Hyundai’s ‘Mustang’ hits road

This disguised model may not look like a Mustang – but that is exactly what it is... according to Hyundai. That’s the Kor­ean firm’s nickname for the newcomer, which it believes will be its answer to Ford’s muscular legend.

Due on sale in 2009, the car will replace the company’s current Coupé, although it will have a rear-wheel-drive layout, rather than the existing model’s front-wheel set-up. And to make sure the two-door – codenamed BK – offers a similar driving experience to the Mus­tang, the manufacturer has been test­ing it alongside the US machine.

Despite the change in drivetrain layout, the coupé’s proportions are clearly inspired by those of the outgoing model. The long bonnet and narrow side windows are retained, while projector headlamps, chrome accents in the front air intakes and stylish five-spoke alloys also feature. The shift to rear-drive will see the car move upmarket, with higher-quality materials throughout the cabin. A pair of cowled dials are set to dom­inate the facia, and there will also be a smart multifunction steering wheel. The hi-tech kit tally will include a new BMW iDrive-style cabin control set-up on the centre console, too.

Under the skin, the Coupé is set to share its platform with the exciting new Hyundai luxury saloon, which was previewed by the Genesis concept car at the New York Motor Show earlier this year. That model was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, but the two-door is instead expected to feature a V6 powerplant – much like one of its main rivals, the Nissan 350Z.

However, potential buyers face a long wait for the new Coupé. Hyun­dai only recently carried out a mid-life facelift on the current SIII, which is likely to remain in ser­vice for at least another two years.