Spyshots: 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Facelift Hits the Nurburgring

Hyundai has gone to great length in order to ensure that the facelifted Genesis coupe lives up to more of its customers’ expectations. Thus, the car has been to hell and back - the arctic, Death Valley and now the grueling Nurburgring track in Germany. With less than half a year before it debuts, much more info will be streaming in about this car, especially regarding what’s under that bonnet.

Though the prototype we see here is heavily camouflaged at the front and back, it’s clear they’ve played with the headlights as well as introducing LED for the tail lights. We also expect new bumper, a more angular hood, plus better wheel designs.

The biggest change is not skin-deep, as the model will get the same 5.0-liter V8 as the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis four-door, revealed recently, as well as the Hyundai in-house developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

The unit offers direct injection technology and produces 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The unit is not only powerful, but also economical, and should give the Genesis a fighting chance against the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Recent reports also indicate that the Hyundai Genesis Coupe facelift will adopt the 2.0L GDI Turbo engine, which packs 274 horsepower. The unit is already available on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo and close relative, the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo. The existing 3.8-liter V6 powerplant will adopt gasoline direct injection technology, so expect better milage and a bit of extra power.

Since this is expected to be a 2012 model year, the debut is likely to take place this year at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, yet Detroit is still an option for next year.