The Genesis Coupe - My Experience

             

Strait from Ulsan, South Korea comes the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Gen. Coupe).   Months after the release of its "fraternal twin" (the name coined by Hyundai for the 2009 Genesis Sedan), the Gen. Coupe seized the attention of many people (including myself).  With its beefy and aggressive stance to the beautiful sculpted body I was completely thrown off when I first saw the orange concept car version of this vehicle at the New York Auto Show a couple years back. I initially shrugged off the concept car's design thinking that Hyundai will never build anything this, dare I say, sexy. It was not until the release of the Hyundai's new luxury sedan, the Genesis, did I really considered a Hyundai. With its Korean built 4.6L Tau V8 producing 375hp to the sedans plush and roomy interior, I was hooked.  Upon researching the Genesis Sedan I came across the Gen. Coupe and my attention shifted. Sharing the same rear-wheel-drive platform that propels the Genesis Sedan, and completely unrelated to Hyundai's previous "sporty" car, the Tiburon, the Gen. Coupe is Hyundai's attempt for a new tuner-friendly sports car.  The new Coupe comes in two engines: 2.0L turbo charged inline 4 cylinder (almost identical to the Mitsubishi Evo's power-plant because Hyundai produces those engines) or a robust 3.8L naturally aspired Lambda V6. With prices for a 2.0L turbo starting at $22,000 and $25,000 for the 3.8L V6, the Gen Coupe is a great value for the money.

            

The turbo'ed inline 4 is good for 210hp, which doesn't disappoint (this engine is destined for modification anyway). From personal experience, the 2.0L Turbo with a Z-F automatic transmission does have nice pick up and does have smooth acceleration (no noticeable lag from the turbo), but lacks the horsepower to pull the heavy coupe (3,294 - 3,362lbs) to the status of a sports car. I would suggest a manual transmission for this engine because the auto tranny paired with this engine just makes the experience a little dull. But for those with a little extra cash and want power strait from the factory (like me), the 3.8L V6 is the engine of choice. 

                   

           

The 3.8 L V6 is advertised for 306hp (with good gas mileage, for a big V6 anyway, {17 city, and 27 highway with the auto tranny}) and that difference in horsepower from the inline 4 is huge. I was lucky to test drive both the Grand Touring and Track Trim (those red Brembo brake calipers, wing, and rims are a nice touch) of the Genesis Coupe with an automatic transmission in a dealership in Minnesota (went to go see family). I was completely thrown off guard by the first pedal touch; the Coupe leaped from a standstill from torque of this powerful engine with a loud growl. The tone of the exhaust can be heard very well in the cabin and sounds great. The sound definitely, and positively, adds to the experience of the drive, which also includes the great handling.  I personally drive a Mercedes Benz 2002 SLK 230, and have test driven a wide range of cars over the past year (looking for a new car) including: BMW's 328ix series, Audi A4 and S5, Ford Mustang GT, Lexus IS 250 AWD, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Mercedes C300 4-Matic, Infinity G37, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Genesis Sedan V8, and the Gen. coupes.  Although it doesn't have the handling of a BMW or the refinement of an S5, this Gen. Coupe exceeded my expectations.  I was expecting the driving characterists of an American muscle car like a Mustang, but was pleasantly surprised to find out otherwise especially the 3.8L Track.  Before zooming around corners the large Brembos slowed the car quickly from a fast 50 mph to 30mph and the car was extremely predictable and controlled during that corner (there was no evidence of body roll what-so-ever; the car was firmly planted on the road). The firm suspension of the Track version also made the vehicle incredibly stable under high speeds. The great handling can be attributed to the MacPherson front strut suspension and the 5-link suspension in the rear. But this suspension can be considered a little stiff for a daily driver, and my test drive through Minnesota's local roads (very bumpy and uneven) certainly was not as smooth as an American car's loose suspension (such as a Charger). This car may not be a grand touring type, but I personally don't mind the ride and instead enjoy the "sporty" ride, and can relate the handling and ride to the G37.  

           

 It is safe to say that Hyundai's attempt to create a sports car is definitely not a bust. With Hyundai's outstanding warranty (tuners won't consider this a deciding factor), reliability, safety, the Coupe's performance and looks, the little tech gadgets throughout the car (including the push-button start and the new Navigation system option), and with a wide arrange of after market parts available now (definitely going to install a backup camera, parking sensors, tint the windows and taillights, and swap out that god-ugly grill), I can see the Genesis Coupe in my garage in the near future. And maybe one with a twin turbo or a supercharger in a couple of years after the warranty ends (of course).