Any doubts as to the ability of the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe to perform were quickly dispelled in New York as a pair of the cars greeted the press by sliding wildly around the Javits Center Galleria with stunt drivers at the wheel, backed by a pounding rock'n'roll soundtrack. With rear-wheel drive and a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder or V6 power, the new coupe represents a significant push into the sports car market for Hyundai. Shown as a concept in Los Angeles last year and carrying hints of past Hyundai concept cars, the Genesis Coupe is an Infiniti G37-sized car with serious sporting potential. It goes on sale in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model.
Engine choices are a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 212 horsepower and a 3.8 liter V6 shared with the Genesis sedan that's good for 306 horses. Both engines feature standard six-speed manual transmissions and dual cat-back exhaust systems, and a limited-slip rear is available as well. The hot setup will be the Genesis Coupe SE, with big Brembo brakes at all four corners and a track-tuned suspension. Expect more details as the year goes by.
Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.
"We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37."
DESIGN PROCESS
Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.
"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, 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."
Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.
Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening 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.
Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic.
Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling
INTERIOR DESIGN
In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination.
Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.
Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.
REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Genesis Coupe’s body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution.
POWERTRAINS
Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.
The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.
SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 18-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.
While all Genesis Coupe models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. Genesis Coupe SE delivers an increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.
STEERING
Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a quick ratio gear delivers both linearity and agility. The steering is also engine-RPM sensing.
TRANSMISSIONS
Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque.
Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS
Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The 2010 Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.
Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.
SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2010 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.
Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.
The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.
All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupes. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.
THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS
The Genesis Coupe is offered in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the premium-sport GT featuring the 3.8-liter V6, and the high-performance SE, available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine.
bmwer
March 20, 2008 4:25:15 AM
Hyundai is definitely on its way up. Not a bad looking car, although I really don't like the dip behind the B pillar. Sort of ruins the continuity. I suppose they're showing their willingness to take risks and develop a distinct style, but unfortunately I don't think that feature works very well. Looks too soft on an otherwise fairly muscular and chiseled car.
Looks very good in red. Very G37-ish in size and profile, and that's not bad thing! It's still somewhat original, especially coming from Hyundai. I don't think the big 3 will see too much of a threat from this car, however Ford should re-think the V6 Mustang if the price of this thing undercuts the GT by much.
This is a very nice beginning despite some flaws (boring & cheap cockpit, mixture of styles...) Don't overlook the fact that this "brat" displays the power of the "all powerful" 335i, and goes on to humiliate it by offering a LSD which is not even available at an extra cost @ BMW.
We are ready for take-off..."Houston we have a problem" ...wats that?? The buttons and switches just fell apart before i got to touch them!!
So here we go, Hyundai taking risks and climbing the ladder in a new direction. I have to say that the Genesis is a HUGE improvment from its predecessor, the Tiburon. The design has flair, is very attractive at certain angles and looks like a freshly baked scone. But how does it taste on the inside?? BORING and CHEAP! The 3 tone interior (black, red and plasticy looking silver), makes my scone look plain, tasteless and dare i say, unimaginative. Not impressed with the inside...but lets analyse the exterior again. Surely it has made a bold and beautiful statement, but at times the unusual sharpness and uncannily sculpted curves generate an unresolved front end. The rear is appealing with simplicity and suaveness but it looks heavily borrowed from designers at BMW and Infiniti. The built in boot lip and humped-up end is 6 series, while the tail lights and rear bumper is near 100% G37. Dodgy dip behind the B-pillar and a double sided groove on the side projects the image of flimsy sheet metal and once again unresolved styling.
An applaud for Hyundai, as this Genesis looks great on the outside but the interior begs to differ. Too much self-raising flour for the scone.
I have to say that the gauge cluster seems to be taken right off of the Mercedes M class, from the rev meter to how the fuel indicator is in a circle right underneath, as well as the overall two circle layout with the information panel right in between. This is an aesthetically nice car (with the exception of that little bump under the greenhouse line), but Hyundai really should start to get original. It is pretty annoying to see different design elements that were originally created by other luxury brands put into cars like these. They Hyundai Genesis Sedan has the same issues as well, except in a much larger scale. Nice cars, but the originality problem is a huge turnoff for me.
Hyundai is definitely on its way up. Not a bad looking car, although I really don't like the dip behind the B pillar. Sort of ruins the continuity. I suppose they're showing their willingness to take risks and develop a distinct style, but unfortunately I don't think that feature works very well. Looks too soft on an otherwise fairly muscular and chiseled car.