GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Teardrop-shaped Hyundai Prophecy previews brand's stunning future

Hyundai cars are about to get a whole lot more beautiful if the Prophecy concept revealed online overnight is any guide.

Originally set to be unwrapped at this week's cancelled Geneva motor show, the pure-electric Prophecy would no doubt have stolen the show with its dramatic teardrop shape that's claimed to directly apply the Hyundai i20's "Sensuous Sportiness" design language to a flagship sedan.

Taking advantage of its pure-electric powertrain, which doesn't need a large petrol or diesel engine stuffed in its snout, the Prophecy's designers have admitted they took inspiration from the Phantom Corsair made by an obscure Californian coachbuilder back in 1938.

That explains the Prophecy's streamliner look and minimalist approach and lack of brash detailing that sees only a simple Hyundai logo and tiny LED light elements used up front, instead of a large grille and traditional headlights.

At the rear, the sensitive approach has seen a high-level brake light neatly incorporated into the leading edge of the rear spoiler.

Inside, the Prophecy does without a steering wheel, with the driver using a pair of joysticks instead, with one placed on the door and the other on the centre armrest.

In front of the driver, an advanced full-length instrument panel and infotainment screen stretches across the entire width of the car and is capable of flipping out of view if you fancy a digital detox.

The lack of typical wheel and pedals inside reflects the Prophecy's advanced Level 4 autonomous driving functionality, which allows the car to take full take control and drivers to intervene if they so wish.

No other details have been revealed regarding the Prophecy, but the word is that -- following on from the Le Fil Rouge sedan shown at the 2018 Geneva show and last year's 45 Frankfurt concept -- Hyundai is gearing up to launch a stylish flagship sedan to rival the Tesla Model S and even Porsche's Taycan.