Detroit show: Hyundai teases next Genesis

HYUNDAI will preview the design of its next-generation Genesis luxury sedan at the Detroit motor show on January 14 with the HCD-14 concept.

The company this morning released a single, shadowed teaser image of the California-designed HCD-14, which it claims “will give the automotive world a glimpse into future Hyundai premium vehicle design”.

The concept’s coupe-like roofline and short front overhang give it a side profile similar to that of niche premium vehicles such as the Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Volkswagen CC.

Hyundai said the HCD concept will feature “advanced 3D gesture-based technology controls” – indicating auxiliary functions including air-conditioning and multimedia will be controlled via hand movements – and it will have “spirited driving dynamics”.

GoAuto understands the design of the HCD-14 will be indicative of the next-generation Genesis rear-drive sedan that will be revealed in production guise in the fourth quarter this year.

Unlike the current Genesis sedan, which is limited to left-hand-drive markets including the US, the next-generation model is expected to be made available in right-hand drive.

The Korean car-maker’s Australian arm is weighing up whether to bring the car here, but has already confirmed it will introduce the next-generation sporty coupe version of the Genesis around 2014.

Hyundai Australia general manager of public relations Bill Thomas told GoAuto the Genesis sedan may be “off the table for now, but that’s not to say we’re not looking at it”.

“It’s a pretty complex thing bringing in a car like that,” he said.

“We need to look at pricing and positioning, and where it would be sold.

“The most expensive vehicle we do at the moment is the Santa Fe at $50k, and then you look at brands like Infiniti that are up into the $90,000s, and we see Genesis as being a rival for something like the (Infiniti) M.”