Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Motoring Channel Staff - 20/March/2008

New York, America — The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the Korean car maker's answer to the Ford Mustang and BMW 3 Series Coupe.

And as the photos show, it's a rear-wheel drive sports car that is more than capable of doing burnouts.

The 2010 model Hyundai Genesis Coupe will go on sale in America as a left-hand drive model in the third quarter of 2009, available in both V6 and 4-cylinderturbo guises.

But will the new model come to Australia in right-hand drive configuration?

"The Genesis is a great looking car and a very exciting prospect for Hyundai. If we were to launch it in Australia it would be post 2010," said Kevin McCann, the Hyundai Australia's director of sales and marketing.

Compared to the concept car that first appeared at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, the production version of the Genesis Coupe remains relatively similar.

The headlight design remains intact, and together with a dynamic front end design the new rear-wheel drive sports car is arguably Hyundai's sexiest vehicle to date.

The side profile likewise remains unchanged from the concept, keeping the trademark side window 'kick' and flowing roofline.

"The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, the chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California

"With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that," added Piaskowski, who also attended the Melbourne Motor Show where he unveiled the concept version Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Replacing the ageing Tiburon, the Genesis Coupe is not only a much meaner looking vehicle rolling on 18- or 19-inch alloy rims, it's now rear wheel drive. 

The Tiburon was criticised because it wasn't a 'true' sports car, using front-wheel drive.

With engine power hitting the rear wheels, and limited slip differentials available as an option, the 2-door Hyundai's dynamics and performance feel will be measurably improved. 

Engine options comprise a 2.0-litre turbo with 160kW (215hp) and a 3.8-litre V6 with about 220kW (300hp), which will ensure the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe will be a fairly potent sports car.

Unlike the usually long-winded speeches that are part and parcel of all major motor shows, Hyundai launched the car at the New York Auto Show by showing the media exactly what the cars are capable of.

A small area was given over the two vehicles which proceeded to smoke up the rear tyres, dropping burnouts left, right and centre.

Suffice to say, the performance message got through to the media scrum loud and clear (but a bit smokey).

With a rear-wheel drive setup and fitted with the larger 330Nm V6 engine, Hyundai claims the range-topping 6-cylinder Genesis Coupe will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 6.0 seconds, on par with most Australian V8 rear-wheels drive sports sedans like the Commodore SS and Falcon XR8.

Both Hyundai's new sports cars - turbo 4 and V6 - will be packaged with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but automatics will also be offered.

The entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0T can be optioned with a 5-speed automatic while the more powerful V6 model gets a German ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

One of the benchmarks during the cars top secret testing phase was allegedly the Ford Mustang.

Hyundai claims the new sports car's chassis is 24% stiffer in bending rigidity than the (E46) BMW M3 and it has a front-rear weight distribution of 55:45.

Sports tuned suspension will deliver a "fun and sporty driving experience" and makes use of MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup.

The range-topping SE model Genesis Coupe will be "most willing partner for the true enthusiast" as it gets even stiffer "track-tuned sport suspension" and even 4 piston Brembo brakes.

Some of the features for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe include xenon headlights, USB port for music players or USB sticks, an Infinity stereo system, two-stage front seat warmers and even a Smart Key and push-button starter.

Electronic stability control (ESC) is also standard, as is ABS, EBD and brake assist.

Front, side, and curtain airbags round out the safety systems of the Hyundai 2-door sports coupe.

The interiors will get bucket front seats with "large side bolsters" that should offer good lateral support for hard driving.

The Korean coupe will also be available with full black or brown leather on some models, while others get red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters.

The car is only listed as an American-market car at this stage. 

We spoke to Hyundai Motor Company Australia today (HMCA) last year about the vehicle, and the company's spokesperson said, "Like all new products, we are in the process of evaluating it. Senior executives from HMCA have seen the car and it's a very exciting prospect."

Hyundai will offer three models, and the preliminary equipment is as follows:


Hyundai Genesis Coupe GS:
2.0-litre turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine
Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control System
ABS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Front, side, side curtain air bags
Active front head restraints
Manual A/C
Keyless entry
Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
AM/FM/XM/CD Player/USB/iPod connectivity
Steering wheel audio controls
Cruise control
Vanity mirror illumination
Bluetooth

Hyundai Genesis Coupe GT:
3.8-liter DOHC V6
Leather steering wheel / Shift knob
Metalgrain / chrome interior accents
Automatic temperature control
Fog lamps
Premium door sill plates
Trip computer
Chrome front fascia accents
Auto light control

Hyundai Genesis Coupe SE:
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.8-liter DOHC V6
HID headlights
Aluminum pedals
Manual A/C
19-inch alloy wheels
High performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires
Brembo braking system with monobloc four-piston calipers
SE track-tuned suspension / front strut brace
Limited-slip differential
Black leather bolsters / red cloth insert seats
Rear spoiler
Aero wiper blades

Related articles:
- Hyundai i30 (Road Test)
- Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe (2009)
- Hyundai Genesis (2008)
- HCD10 Hyundai Hellion (concept)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (Road Test)
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Vera Cruz
- Hyundai Getz (Road Test)
- Hyundai Elantra