Genesis G70 comes into focus to take on BMW 3 series

With its global debut just a few months away, the look of Genesis' first-ever G70 is coming into focus.

Spy photographers recently caught a pair of the new luxury sport sedans undergoing hot-weather testing, alongside a pair of BMW 3-series models for benchmarking. The car will be the first stand-alone model built for the nascent Genesis brand; Hyundai's luxury division also sells the larger G80 and G90 sedans that were previously sold as Hyundai models.

The model is expected to debut later this summer with an unveiling as early as the Frankfurt auto show in September.

The new G70 will share a platform with Kia's new Stinger, but the Genesis uses a more conventional sedan profile than the Kia. Slightly larger in most dimensions compared with the 3 Series, the camouflaged G70 models showed off design details such as a diamond pattern grille and variations of alloy wheel designs and exhaust outlets, depending on the trim level and engine.

The Genesis G70 will likely use a similar engine lineup as the Stinger. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is expected as the base motor, putting out around 250 hp. The twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 engine that's used in both the Genesis G80 and G90 and the Stinger will likely be optional; it's good for between 300 and 400 hp.

Rear-wheel drive is expected to be standard on the G70, while AWD will be optional.

The inside of the G70 appears to take an understated approach in design. A single tablet-style screen sits at the top of the dashboard, while its corresponding controller can be seen in the center console between the seats.

Trim consists of brushed metal -- knurled on the climate control knobs -- and quilted leather can be seen on the door inserts and the seats themselves.