What drives today's car buyer?  We'd argue it's fuel economy, and automakers are scrambling to offer vehicles that drink less gasoline.  Hyundai's no exception - a look at its future product plans shows a focus on smaller engines, six-speed transmissions, and even its first hybrid for North America.

2009
Although most attention will be placed on the advent of the 2009 Genesis luxury sedan, Hyundai is bringing a few other offerings to market.  A lightly-revised form of the midsize Sonata sedan is already at dealers, while an all-new five-door Elantra, dubbed the 'Touring,' arrives in North America in January.

2010
The rear-wheel-drive platform that underpins the Genesis will also spawn a two-door coupe, appropriately named the Genesis Coupe.  Debuting as a 2010 model, the Genesis Coupe will be powered by either a V-6 or a turbocharged I-4, and will, for the time being, replace Hyundai's front-wheel-drive Tiburon coupe.

2011
2011 brings significant changes to two of Hyundai's crossovers.  The Santa Fe will be completely revamped, adding both a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic.  The smaller Tuscon SUV will also be redesigned, but will only use four-cylinder engines.  Hyundai will also introduce new versions of both the Accent subcompact and the Sonata sedan, which will also be sold as a hybrid.

Will They Come?
Still up in the air are decisions related to the i10, an extremely compact hatchback, and the Veloster, a front-wheel-drive sports coupe originally shown as a concept at the 2007 Seoul motor show.

The i10, presently sold in Europe and in Asia, is small enough to be a competitor to the Smart ForTwo, yet roomy enough for a second row of seating.  As the current car doesn't meet U.S. safety or emissions standards, the i10's U.S. debut - if it happens - is still a ways out.  Hyundai spokespeople tell Automotive News they're watching sales of the ForTwo in order to build a business case.

We noted the Genesis Coupe succeeds the departing Tiburon "for now."  Although the rear-wheel-drive coupe was designed for such a purpose, it won't replace the Tiburon in Europe - the Veloster will.  Hyundai officials are still unsure if the company needs two coupes instead of one, and will only bring the Veloster stateside if the Genesis Coupe doesn't take off.

Source: Automotive News