SPY PICS: Hyundai's next Genesis sedan

Hyundai’s second-generation Genesis sedan has been snapped by Carparazzi lenses during cold-weather testing just weeks after the sleek HCD-14 concept previewed it at the Detroit motor show last month.

Due for global debut at the 2014 Detroit show, the showroom-ready Genesis sedan has been confirmed for left- and right-hand drive production – unlike the model it replaces – but is yet to be signed off for Australian release.

Hyundai has announced it will introduce the two-door Genesis coupe in Australia by the end of next year – positioned above the Veloster SR Turbo coupe ($31,990) and potentially priced from under $40,000 – but is yet to confirm if the redesigned Genesis four-door will grace local forecourts.

Both rear-wheel drive Genesis models are priced to compete with large Japanese luxury sedans like the Lexus GS and Infiniti M in the US, where the Genesis sedan costs around the same as the Honda Legend ($76,490), BMW 5 Series (from $78,500) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (from $79,900).

But as we’ve reported, given the Korean brand’s most expensive current model costs about $50,000 here and that the Grandeur large sedan is no longer sold in Australia after previous generations flopped, Hyundai Motor Company Australia is struggling to establish a profitable business case.

In any case, the next Genesis sedan – codenamed DH – is based on the same upgraded rear-drive platform architecture as sister brand Kia’s new (LHD-only) Quoris and, as revealed by this heavily disguised prototype, will feature the same basic proportions as the HCD-14 concept.

Although heavy camoflauge cladding conceals the important details, also evident is a row of LED running lights that encircle almost all of both headlights, and more elegant tail-lights.

The 2015 Genesis sedan is also expected to be available, at least in the cold climates of northern USA and Europe, with all-wheel drive for the first time, and AWD testing could be a key part of the development being undertaken in these images.

Apart from a more coupe-like bodyshell with more upmarket jewellery and even sharper dynamics, the new Genesis is tipped to shed a significant amount of mass, improving handling, acceleration and fuel-efficiency.

Powertrain options are not expected to change much, but upgraded versions of the current sedan’s 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines (matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission – although Hyundai’s 10-speed auto could also make an appearance) should add to the improved performance and efficiency.

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