Can't Afford a Porsche? Step This Way for Hyundai's New Coupe
June 11 (Bloomberg) -- So you've been window-shopping on Porsche's Web site, eyeing a new 911. The Carrera S starts at $87,000 and you want it with the seven-speed double-clutch transmission, an additional $4,000. And how could you buy your dream car without the full interior leather package for $2,100?Then you notice that unopened 401(k) statement on your desk and are reminded that, despite Porsche tastes, you're on a Hyundai budget. That's the sound of brakes screeching.
The good news is that, even if the financial markets aren't cooperating, some carmakers are. For those yearning for a recession-priced plaything, a certain South Korean carmaker would like you to take note of its sub-$30,000 Genesis Coupe.
Hyundai's new coupe, an offshoot of the $32,250 Genesis sedan (which won the 2009 North American Car of the Year award), promises attainable fun in lousy times.
This is Hyundai's first attempt at a true-blue, rear-wheel- drive sports car, especially notable considering the carmaker once served as an automotive punch line along with Yugo and Lada. (The ugly, front-wheel-drive Tiburon/Tuscani impressed no one.)
The new coupe comes in two distinct varieties: the punchy 2.0T and the more powerful 3.8. The 210 horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder version has a basement price of $22,750. The 306-hp, 3.8-liter, V-6 tops out with extras around $31,000.
On a sun-flooded day in upstate New York, I took out a king-of-the-hill 3.8 Track model to see what the Koreans have wrought. Road-racing extras include a stiffer suspension, better-stopping Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, a rear spoiler and 19-inch alloy wheels fitted with summer performance tires.
While available with a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox and paddle-shifters, I opted for a six-speed manual.
In the early 1990s, Hyundai hired outspoken basketball star Charles Barkley as its celebrity spokesman, but it's clear from my first highway off-ramp that the cars can now speak for themselves.
The Genesis tips into the turn easily, feeling stable and well planted. Its inherent understeer is manageable even as the curve gradually tightens. Better, the tires lend plenty of grip and I never feel like the Genesis is going to suddenly spring an unpleasant surprise -- the limits of its performance are easily identifiable.
While certainly not lazy, neither is it too sharp nor tightly wound -- a good sports car for beginners. (Don't buy into the word "Track" in the name. I doubt you'll be taking it to the local road course to frolic with the Porsche GT3s and Dodge Vipers.)
Light Weight
Steering is tight and smartly responsive. The Genesis's relatively light weight of fewer than 3,400 pounds helps it handle a series of S-turns with finesse.
I slam on the brakes in a straightaway, seeing how it would handle a panic-style stop. The pedal has a bit of extra give, yet a rubber-burning moment later, I'm at a full halt. Nice.
Next up, I rev the motor, dump the clutch and the car suddenly goes sluggish as a rear wheel slips. The car lurches down the road like a father-and-son team in a three-legged race.
Ah well, there's a reason it's not yet a Porsche contender.
The major fault seems to be an over-involved traction- control system, which gets awfully intrusive when it senses wheels not hooking up with the asphalt. I turned the system off by punching a button and achieved a better run, though the operation is still less than supple, as if the transmission and engine torque aren't quite in agreement.
Hyundai says the Genesis will make zero to 60 miles per hour in a rather lackadaisical 5.5 seconds, but I don't think I managed even that in my attempts.
Stretching Out
The short-throw manual is okay, but set too far back on the center console to shift naturally. Those who like to stretch out in the black leather seats will also note the lack of a telescoping steering wheel.
The standard amenities are generous for the price, and include automatic windows, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls and USB ports for digital music players.
Which brings us to styling: The Genesis is definitely a product of the East. Similar to its competitor the Nissan 370Z, the swooping headlights look vaguely weapon-like, like something you'd find on the belt of a ninja.
Globular Curves
Yet whereas the Nissan's sloping roofline and various folds look purposeful, the Hyundai's mix of globular curves and sharp creases read like a designer's desperate search for an identity. It's not a travesty, but it isn't super cool either.
While Hyundai says it benchmarked the car against the Infiniti G37 and Mazda RX-8, the Nissan 370Z seems its most obvious head-to-head challenger. In that case, the Nissan is faster, has more horsepower and looks much hotter.
