Leaked Hyundai i35 Coupe Photo

We received this photo, believed to be of the production version of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept, from an anonymous source recently.  While we can not 100% verify its authenticity, reps for Hyundai refused to deny that it is an accurate representation.

Believed to be called the Hyundai i35 Coupe, the toned down version of the Sonic Orange colored concept car should descend upon dealerships during spring 2009.  The car will get a 3.8 liter V6 engine rated at over 300 horsepower, with 250 ft-lb of torque, and attached to a six-speed manual transmission.  0-60 mph times could be less than six seconds.  We previously reported that the 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe is separate to the front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement.

Despite having toned-down headlights, no heat extractors on the hood, and no hot girl standing next to the car, the prospective Hyundai i35 Coupe still looks good.  We would have liked to have seen the production version maintain the concept's more chiseled side and front styling, but (assuming this is a real photo) this was likely not a realistic option for engineers.  One thing that does give us pause is that Hyundai originally said a factory model of the Genesis Coupe Concept would have three slats at the front to assist engine cooling.  Remnants of this can be seen at the fog lights, but not in the oversized grille.

We like the five-spoke alloys on the car in this photo, similar to those on the concept, but we are unsure of the wheel size.  With deliveries of this car originally planned for early next year, production of an alleged Hyundai i35 Coupe would begin this year.  And that means this photo may be the real deal.