Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai is stepping up their game and entering a new level of competition with their Genesis Coupe and these spy shots are giving us a glimpse of what the future has in store. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has undergone a few changes that Hyundai hopes will place it in the same class as the Ford Mustang, a seemingly unattainable competitor in the past.

The prototype shown here does have the usual camouflage donning the major changes, but revised headlights and taillights can be seen, more than likely equipped with LED lighting. That black tarp may be blocking our view, but whispers in the industry have hinted at a restyled front and rear bumper, as well as new wheels and a modified interior.

These exterior changes are great and all, but they won’t make the Mustang even blink an eye. For that, Hyundai will need something bigger than a cleaner front bumper and LEDs; they’ll need a bite big enough to warrant their bark. No confirmations of a power source have been revealed, but the future premium sports sedan has a couple of options to do just that. The current Genesis Coupe is powered by a 3.8L V6 engine that could receive direct injection to squeeze out more than the 306 HP it currently produces. Another option would be to take the 5.0L V8 found in the Genesis R-Spec and the Equus and drop it in the Genesis Coupe for an output of 429 HP and 376 lb-ft of torque. The latter would be our choice, but the focus on fuel economy may rear it ugly head here too. Whatever engine they choose, it will more than likely be mated to the Hyundai’s in-house eight-speed automatic transmission.