The most basic 370Z, however, is more than $30,000 before you've added a single option, right where the fastest Genesis Coupe tops out.
So, while it's neither Carrera beautiful nor blistering fast, Hyundai's latest is a pretty painless way to get into the sports-car game.
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track at a Glance
Engine: 3.8-liter V-6 with 306 hp and 266 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle-shifters.
Speed: 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds.
Gas mileage per gallon: 17 city; 27 highway.
Price as tested: $30,250.
Best features: Capable handling with lots of standard features.
Worst feature: Off-kilter styling.
Target buyer: The driver who wants Brembo brakes and 300- plus horsepower on a budget.
Jason H. Harper
Bloomberg News
First Drive Of Hyundai Genesis Coupe Published By Car Middle East Magazine
We've given you manufacturer-supplied details about the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but now Car Middle East has taken it upon themselves to publish the first drive review of the upcoming Mustang-fighter. Thanks to Car's question-and-answer session with themselves we can tell you that, thanks to the Hyundai-built 3.8-liter V6, and combined with a limited-slip rear, the testers were able to engage in "some top quality rear-wheel slidey fun accompanied by a thoroughly enjoyable sound track from the dual exhausts." The package is good enough to get four stars from the buff book, but is there anything they didn't like?
The Koreans have moved their game on considerably in recent years. The dash is soft touch, the gear knob is a handsome beast and the chunky sports seats grip you around the bends just as they should. There are also some very fetching aluminium pedals and door sills to spruce up an otherwise fairly standard interior, and there's full iPod and USB stick compatibility. The instrument binnacle and some of the switchgear still feels a little on the plasticky side though - Volkswagen and Toyota won't be worrying about the Korean's quality levels yet. But this is a car that isn't just about functionality. It has soul to it, emotion - something we haven't really seen from Korea before.
With the high rating and lack of real complaints other than switchgear, Car Middle East basically claims the Genesis Coupe marks the ascension of the Koreans to a new level. If Hyundai goes the way of Nissan, in ten years perhaps we'll have a Hyundai-built GT-R competitor for Porsche to attempt to discredit. Or, if they go the way of Ford, in ten years perhaps we'll have a Hyundai-built Mustang-killer in every possible variant under the sun.
Source: Car Middle East
Hyundai Releases Additional Engineering and Feature Information for the All-New 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Genesis Coupe Delivers an Estimated 30 MPG
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 30, 2008 - Hyundai released additional engineering and feature information for the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe today. The Genesis Coupe, and its rear-wheel drive platform-mate the Genesis sedan will make their Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show debuts next week.
"One of the program targets for the Genesis engineering team was world-class weight efficiency," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When you look at the size and content of both Genesis models, you'll find we lead all our competitors in weight efficiency. We also target leadership in power-to-weight ratio. We think that's just smart strategy in today's world. It pays huge dividends in both performance and fuel economy, and that's especially important in the segments in which these cars compete."
Vehicle Engine Curb Weight (pounds) Length (inches)
Genesis sedan 3.8-liter V6 3748 195.9
Genesis sedan 4.6-liter V8 4012 195.9
Genesis Coupe 2.0-liter turbo 3303 182.3
Genesis Coupe 3.8-liter V6 3402 182.3
Both Genesis Coupe and sedan are rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The Genesis sedan is 10-12 percent stiffer in torsion than Lexus and Mercedes-Benz competitors, yet it is lighter than these benchmark sedans, and offers more interior room. At just 3,303 pounds, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T is hundreds of pounds lighter than all of its IRS-equipped rear-wheel-drive competitors, with body-bending rigidity 24 percent higher than BMW E46 M3.
Vehicle Length Curb Weight (lbs.) Horsepower Power-to-weight ratio
Genesis Coupe 3.8 182.3 3402 310 (est.) 11.0
BMW 335i 181.1 3571 300 11.9
Infiniti G37 183.1 3616 330 11.0
Camaro LS 190.4 3780 300 (est.) 12.6
Challenger 197.7 3819 250 15.3
This focus on weight efficiency pays dividends across the board. The Genesis sedan owes its ability to deliver both strong performance (0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds) and excellent fuel economy (25 mpg EPA highway rating) in great part due to its impressive weight efficiency. Similarly, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T sets a new benchmark for front-engine, rear-wheel-drive gasoline fuel efficiency with a remarkable 30 mpg estimated EPA highway rating, because of its weight-efficient platform and its efficient 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
"While some turbochargers sacrifice smooth drivability with high operating boost pressures in the 20 psi range, Genesis Coupe uses a refined, low-boost calibration for smoothness and efficiency," said Derek Joyce, Genesis Coupe product manager. "We could have opted solely for big performance numbers, but our focus for the 2.0T was a more balanced package."
