New Sonata to Sport Genesis Sedan and Coupe Styling

With every passing generation, even including mid-cycle upgrades, Hyundai's cars get better and better to such a degree

that it staggers the automotive press and the company's rivals alike. Such was the case with the current generation Sonata when it debuted some three years past and once again earlier this year when it was updated for the 2009 season.

Now news is bantering about the internet that the next-generation Sonata will sport some of the design cues of the new Genesis luxury sedan and ultra-hot Genesis Coupe, and while it only makes sense for the car to mirror its flagship siblings in order to benefit from the trickledown effect of pricier models, it is good news just the same.

The car, codenamed YF, will go on sale later this year in South Korea, and while the

images first shown on Global Motors offer are little more than speculative renderings the artist is good and the design is plausible.

Expect a variation of Hyundai's smooth and effective 3.3-liter V6 and five-speed automatic in top-tier trim levels, while another efficient four-cylinder will forward the brand's large sedan fuel economy leadership. A hybrid version is expected too, while diesels will be offered in other markets.

Hyundai doesn't need to do much to improve on the current Sonata's revised interior, as it already became one of the best in the midsize entry-level class after its mid-cycle upgrade. It will be improved, however, because this is Hyundai's way.

Truly, Hyundai's only problem now is meeting expectations that have grown so high for every new introduction.