NEW YORK -- Hyundai recently split its top-end Genesis moniker off into its own premium flag-ship brand. Now, at the New York Auto Show, it's debuted a new luxury sport hybrid concept that demonstrates -- along with some sexy body lines -- the next-generation of human-machine interface (HMI).
The car has been cleverly dubbed the "New York Concept" and it, according to Genesis, emphasizes "key aspects of Korean culture." Although I am not sure that is going to be a real selling feature for sporting luxury buyers. It's the interior tech and, importantly, it's next-gen HMI that should seal the deal.
Inside, Genesis has installed a 21-inch floating curved 4K screen from LG. The screen is convex in front of the driver, where it plays the role of instrument cluster. As it curves toward the center of the car, it becomes concave, where multimedia is displayed.
Intriguingly, the screen and the HMI is controlled not by touching the screen, but with a bowl-shaped center control panel instead. The user drops his or her hand into the bowl and controls the display with single- and multi-finger swipes. It also supports circular scrolling motions for getting through, say, a long song playlist.
Genesis also brags the 21-incher can be operated with 3D gesture controls as well. The sensors allow a user to grab and throw widgets from one side of the long screen to another. However, it didn't delve too much into that aspect of the in-car tech in its press release beyond mentioning that functionality.
Along with talking tech, Genesis mentions that the hybrid concept's powertrain produces 241 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That isn't very much -- especially for a big sporty luxury sedan. Whatever, I am not going to quibble with power because the New York Concept's tech is hugely intriguing.
I really hope that Hyundai's new luxury brand has the guts to run with an idea like the New York Concept's HMI system. Right now, the high-end luxury sports sedan market is oversaturated -- by older brands with recognition and cache. If it wants to attract buyers -- especially younger ones -- it would be well served to throw down the tech gauntlet and go into production with such a big, beautiful screen.
Except Genesis is, as it made sure to point out early on, is a conservative Korean car company. So it probably won't do anything of the sort. And that's too bad.