GENESIS COUPE PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
With the start of U.S. market production now just a few months away, Hyundai Motor America is releasing model configuration and color choices for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
"Genesis sedan has set a new benchmark for the $35,000-$40,000 premium sedan, and we think Genesis Coupe will do the same in the sport coupe segment," Krafcik said. "From our 30-mpg 2.0T with its low-pressure intercooled 4-cylinder turbo, to the 3.8 Track model with an estimated 310-hp and Brembo braking system, Genesis Coupe offers a wide range of powertrain and performance choices for driving enthusiasts of all stripes."
There are seven basic Genesis Coupe configurations:
- 2.0T
- 2.0T Premium
- 2.0T Track (6-speed manual transmission only)
- 2.0T R-Spec (late availability, 6-speed manual transmission only)
- 3.8
- 3.8 Grand Touring
- 3.8 Track
GENESIS COUPE 2.0T: A MORE EFFICIENT TAKE ON THE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT COUPE
Standard equipment includes:
- 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering an estimated 210-hp (regular), estimated 220 hp (premium), an estimated 223 ft-lbs of torque (at just 2,000 rpm), an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and an estimated top speed of 137 mph
- M6VR1 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: A5SR1 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic controls)
- 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (P225/45VR18 front, P245/45VR18 rear)
- Electronic Stability Control with ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
- 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
- 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
- Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
- Strut brace
- Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Front, side, side air curtain air bags
- Active front head restraints
- Driver's lumbar support
- Black-out front lower fascia
- Trip computer
- Air conditioning
- Satin silver and chrome interior accents
- Keyless entry system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
- AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with six speakers
- USB/iPod/Aux jack connectivity
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Cruise control
- Projector beam headlamps with auto light control
- Integrated Bluetooth including steering wheel controls
- Temporary spare with steel wheel (T135/90D17)
The 2.0T Premium model adds or substitutes:
- Power driver seat
- 360-watt AM/FM/XM/CD-changer Infinity premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
- Smart Key with push-button start
- Electrochromic mirror with HomeLink and compass
- Sunroof
- Navigation system (mid-year availability)
The factory-tuned 2.0T Track model builds from the 2.0T Premium, adding/substituting:
- 19-inch Euroflange gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (P225/40YR19 front, P245/40YR19 rear)
- Unique Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
- Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace
- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
- Black leather bolster seats with high-friction red cloth insert
- Aluminum pedals
- Aero windshield wipers
- Rear spoiler
- Xenon HID headlamps
- Fog lamps
- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
- Navigation system (mid-year availability)
- Note: Automatic transmission not available with 2.0T Track
Later in the model year, a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, will arrive at Hyundai dealerships. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is meant to be the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform. R-Spec equipment includes:
- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering an estimated 210-hp (regular), estimated 220-hp (premium), an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and an estimated top speed of 137 mph
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Electronic Stability Control with ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
- 19-inch Euroflange gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (P225/40YR19 front, P245/40YR19 rear)
- Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
- Track model suspension tuning (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace)
- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
- Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Front, side, side air curtain air bags
- Active front head restraints
- Driver's lumbar support
- Air conditioning
- Keyless entry system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
- AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with six speakers
- USB/iPod/Aux jack connectivity
- Projector beam headlamps
- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
- Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
GENESIS 3.8: 310 HORSEPOWER AND STANDARD LEATHER INTERIOR - A NEW BENCHMARK FOR PERFORMANCE AND REFINEMENT IN ITS CLASS
Standard equipment includes 2.0T equipment, and adds or substitutes:
- 3.8L DOHC V6 engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering an estimated 306-hp (regular), 310-hp (premium), and a top speed of 149 mph
- M6VR2 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: ZF 6HP19 6-speed electronic automatic with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic controls)
- Black leather seats
- Fully automatic temperature control
- Premium door sill plates
- Chrome front fascia accents
In addition to 3.8 equipment, the 3.8 Grand Touring adds or substitutes:
