Hyundai Genesis Coupe exposed

Images of Hyundai's Genesis Coupe -- in full showroom trim -- have leaked onto the Internet ahead of its official reveal at this week's New York motor show.

The slinky two-door follows in the wake of the premium Genesis flagship sedan (more here) that was launched in Korea last December.

However, where the sedan was distinguished by restrained styling reminiscent of the Lexus LS 460, the coupe has a slinky, athletic stance seemingly inspired by the Infiniti G37 Coupe.

This is probably no accident, as it will be pitched into battle in the US market against the latter -- as well as the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Ford Mustang.

As per the Infiniti and Mustang, the Genesis Coupe is underpinned by a driver-focused rear-wheel-drive layout (in contrast to the front-drive Tiburon) with a limited-slip differential fitted as standard.

The car will be launched overseas with two engine options: a 3.8-litre V6 with 231kW and 356Nm and an entry-level 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo with 157kW and 294Nm.

Further down the track, the Coupe is expected to gain the all-new 280kW 4.6-litre 'Tau' V8 that debuted last year in the four-door Genesis.

Now for the bad news: as per its sedan sibling, the Genesis Coupe is initially slated only for left-hand-drive production. What's more, Hyundai Australia officials have already conceded that the brand is not yet strong enough locally to offer premium models such as the Genesis.

It's a shame, as the performance claims made by Hyundai are tantalising. Its maker says the V6 Coupe can top 240km/h and accelerate to 100km/h in under six seconds.

The four-cylinder turbo and V6 variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but there is the option of a five-speed automatic in the former and a six-speed auto in the latter.

Inside, the car's centre stack features a large LCD screen, while the instrument cluster has a futuristic, two-pod design.

"Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," promises the South Korean carmaker.

"When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."

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