by New Concepts from Genesis
The Genesis brand has been actively expanding its design horizons lately. Among the latest concepts, one can see a mid-engine supercar, a luxury wagon, and even a sketch of a full-size pickup. However, even against this backdrop, the new high-roof minivan concept, which looks more like a spaceship than a car, appears truly unique.
The Minivan of the Future
The concept, named “Jet On Wheels,” is presented as a styling study, but it has already moved beyond the sketch stage. We are looking at a full-size static prototype.
Official sketches emphasize the concept’s aerodynamic silhouette and its SUV-like ground clearance. The proportions are maintained in a “one-box” style with a steeply raked windshield, which may remind one of the Pontiac Trans Sport from the 90s. The car sits on oversized alloy wheels that further accentuate its futuristic look.
The front and rear light graphics are executed in Genesis’s signature “Two Line” theme, and the side view includes a characteristic parabolic body line. However, the most impressive is the rear section with a sculpted glass-plastic area that looks as if it was borrowed from science fiction.
Production Plans
Although the concept looks unlikely for series production, it was created not just for show. Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke, commented on this project:
We did this because at Genesis we all know that sooner or later we might start producing a van. Since we are used to working with different car categories and architectures, it seemed quite natural to also consider this type of vehicle. So, this is a perfect example of the work we do behind the scenes, in our “kitchen.”
The luxury minivan segment has been gaining momentum lately, especially in China, where this class of cars has transformed from simple business transport into a status symbol for the elite. Genesis may eventually enter this market with an eccentric offering to compete, for example, with the upcoming flagship Lexus LS minivan and offerings from other premium brands.
Hydrogen SUV
Another interesting concept from the Genesis design studio is a hydrogen fuel cell SUV. The project has the internal codename JH and was ultimately frozen. However, it shows that Genesis once considered the possibility of creating a hydrogen car that could utilize Hyundai Nexo technologies.
In the image, the JH concept looks like a sleek three-row SUV with complex body geometry and a strong visual presence. The Crest Grille is unusually low, below the bumper-level air intakes, which seem to connect to a cutout on the hood. Frameless windows, thin LED elements, and five-spoke alloy wheels complement the design.
The publication Auto&Design published several alternative versions of this concept. One showed more aggressive light graphics integrated into the body through deep channels, combined with a lower stance and a coupe-like roofline. Another rendering was closer to conventional proportions and strongly resembled what we expect from the future GV90.
The Significance of Concept Cars
Senior Group Manager of PR and Communications, Jarred Pellatt, in a comment to the publication, confirmed that many of these design studies will not progress beyond the concept stage. However, he emphasized their value as internal tools. They “demonstrate the broad capabilities and strengths of the Genesis design team,” he noted.
Such projects, despite their experimental nature, serve as an important testing ground for ideas. They allow engineers and designers to test extreme forms and technologies, individual elements of which may find their way into future production models. Genesis’s activity in this area indicates the brand’s ambition not only to follow trends but to shape them, especially in the premium segment where expressiveness and innovation are key factors. The consideration of niches such as luxury minivans or hydrogen SUVs points to a strategic vision of a broad portfolio aimed at different markets and customer types in the long term.
