Photographs of Hyundai’s latest concept car, which was due to be unveiled at the New York motor show in April, have leaked onto the internet.Although Hyundai had previously released sketches of the Genesis concept, this is the first chance we’ve had to see it for real.The Genesis is designed to take on cars such as the Lexus GS, and to move Hyundai upmarket. Significantly, like the GS the Genesis will be rear-wheel-drive and available with V8 power, positioning it upmarket from Hyundai’s previous luxury offerings.While US buyers have had the option of the Azera, a vast 7-series-sized saloon, like its smaller sibling, the Sonata, that is V6-powered and front-wheel drive. Hyundai’s ambitions are clear in the slightly derivative styling of the Genesis; the rear roofline mimics the GS’s, the bootlid has hints of 5-series, the rear lights hints of 3-series, and the rectangular exhaust apertures are reminiscent of the new Lexus LS’s.No interior shots have been released, but we’d expect the Genesis to follow the smoother, more sophisticated styling of the recently launched i30 hatchback.There’s no word yet on whether or not Europe will get the Genesis. If we do, it’s likely to be badge i70.
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