SPIED: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Shows a Little More Skin

What a tease; Hyundai's European engineers have decided it's time to drop some of the heavy camouflage off the 2013 Santa Fe prototype, mainly up front to expose the SUV's new snout while testing in the Alps.

The new Santa Fe, which will probably carry the iX45 moniker in Europe and other regions that have adopted Hyundai's alphanumeric nomenclature, appears to have grown in size compared to the current version.

Not surprisingly, the styling will be sharper closely following the lines of Hyundai's newest model such as the Tucson/ix35 as well as the more luxurious Genesis and Equus saloons, especially up front with the prominent grille that incorporates layered bars.

Depending on the market, Hyundai will provide buyers a choice of new four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines along with the option of four-wheel drive.

Word is the South Korean maker's Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rival will be launched in late 2012 or early 2013.

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Eagle Eye: New 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe / iX45 SUV Takes to Dead Darkness Then To New Dawn

We really love it when our readers go (literally in this case), the extra mile to snap some pictures of future models testing out.

Today, we're happy to share some excellent photos of the next generation of the Hyundai Santa Fe, which will be renamed to iX45 in Europe and other markets around the world that follow the South Korean maker's alphanumeric nomenclature.

The man behind the camera was Carscoop reader Landoni Corrado from Italy, who during a visit to the USA, caught a bunch of 2013 Santa Fe prototypes hot-weather testing in California's Death Valley.

Albeit still in heavy camouflage, the prototypes suggest that the new Santa Fe will sport a more daring and sharper design with styling influences from the most recent crop of Hyundai vehicles including the Tucson/ix35 as well as the European market i40 and i30 hatchback.

The photos also reveal a prominent front grille with layered bars that resemble the one found on the Hyundai Genesis and Equus saloons.

It's still a bit too early to know precise details about the engine range, but it is expected that the Santa Fe will launch with a new generation of four-cylinder engines, with Hyundai possibly offering the choice of both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.

The South Korean automaker is expected to show the new Santa Fe next year with sales to starting either towards the end of 2012 or early 2013.

Grazie for the scoop photos Landoni Corrado!

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