Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec Debuts in Chicago

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Stripped-down track option package offers a blank slate for tuners

By Christopher Jackson
February 12, 2009 12:31 AM
Filed Under: Asian, Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai

Hyundai's new Genesis Coupe has some impressive performance credentials; it's hard to go wrong with a choice of 210-horsepower four-cylinder or 300-horsepower 3.8 liter V6 directing power to the rear wheels, after all. Just after announcing pricing for the new Genesis Coupe at the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the version that the enthusiasts were no doubt hoping for; the Genesis Coupe R-Spec.

The Genesis Coupe is already available with an optional "Track" package, with a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, bigger wheels, a limited-slip rear differential and a stiffer suspension. The R-Spec adds to this package with a diet, removing all of the unnecessary options to leave a "blank slate" for performance enthusiasts to modify.

The Genesis R-Spec is equipped with the 2.0T engine and a six-speed manual transmission, a lowered suspension and 19-inch wheels. Want an automatic transmission? It's not offered on the R-Spec. Performance tires and Brembo brakes front and rear improve the car's grip and response, and the Torsen limited-slip differential is shared with the Track model. The R-Spec improves on that by tossing out nonessentials like the cruise control, Bluetooth connectors, automatic headlights and trip computer. The R-Spec stickers for about $3000 less than the Track model, with prices starting at $23,750.

Note: Spec-R photos will be added as soon as they become available.

Source: Hyundai

Press Release (Click to expand)

Hyundai Debuts a High-Performance Blank Canvas for Tuners: Genesis Coupe R-Spec

When the colors of your new turbocharged rear-wheel-drive sport coupe are named after international racing circuits, you'd better have the performance and confidence to back it up. Now, Hyundai is upping the ante by announcing an R-Spec version of the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe, designed to appeal to true enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications. R-Spec will be available as a mid-2010 model year introduction.

R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo(R) braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth(R), automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, the R-Spec will be available in three performance oriented exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

R-Spec equipment includes:
-- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210-hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
-- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
-- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
-- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
-- Brembo(R) 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-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
-- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
-- R-Spec badging
-- 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
-- Remote keyless entry system
-- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
-- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
-- AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
-- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
-- Projector beam headlamps
-- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
-- Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec

 

Comments

motorsport13
February 12, 2009 1:04 AM
still a hyundai, still korean

dom6698
February 12, 2009 1:35 AM
There's an air of something "unpleasant" about this comment. I don't think you should dismiss something just because of where it is constructed. I doubt very much whether or not you have sat in, seen or driven one to jutify this comment; though you may prove me wrong...

pchsh02
February 12, 2009 3:57 AM
I really wanna know what these folks are driving.

Motor_Yakuza
February 12, 2009 4:10 AM
Han: The Red Evo's yours Shawn Boswell: What do you mean? Han: You're representing me now. What you think, I'm gonna let you roll in a Hyundai? Don't need to say more, but I heard this car will be in F&F4, ironic huh.

hitar_potar
February 12, 2009 1:21 AM
... and still prettier than a challenger. :P

Motor_Yakuza
February 12, 2009 4:08 AM
Huh?....No way.Plus the cars are different styles, and the Hyundai will never be as iconic as the Challenger.


Edited by user on February 12, 2009 at 4:19 AM
Bristol411S3
February 12, 2009 1:30 AM
That is actually quire good looking. An R-Spec sounds interesting although Hyundai aren't known for prowess around chassis tuning.

GRAVE
February 12, 2009 2:25 AM
nice looking coupe, but the interior looks very cheap!

Schizo0223
February 12, 2009 4:29 AM
Tabla rasa-a blank slate so the buyer can do what he wants with the car. In this age where most people replace stock items (which they paid for) with stuff to their liking this sounds like a reasonable option.

At that price with easily tunable turbo engine, RWD, Brembo brakes and a limited diff it is tempting...

GK27V6
February 12, 2009 5:46 AM
My new dream car. Not joking either.

AUDINICK
February 12, 2009 2:12 PM
Please what a s__t !

DeRay
February 13, 2009 11:56 PM
You know everyone is so quick to down Hyundai because its korean but every company has to start somewhere. Its handsome has similar dimensions as a G37 coupe, I'm sure its gonna perform. They are offering the consumer a track ready car for just 23k that's comparable to the mazda RX-8 which cost more for the R3 version. I applaud Hyundai for their ambition and courage to try to step outside of their box

shadowphantom
February 15, 2009 4:04 PM
I am in Korea now and I think that they are bad ass cars for the price. Not to mention they look good on the road. I have seen a few on the road here.

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