There are six different trim packages available for the four-cylinder, the one that we recommend is the R-Spec, which will be available later this year. It includes all of the available performance options, drops the non-essentials and comes in with an MSRP of $23,750. For that, you lose the HID headlights, cruise control, rear spoiler and a few other fluff items. What you gain are staggered 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone RE050A summer-compound tires, massive Brembo four-piston fixed calipers at all four corners, a torsen-type limited-slip differential and a quick ratio steering rack. It also includes their track version suspension, which has a beefed up spring and damper setup, and thicker antiroll bars. But don’t go thinking it’s a bare-bones race car. Power windows, air conditioning, a six-speaker stereo and a keyless entry system are all standard. That is a lot of car for $23,750.
Hyundai’s engineers claim that the chassis has a bending rigidity 24 percent stiffer than that of a BMW E46 M3 Coupe. While thrashing the Genesis Coupe at our local Streets of Willow Springs racetrack, there were no symptoms that indicated otherwise. A single touch of one button completely disables the traction control system, allowing the driver to wring everything they can out of it. In stock form, the 3.8-liter V-6 version with its claimed 306 bhp was considerably more fun to drive than the 2-liter turbo. Most of the corners required delicate use of the throttle to keep the back end from stepping out. This was not the case with the stock four-banger, it spent a lot more time at WOT. However, we suspect that it won’t cost much to push the output of the R-Spec beyond that of the stock V-6. With the turbo car weighing in 100 lbs lighter than the V-6, we expect them to be the superior choice once the tuning gets started.
Some aftermarket companies already have a head start on development. As most of you saw on Rhys Millen’s Genesis (Jan. ’09 cover), he has the molds to produce carbon-fiber body panels. The fenders are a little wider than stock, but a little extra room for tire clearance never hurt anybody. A good start might be his front bumper, which ducts incoming air through a relocated intercooler and out through his vented hood. According to him, this vastly improves the efficiency of the intercooler and the setup could easily go into mass production. As you’ll see on page 116, HKS has also built its own version and the thing is absolutely gorgeous. After actually driving the production versions of the new Genesis Coupe and seeing the respected tuners that are supporting it, we can honestly endorse this new Hyundai. You got a problem with that?
Specifications & Details
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Engine
2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged w/ FMIC, 3.8-liter V-6
Transmission
6-speed manual, 5- or 6-speed paddle-shift automatic
Suspension
MacPherson strut (f), multi-link (r) w/ coil springs and antiroll bars
Weight
3,294–3,389 lbs
Price
$22,000–$31,000 MSRP