- Unique brown leather seat interior environment
- Power driver seat
- Heated driver and passenger seat
- 360-watt AM/FM/XM/CD-changer Infinity premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
- Smart Key with push-button start
- Xenon HID headlamps
- Electrochromic mirror with HomeLink and compass
- Heated mirrors with outside turn signal indicators
- Backup warning system
- Sunroof
- Navigation system (mid-year availability)
The factory-tuned 3.8 Track model deletes backup warning system and chrome front fascia accents from the Grand Touring model, and adds or substitutes:
- Black leather seats
- 19-inch Euroflange gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (P225/40YR19 front, P245/40YR19 rear)
- Unique Brembo braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
- Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace
- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
- Aluminum pedals
- Aero windshield wipers
- Rear spoiler
- Black-out front lower fascia
- Xenon HID headlamps
- Fog lamps
- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
Genesis Coupe will be available in nine exterior colors:
- Karussell White
- Bathurst Black
- Silverstone
- Nordschleife Gray
- Acqua Minerale Blue
- Tsukuba Red
- Mirabeau Blue
- Lime Rock Green
- Interlagos Yellow
Genesis Coupe features four different interior themes:
- Black environment, premium black cloth seats (2.0T, 2.0T Premium, R-Spec)
- Black environment, black leather-bolstered seats with high-friction red cloth insert (2.0T Track)
- Black environment, black leather seats (3.8, 3.8 Track)
- Black environment, saddle brown leather seats (3.8 Grand Touring)
Early Look: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Fourteen images of the new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe have leaked online, ahead of its official debut next week at the New York Auto Show. The coupe is based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Genesis sedan. It was previewed with a concept version late last year, and later to a marketing study group in pre-production form.
The car is expected to hit the market in Spring 2009, making it a 2010 model.
Hyundai officials recently revealed that the base car will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with up-level models being propelled by a 3.8L V6 -- not the previously rumored V8 from the Genesis sedan. While official performance numbers remain unknown, Hyundai is tauting the production Genesis Coupe as the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market. Because Hyundai is specifically going after the Ford Mustang, look for final horsepower ratings in the 310 to 320 range. The car pictured in the leaked photos has a redline of 6,500 rpm.
The car's center stack features a large LCD screen, while the gauge cluster has a futuristic, two-pod design. The Genesis Coupe will have a 2+2 setup, with cup holders separating the rear buckets. Despite only having two doors, rear seat legroom looks surprisingly ample.
"Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America when the concept was first shown. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."
Source: LeftLaneNews.com March 16, 2008
Hyundai Unveils Rear-Wheel Drive Concept Genesis Coupe
LOS ANGELES, 11/14/2007
Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai's second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Concept Genesis Coupe Highlights
Second rear-wheel drive performance car from Hyundai
300+ horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
The production version of the sports coupe arrives in the spring of 2009
The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its "Z" bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.
"Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse."
DESIGN PROCESS
"The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."
The powerful curves, surface detail and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer's sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept's assertive headlight and taillight designs.
The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan's race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.
"Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating."
The concept's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.
Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.
An arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. Concept Genesis Coupe rides on 20-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels with Hankook 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/35 ZR rear tires.
CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS
- Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive sports coupe
- Wheelbase: 2,820 mm / 111 inches
- Overall length: 4,666 mm / 183.7 inches
- Overall width: 1,902 mm / 74.9 inches
- Overall height: 1,386 mm / 54.5 inches
- Wheels: 20-inch, five-spoke
- Tires: Hankook 255/35 ZR front and 275/35 ZR rear
PRELIMINARY PRODUCTION CAR DETAILS
- Engine type: V6
- Estimated horsepower: more than 300 horsepower
- Estimated torque: more than 250 lb. ft.
- Displacement: 3.8 liters
- Block material: high pressure die cast aluminum
- Cylinder head material: aluminum
- Valvetrain: Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC)
- Valve timing: continuous variable valve timing
- Estimated 0-60 mph: under 6 seconds
- Transmission type: 6-speed manual
- Front brakes: Brembo, 340 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
- Rear brakes: Brembo, 330 mm disc, twin-piston calipers
- Limited slip differential