Hyundai Genesis concept features eye-tracking, gesture-controlled cockpit (pictures)

DETROIT--Dubbed the HCD-14 Genesis concept, this highly stylized sedan previews the future aesthetic and technology of Hyundai's large premium sedan.

This massive grill looks like it would be more at home in the Chrysler booth on the front end of a 300 concept, particularly when capped with the winged-shield version of the Genesis badge.

The HCD-14's profile borrows a bit too heavily from the Audi A7's liftback configuration with its gently sloping roofline that flows all the way to the edge of the rear deck.

The front and rear lighting elements make use of LED lighting technology. Look closely at the taillights and you'll see the "Genesis" name embossed in the reflector

These large chrome wheels are probably the most realistic bit of the HCD-14 concept's design and features.

With a rear-hinged back-door, the HCD-14's cabin opens wide revealing seating for four adults in four bucket seats separated by a spinelike center console that flows from the dashboard to the rear bulkhead.

You'll notice a very organic design for the HCD-14's cabin that contrasts with the precise design of the exterior. The dashboard flows into the doors and center console, making good use of leather, wood, and a few hints of carbon fiber. However, you may also notice a lack of buttons, dials, and rectangular displays.

This small control knob, located on the center console near the driver's hip, is one of the only physical controls for the infotainment system.

The HCD-14 Genesis concept makes use of eye-tracking technology in concert with a head-up display located near the center of the windshield. Drivers can select different areas of the infotainment system by simply glancing at the right icon and confirming with the control knob.

A gesture control system also works with the infotainment system, allowing drivers to change radio presets by waving a hand, adjust volume by twisting an imaginary knob, zoom in on a map by moving a hand closer to the screen, and a host of other commands.

We weren't able to test out the gesture controls or the eye-tracking in show car. It will likely be a long time before we see these technologies manifest in a safe way in a production car.

We expect the next-generation Genesis sedan to include the HCD-14's LED front and rear lighting, the 5.0-liter Tau V-8 engine (which already makes an appearance in the current generation Genesis R-Spec), and the Audi-alike profile and design.

The production Genesis may also ditch the rear bench in favor of reclining rear bucket -- we've seen such a configuration on the automaker's Equus flagship -- but it's unlikely that Hyundai will want to give up the extra seating capacity.