Genesis just pulled the wraps off something that looks like it escaped a comic book panel and headed straight for the sand. Called the X Scorpio, this new off-road concept made its debut in the Rub’ al Khali, the legendary “Empty Quarter” desert that’s basically the ultimate proving ground for anything claiming to be tough. And judging by the stance alone, this thing is not here for gentle gravel roads and scenic photo ops.
Here’s the twist that makes it even cooler in today’s concept-car world. The X Scorpio is not electric. It’s powered by a loud, free-breathing V-8 with a jaw-dropping 1100 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. Genesis is keeping the finer details of the engine under wraps, but the whole vibe is pure trophy truck energy, the kind of rumble you feel in your chest before you even spot it cresting a dune.
The hardware underneath backs up the attitude. The X Scorpio sits on a tubular chassis with an integrated roll cage, and it rolls on 18-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in custom 40-inch tires. Big motorsports-grade Brembo brakes handle stopping duties, while a purpose-tuned suspension gives it the ground clearance you need when your idea of a smooth commute includes catching air off desert ridgelines.
Even the body is built with racing priorities in mind, using a mix of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass to keep weight in check. The panels hug the frame tightly, the fenders are cut high for clearance, and the proportions scream “breakover angle matters.” The best design flourish might be the roof-mounted intake that leans into the scorpion theme, like a stinger pointed at the horizon and daring the desert to try something.
Then you peek inside and realize Genesis still couldn’t resist adding a little luxury to the chaos. The cabin mixes off-road function with upscale touches, including leather on the dash, a sizable screen mounted in front of the passenger, and a steering wheel that pulls instrument duties right into your hands. There are grab handles for bracing when the terrain gets violent, and the switchgear looks like it belongs in a serious competition rig, just dressed in nicer clothes.
So will Genesis build it? Realistically, the X Scorpio feels like a statement piece, not a future showroom model, and that’s why we cannot have it just yet. But it also feels like a wink toward something bigger, especially with Genesis pushing deeper into motorsports and setting its sights on global racing programs. If the brand ever decides it wants to take on the Dakar Rally, this concept looks a lot less like a fantasy and a lot more like a test balloon with 1100 reasons to pay attention.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
