- Genesis unveiled the X Skorpio Concept at Liwa Oasis in the UAE.
- It uses a high-performance V8 claimed at 820kW and about 1152Nm.
- The concept features 40-inch off-road tyres, roll cage, harnesses and more.
Genesis has taken a sharp left turn off the sealed road, unveiling the X Skorpio Concept as its first “extreme off-road” machine at Liwa Oasis in the UAE, with the Rub’ al Khali’s Empty Quarter as its proving ground.
Built to tackle demanding terrain (and plenty of sand), the Skorpio isn’t a styled-up SUV concept. It’s pitched as a purpose-built recreational off-roader, inspired by a black scorpion and designed to show “real-world driving performance” in the desert, not just studio drama.
Not your usual concept car
Genesis says the X Skorpio Concept was developed by specialists with off-road know-how, with engineering and craftsmanship dialled in for harsh conditions.
Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke summed up the intent clearly: “The X Skorpio concept is an extreme off-road vehicle designed to be driven across the toughest and harshest terrain,” he said.
“With a tubular frame, a full roll cage and many components sourced directly from off-road endurance racing specialists, the X Skorpio Concept explores yet another facet of the Genesis brand and highlights our intent to inject emotion and adrenaline into different segments.”
Big V8 energy
Genesis claims a high-performance V8 producing around 820kW of power and 1152Nm of torque. Hardware highlights include 18-inch beadlock wheels and 40-inch off-road tyres, plus Brembo Motorsport brakes.
The chassis specification prioritises off-road capability, with a short wheelbase, strong approach and departure angles, high break-over clearance, protective skid plates and high-clearance bodywork.
Safety equipment includes an integrated roll cage, four-point harnesses and a reinforced structure, using lightweight fibreglass, carbon fibre and Kevlar components.
More concepts, more strategy talk
Alongside the Skorpio, Genesis also showed off off-road-flavoured ideas for GV60, GV70 and GV80 under the “Outdoors” and “Desert Edition” banners. It used the event to outline a new concept-car strategy built around its “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, framed through three emotional lanes: Luxury, Sport and Cool.
Donckerwolke said: “We create concept cars to inspire and ignite authentic passion for our vision…” adding they’re intended to “deepen the emotional connection” with customers.
