Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the two-door coupe comes with a choice of two petrol engines.

The car is scheduled to launch in South Korea and North American in early 2009, and may come to Britain in limited numbers later next year.

John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America, said: “We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sports coupes.

“The 3.8-litre version takes things to an even higher level, rivalling the capability of premium coupes.”

Inside the cabin the new model features an information display screen, an outside temperature reading, audio system information and settings for climate control.

Tony Whitehorn, managing director of Hyundai UK said: “The Genesis Coupe is further proof that Hyundai's engineers are capable of producing cars which can match or better anything produced in Japan.”