Reasons Genesis Could Potentially Develop Its G90 Wingback Muscle Wagon | Carscoops

      The automaker is wagering that high-performance wagons will capture the enthusiasm of car lovers after the saturation of SUVs.

      19 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Genesis unveiled the G90 Wingback concept in conjunction with a mid-engine coupe.

      Luc Donckerwolke states that feedback indicates luxury wagons have worldwide appeal.

      The G90 Wingback has a similar structure and suspension points as the sedan.

      Although Genesis has been focused on teasing the production of the GV60 Magma and showcasing an alluring mid-engine sports car targeting the Corvette segment, the concept that truly captured attention this week was the G90 Wingback.

      Officially still a concept and lacking a production confirmation, Genesis is evidently exploring potential interest and seeing encouraging signs.

      Could It Work?

      Luc Donckerwolke recently shared with Motortrend that “I receive feedback suggesting high-performance wagons aren’t very popular outside Germany, but the success of competitors in the U.S. market indicates otherwise.”

      There’s good reason to think he may be correct. The continuous excitement surrounding vehicles like the Audi RS6 and BMW M5 Touring hints at a market for such options, even if the G90 Wingback belongs to a more exclusive class.

      Consider it less a competitor to the RS6 and more of a theoretical RS8 Avant or M7 Touring, neither of which currently exist. This is because the G90 is based on a full-size luxury sedan, measuring 5,205 mm (204.9 in) in length with a standard wheelbase.

      How Close Is It?

      It’s not merely excitement fueling the discussion. The car is relatively close to being viable as it stands. Genesis has already created a prototype, and according to Donckerwolke, launching it into production wouldn’t pose significant challenges in terms of components.

      The Wingback utilizes the same critical points such as seats, wheelbase, and suspension mounts. “The cars can be executed very quickly with minimal advance investment,” Donckerwolke told the magazine.

      Manfred Harrer, the performance specialist within Genesis R&D, confirms that engineers are already stiffening the G90 platform for a Magma version of the sedan, which also supports the Wingback and X Gran Coupe.

      “We are preparing this platform for high performance,” he explains. “And we are thoroughly committed to these designs.”

      Expect superior steering feedback, more responsive damping, and a high-speed experience that aims for composure and tranquility. Rather than harshness typical of track-focused cars, the goal is grand touring refinement.

      The Missing V8 Piece

      All of this raises one significant question regarding the Wingback: what engine would power it if it ever enters production? The most potent G90 currently available produces 409 horsepower (305 kW) and 405 lb-ft (549 Nm) of torque from a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6.

      That output falls short compared to the high-performance variants from BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, which all feature supercar-level power and the corresponding hardware.

      There are rumors suggesting that Genesis is developing a new V8, which could be integrated into a future production version of the mid-engine supercar also unveiled in concept form at the same event, alongside the potential road-going versions of the striking X Gran Coupe and Convertible studies.

      Should that engine reach production, the Wingback could swiftly transition from an intriguing concept to a genuine world-class contender.

      While financial analysts may view the business rationale skeptically and quietly consign it to the proverbial PowerPoint graveyard, if Genesis does build it, we believe it will resonate with the right audience, and that might just be sufficient.