Hyundai released details of its upcoming Genesis Coupe this morning (via Webcast). Not exactly the best kept secret in automotive news, the Genesis Coupe is related to the Genesis Sedan in the loosest way possible, sharing very few components such as the 3.8-liter V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai used the Infiniti G37s Coupe, the Mazda RX-8, and the BMW 335i coupe as benchmarks for the Genesis Coupe’s performance.
The Genesis Coupe will be available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that builds 210 horsepower at 6,000rpm with 223 pound-feet of torque peaking at 2,000rpm, or the a meatier version of the 3.8-liter V-6, which in this configuration is rated at 306 horsepower at 6,300rpm (16 more ponies than the sedan) and 266 pound-feet of torque at 4,700rpm. Hyundai has published horsepower and torque numbers using 87 octane fuel and, like the Genesis Sedan, the engines make more power with higher-octane fuel, although Hyundai’s people couldn’t give an exact figure as of yet.
Transmitting power to the wheels are three transmission options: a five-speed Shiftronic automatic for the 2.0T; a six-speed Shiftronic automatic for the 3.8; and a six-speed manual option for both variants (with appropriate gearing for each engine). Interestingly, that six-speed ZF automatic tranny available on the V-6 coupe is one of only a few major components shared between the Genesis Coupe and Sedan.
Equipped with manual transmissions, the Genesis 2.0T reaches an estimated 20 city/29 highway mpg, with the 3.8 being estimated at 17 city/26 highway mpg. Swap in their respective automatic trannies and the numbers drop to 20 city/30 highway for the 2.0T and rise to 18 city/26 highway for the 3.8. If Hyundai’s estimates hold through EPA testing, the Genesis Coupe will be the most fuel efficient rear-wheel drive car this side of a diesel or a Smart fourtwo, barely nudging out the Lexus IS 250 and GS 450h.
Suspension
The Genesis Coupe features staggered-width tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. Keeping the rubber in contact with the road is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup up front, and a five-link independent rear suspension out back. And 12.6-inch disc brakes (12.4-inch rear) bring the Genesis to a halt.
Upgrade to the Track trim level to add a Torsen limited-slip differential and the Brembo brake package for a boost to 13.4-inch ventilated rotors (13-inch rear) with four-piston monoblock calipers. Also uprated in the track package are the spring rates (boosted 7 percent and 18 percent for front and rear, respectively), thicker stabilizer bars for front and rear, and larger 19-inch wheels.
Standard ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and electronic-stability and traction control will keep things in check if you run out of driving talent. If you want to do something stupid have some fun, there is a one-touch button to disable stability and traction control for competition driving; although we’re fairly certain that the system won’t actually turn off 100-percent.
Cabin tech
The Genesis Coupe has a pretty good amount of standard and optional cabin tech. Every Genesis Coupe will be equipped with Bluetooth hands-free calling, USB/iPod connectivity, and XM satellite radio. Also available as part of the 2.0T Premium or 3.8 Grand Touring trim levels is a proximity key system with push button start, fully automated climate controls and a 360-watt, 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system. It’s interesting that Hyundai didn’t use the fantastic Lexicon system utilized on its Genesis Sedan, but then again, the Coupe is a very different vehicle.
Navigation won’t be available for the Genesis Coupe at launch, but Hyundai says that it will add the option by this summer. Details are sparse, but the sedan features voice command and traffic, so we’re holding the Coupe to a high standard.
When equipped with navigation the Multi-Information Display (MID) at the top of the instrument panel displays a torque meter, instantaneous fuel economy, or the time.
Pricing
The Genesis Coupe starts at $22,000 for the six-speed manual equipped 2.0T. Add $1,250 to have the car choose its own gears, another $2,250 for the Premium package with the Infinity stereo and the option to add navigation, and yet another $2,500 to add the Track package goodies. The $26,750 2.0T Track model is only available with the manually shifted gearbox.
V-6 enthusiasts get in on the ground floor with the Genesis Coupe 3.8 for $25,000 before adding $2,500 for the six-speed automatic, $2,500 for the Grand Touring package. The 3.8 Track model with the automatic transmission starts at $31,000.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe will begin arriving at Hyundai dealerships in late March.
by Antuan Goodwin
cnet.com