Genesis New York Concept: First Look

Looks like: A slightly sleeker and sportier take on the G80 and G90 sedans

Defining Characteristics: Tame exterior styling is countered by a tech-filled interior with two innovative displays.

Ridiculous Features: A curved 21-inch-wide screen replaces the instrument panel and multimedia controls and a bowl-shaped Central Control Panel offers gesture and finger-swipe control; it also allows the user to “throw” content around the screen.

Chances of being mass-produced: High, in some form. Hyundai’s new Genesis brand needs a sport sedan if it wants to be compete in the luxury segment. I would not be surprised to see something close to this (but with a toned down interior) in the next couple years.

More New York Auto Show Coverage

CARS.COM — Hyundai’s new luxury brand put forth its first concept car at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, the aptly named New York Concept.

The first two Genesis models (G80 and G90) will go on sale this summer under the new nameplate and Genesis has indicated that a smaller sedan, a sport coupe and two new SUVs will join them to round out the lineup.

The four-seat New York Concept represents the smaller sedan variable of that equation and Genesis hinted that the sedan indicates the styling direction for the rest of the brand. The automaker calls its styling “athletic elegance” and it looks very similar to the brand’s other sedans, especially with its large, upright hexagonal grille. It has black backing, which makes it look more aggressive, and it is flanked by the same thin LED-adorned headlights that are in vogue for concepts today.

Under the concept’s hood is a hybrid powertrain. The automaker didn’t talk specifics, but said the concept’s powertrain uses Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the New York Concept’s cabin is innovative. It features a large screen that incorporates both the instrument panel in front of the driver and the multimedia functions. The 21-inch panel is curved as well which gives the driver better access to the right side of the screen. To allow the driver to see the instrument panel portion of the screen better, the Concept also features an open steering wheel design.

There’s also a new bowl-shaped Central Control Panel, which can accept single-finger or multifinger swipes and can read handwriting. A 3-D control sensor also can read gestures, which allows the user to “toss” content from one area of the screen to the other.