A new Hyundai convertible patent could offer a glimpse at how Hyundai Group might eventually bring an open-top flagship like the Genesis X Convertible to market. The patent describes structural solutions for a long-hood convertible, including technology suited to an EV or highly electrified vehicle.
Hyundai Patent Addresses Convertible Safety
Hyundai Group brands have never truly offered a convertible of their own. Kia sold the Elan for several years in the 1990s, but it was a Lotus built under license. Kia also offered the Sportage with a soft top to compete with the Suzuki Sidekick and Vitara.
Neither model matches the vehicle described in the new patent, which focuses on an open-top car with a long hood. Those characteristics could point toward a rear-drive flagship such as the Genesis X Convertible concept, although a smaller and less expensive Hyundai or Kia model is also possible.
The patent addresses a key structural challenge for a long-hood convertible. According to Hyundai engineers, a convertible has a harder time absorbing crash forces than a coupe because a coupe can direct some of those forces upward into the pillars and roof before routing them around the rear of the chassis.
A convertible lacks that structure, creating additional challenges during a crash. Interior components can also be pushed in unfavorable directions, potentially allowing a lever-like effect against the dashboard that causes its upper section to hinge rearward and negatively affects crash safety.
The engineers also note that a flexible dashboard and windshield can make a convertible feel cheap and less appealing.
Structural Changes Could Support Electrification
The patent includes a new cowl and dashboard structure featuring several creases, folds and ribs designed to address these challenges. Among the highlights is a strut tower brace integrated into the vehicle’s structure rather than being used solely to improve handling stiffness.
The design also includes a dedicated mount for the charging system and battery module. That suggests the vehicle described by the patent would be an EV or a highly electrified model, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or an extended-range EV.
The vehicle also appears intended to have a sporty character or serve as a grand tourer. Its long hood points toward a rear-drive or at least rear-biased layout, while the rearward cabin is positioned for graceful styling.
The patent also mentions a double-wishbone front suspension, adding another detail consistent with the vehicle’s intended configuration.
Could Genesis Bring the Concept to Life?
Genesis has previously shown several concepts that closely fit this description. The Genesis X Convertible concept followed the X Speedium and was presented as a large electric grand tourer featuring a folding hardtop and transparent roof.
In 2025, Genesis introduced the X Gran Convertible concept, which was even larger. The Bentley-like model was based on the full-sized G90 sedan and used gasoline power rather than an electric powertrain.
Genesis COO Luc Donckerwolke has also discussed his desire to bring such vehicles to the company. In 2025, he said, “After having tried EV coupes and convertibles, we realized that people were not ready yet,” adding, “So we said, ‘Okay, let’s take an existing platform and make a coupe out of it.’”
At the time, Donckerwolke said he hoped to provide an update soon, while adding, “you can believe that I will not let that go.”
More Than One Possible Future
The G90 platform made the X Gran Convertible feasible, but the latest patent points to another possibility. The technology could potentially support a first convertible for Hyundai or a new two-door, open-air flagship positioned as a replacement for the Kia Stinger.
For now, the patent describes the engineering approach for a long-hood convertible, including structural and electrification-related elements that could support such a vehicle.
