Genesis GV90 Neolun proves safety of pillarless design

SAN FRANCISCO — Genesis has engineered the GV90 Neolun with a string of hidden structural reinforcements to ensure top-level safety despite the absence of a conventional B-pillar, executives from the luxury carmaker said Thursday (local time). The GV90 Neolun features the Arch Gate, a world-first independently opening coach-door system that eliminates the conventional B-pillar between the front and rear doors, creating a wide, unobstructed opening. Removing the visible pillar, however, does not mean sacrificing structural strength, according to Lee Dae-hee, head of Genesis’ body design group. “We moved the structural functions normally handled by the B-pillar into the doors,” Lee said. “The hidden B-pillar structure uses two 1.8-gigapascal-strength steel beams arranged vertically and horizontally, with upper stoppers and impact hooks reinforcing the structure.” Genesis also incorporated a “hidden roll cage” — a separate structural framework built into the body to surround the passenger compartment. Combined with the hidden B-pillar structure, the system is designed to d