The Genesis brand officially turned a decade old last year, and it’s taken that milestone as an opportunity to get serious about performance. The company has unveiled a no-holds-barred rally raid machine called the X Skorpio, signaling just how serious it is about making off-roading part of its repertoire.
The X Skorpio is basically what you’d get if you took the body of that gorgeous Genesis X concept from a few years back and plopped it on top of a machine built to tackle the Dakar—with a few adjustments here and there, so everything fits. This beast of an SUV boasts a 1,100-horsepower V8 engine producing 850 lb-ft of torque, along with beefy 40-inch tires at every corner, favorable approach, departure, and breakover angles, and a low-drag shell that safeguards stability.
The X Skorpio has been rendered in images, but it’s clear this vehicle is designed for extreme off-road adventures. Genesis plans to build only a limited number of these vehicles, with deliveries set to take place in the Middle East only, and they won’t be street legal.
In addition to the X Skorpio, Genesis showcased a trio of production-based off-road one-offs, including the GV60 Outdoors Concept, GV70 Outdoors Concept, and GV80 Desert Edition. These vehicles signify that Genesis is serious about bringing more off-road sensibilities into its lineup.
With Hyundai already venturing in this direction with the XRT line, Genesis is taking a bold step towards making off-roading part of its DNA. The brand’s commitment to performance and luxury is evident in these vehicles, which will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts and off-road enthusiasts alike.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Genesis’ foray into off-road SUVs plays out.
The X Skorpio represents a significant departure from Genesis' traditional focus on performance, showcasing the brand's willingness to explore new territory and cater to diverse customer needs. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards more versatile and capable vehicles, it will be fascinating to see how Genesis' off-road offerings evolve in the coming years.
