the run-up to the 2023 New York International Auto Show, Genesis has just unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept. It’s definitely a concept, but it isn’t a coupe.

Well, not in the accepted sense of some low-slung, sleek thing with two doors. But with the fashion for SUVs to spawn fastback-roofed variants — like the BMW X6 (born out of the X5), Audi Q5 Sportback, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe — it follows some kind of logic for Genesis to bring a more rakish roof to its GV80 luxury midsize SUV.

Not that logic is the main reason to buy a “coupe” version of an SUV. In these instances, styling takes a front seat. And Genesis has certainly shown some artistry here. The roof is the most obvious thing, but the more you look at it, the more the other details come through.

Like the rear spoiler and side-mirror housings made of carbon fiber, the rear wing above the back window, four extra little vents below the blacked-out grille, plus a couple of trapezoid-like exhaust outlets. Oh, and the massive drilled brake discs at each wheel. All these things are distinctly sporty.Sporty is not usually mentioned in the same sentence as Genesis, but here we are. These go-faster cues multiply once the doors are open and we look into the cabin. It has four race-car bucket seats, as well as lots of suede-like material for the upholstery and more carbon fiber in the center console. Since this GV80 Coupe is a concept — so far — Genesis hasn’t given any details of what might be simmering away under the hood.