Korean firm's stunning new coupé

With the excellent i30, Hyundai has already written the first chapter in its new history – but that hasn’t stopped the firm from launching a Genesis!

Taking pride of place on the company’s stand at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the new Coupé boasts muscular looks, rear-wheel drive and a powerful V6 engine. It’s a huge departure from the current car and aims to offer Nissan 350Z-style thrills for a bargain price.

The stunning exterior features a carbon fibre bonnet, 20-inch wheels and side skirts. Inspired by racers from The Fast and The Furious – just check out the bright orange paintwork – the beefy Genesis is much larger than the current rakish two-door, being similar in size to Ford’s Mustang.

Inside, there’s space for four with a 2+2 layout, while cabin quality is expected to make huge leaps as the model heads upmarket. Underneath the skin, the Coupé shares the same platform as the Genesis Saloon concept, which was revealed at the New York Motor Show earlier this year.

Power comes from a 300bhp 3.8-litre V6 engine. With a 0-60mph time of around six seconds and a 145mph top speed, it’s certainly got Nissan 350Z performance.

Chief designer at Hyundai’s Californian style centre, Joel Piaskowski, explained: “The mission for Concept Genesis Coupé was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts.”

No official UK on sale date has been revealed, but the new arrival should reach our shores in early 2009 with a price tag of around £25,000.