which is a questionable design choice. A full head-up display would have been better, right? Alternatively, there's a sliding display that reconfigures between solo-rider and co-piloted modes. Advanced communication systems complete the setup.
A Scorpion That Loves Gas
As you can see on the pictures, a functional air intake is mounted on the roof. What, you didn’t think the X Skorpio was electric, did you? It actually boasts a high-ouput V8 producing 1,100 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque. Here again, we see a resemblance to the exceptional strength of the scorpion.
Elsewhere, the vehicle features 18-inch beadlock wheels paired with custom 40-inch off-road tires, Brembo Motorsport brakes offering enhanced stopping power, plus a heavy-duty, finely tuned suspension that allows for maximum ground clearance. Alas, details on the latter are not specified. Naturally, several skid plates are included to prevent damage to the underbody.
No Plan for Production
To be clear, Genesis has no intention of producing its X Skorpio concept for customers. However, the launch in the United Arab Emirates allows the brand to capitalize on a rapidly growing market for luxury vehicles. It also fits perfectly with the automotive culture and lifestyle of the Middle East, where off-road racing and recreational driving in the sand are popular pastimes. As a matter of fact, the 2026 Dakar Rally took place earlier this month in Saudi Arabia, not far from there.
Genesis is seeking to establish a strong presence in the region and connect with its rapidly expanding customer base.
