Hyundai news - Aiming Hy' - 2007

We've known for a few years now that Hyundai can build a decent-looking car. But the leap from 'decent-looking' to 'give me one of those, I don't care if it's got a Hyundai badge on the front' is a substantial one, and this might be the car to make it.

This is Hyundai's Genesis Coupe concept, revealed today at the LA Show and previewing a two-plus-two-seater that could reach the road in early 2009.

And we like it. OK, that slashed bonnet might be a bit over-fussy, but overall the Genesis a nicely sorted design. We might size up those 20-inch rims just a touch, though.

It's much more than just an updated version of the current Coupe S3, too. The Genesis will feature a new 3.8-litre V6 - developing, says Hyundai, over 300bhp - driving (ready for this?) the rear wheels. Through a limited-slip diff.

Which means - in theory at least - that it should be a laugh to drive. Hyundai says the Genesis will be the most affordable 300-plus car on the market, and reckons it should hit 60mph in under six seconds.

Predictably, there'll be a few more sedate engine variants available when the Genesis reaches the US market in 2009. Hyundai's top brass say no decision has been reached on whether the car will come to the UK, but we reckon they're just being coy.