The Genesis GV90’s 155-pound coach doors, dubbed “Neolun Arch Doors,” are a standout feature in the luxury SUV segment, challenging the industry’s norms. Despite their rarity, due to engineering complexities and safety concerns, Genesis has managed to incorporate them into the GV90 with innovative solutions.
Overcoming the B-Pillar Challenge
Reoras-swinging coach doors, or “suicide doors,” have historically struggled with safety and practicality issues, often requiring a fixed B-pillar for structural integrity. However, Genesis’ Neolun Arch Doors break this mold. According to the brand’s designers and engineers, they achieved this by moving the B-pillar structure into the doors themselves.
Each door features dual-steel beams rated at 1.8 gigapascals, providing reinforcement along the inside edges and the bottom where they meet the A and C pillars. This advanced material and strategic placement help maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and safety. Heavy-duty stoppers mounted on the roof and door sills further secure the doors to the vehicle’s body, ensuring they stay in place during driving and in case of accidents.
Unlike conventional coach doors, the Neolun Arch Doors open widely, providing easier ingress and egress, a key advantage of coach doors. This is made possible by the robust hinges and the doors’ inherent strength, which eliminates the need for a fixed B-pillar.
Strengthening the GV90’s Base Structure
To maintain the GV90’s overall safety and rigidity, Genesis has bolstered its base structure with a full approach. This includes a “hidden roll cage” made of 1.5 GPa steel tubes running through the roofline, providing additional support and protecting occupants in case of a rollover accident.
High-strength steel is integrated into the rockers and wheel arches, reinforcing these vulnerable areas and helping to absorb impact energy in a collision. Horizontal floor members and structural foam throughout the vehicle further enhance the GV90’s structural integrity, while high-pressure die-cast aluminum around the rear door hinges ensures these heavy doors function smoothly and safely.
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To ensure the best possible protection for occupants, Genesis has repositioned the seatbelts from the B-pillar to the front seats. This change allows for a cleaner interior design and better safety performance, as the seatbelts are now directly attached to the vehicle’s strongest points. The GV90 is also equipped with multi-stage airbags, including a first-of-its-kind roof airbag that provides enhanced protection in side-impact and rollover accidents.
The Road to Approval and Innovation
The coach doors’ concept faced initial skepticism from Hyundai Motor Group’s president at the time. However, Genesis’ chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, credits a determined design team for overcoming this challenge and delivering a coach door version of the GV90 that meets or exceeds safety standards. The team’s dedication and innovative thinking pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, setting a new bar for the automotive industry.
The GV90’s Neolun Arch Doors are not only a sign to Genesis’ commitment to luxury and innovation but also a symbol of the brand’s willingness to challenge industry norms and push the boundaries of what’s possible. By cleverly integrating structural enhancements and robust hinges, Genesis has successfully engineered coach doors that provide freedom of movement without compromising safety, redefining the luxury SUV segment.
The GV90’s coach doors not only contribute to its unique and luxurious appearance but also offer practical benefits. The wide-opening doors facilitate easy access to the vehicle’s interior, making it more convenient for passengers to enter and exit, especially in tight parking spaces. Additionally, the coach doors’ design allows for a cleaner, unobstructed interior, enhancing the overall elegance and spaciousness of the cabin.
The Neolun Arch Doors’ innovative engineering and safety features have been extensively tested and validated to ensure they meet or exceed industry standards. Genesis’ rigorous testing process, combined with the use of advanced materials and robust design, makes the GV90’s coach doors a standout feature that sets the vehicle apart in the luxury SUV segment.
The GV90’s coach doors are a prime example of how Genesis continues to push the boundaries of luxury and innovation in the automotive industry. By combining cutting-edge engineering, advanced materials, and a commitment to safety, the GV90’s Neolun Arch Doors redefine what’s possible in the luxury SUV segment. As the brand continues to grow and evolve, it is clear that Genesis will continue to challenge industry norms and set new standards for luxury and innovation.