Hyundai is diligently working on the development of the next generation Tucson compact sport-ute, as seen in these spy shots from Motor Authority. The new Hyundai ute is expected to move to a crossover-styled body which will be shared with the new Kia Sportage, due sometime after the Tucson's launch later this year. While its overall size will remain somewhat the same, these spy shots indicate a sleeker, smoother design.

As far as power goes, we can expect both four-cylinder and V-6 models to make their way to America with the potential of a hybrid powertrain being introduced shortly after the third-gen Tucson's launch. A new six-speed automatic transmission is also expected to be mated to the four-cylinder models, offering vast improvements in overall fuel economy. Hyundai is developing a new engine plant in Alabama specifically for four-cylinder engine development. Currently, all of Hyundai's four-bangers are imported from the manufacturer's home base in South Korea.

Click on over to Motor Authority to see the full spy shots and stay tuned for the 2010 Tucson's launch later this year.

+ Motor Authority: More spy shots of Hyundai's next-generation Tucson SUV