Woah, Genesis just revealed a 1,100bhp V8 off-road supercar

A gentle hike through the hills. Maybe a spot of fishing. Perhaps a dip in the pool. There are many forms of recreation, and Genesis appears to have gone after the ‘flat out across the desert’ crowd with this: the wild X Skorpio Concept.

Annoyingly misspelt name aside, this is, at heart, a V8-engined off-road supercar. It has apparently been tailored “to the automotive culture and lifestyle of the Middle East, where off-road racing and recreational driving – often at high speeds while navigating airborne jumps – are a favourite pastime”. Certainly beats a bit of yoga, that’s for sure.

So, to deal with driving often at high speeds, Genesis has equipped the X with a V8 of unspecified capacity but very specified power: there’s 1,100bhp and 850lb ft at your disposal, directed to a set of 18in beadlock wheels shod in 40in off-road tyres.

There’s also “finely tuned” suspension with a mile of ground clearance, a short wheelbase and “generous” approach and departure angles – it’ll fly and land, basically. And when it does land, the high arches, skid plates and “precision-engineered” mechanicals make sure you won’t get beached. Brembo motorsport-spec brakes happen, too.

Naturally there’s a full roll cage, four-point harness system and lots of reinforcement, and the entire thing’s been honed by aero to keep it “steady both on the ground” and – hilariously in Genesis’ own words – “during moments of elevation”. Told you it could fly. You won’t be surprised to learn the overall design has been inspired by – that’s right! – a scorpion.

Genesis hasn’t quoted a weight figure, but does note the use of carbon fibre, Kevlar and fibreglass in its construction. It’s been designed to be comfortable inside – landing can be hard on your derriere – with special seats, climate control, safety grab handles, lots of comms, and a bespoke, customisable display.

“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,” said Genesis’s chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“Each concept is a signal of what’s possible, a glimpse into the DNA of Genesis’ future,” he added.