First drive: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Redefining the affordable sports car

Las Vegas, Nev. – Usually what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but there’s nothing to censor when it comes to Hyundai’s new Genesis Coupe and its launch locale of Sin City. Following a year in the spotlight of the media for its Genesis luxury sedan, the Korean automaker looks to be expanding its moment of fame with its first rear-wheel drive sports coupe.

Nothing has changed about Hyundai's winning formula for the Genesis Coupe; it is still offering a well-equipped vehicle at an affordable price. Now that Hyundai is the fifth largest automaker in the world, it is hoping that vehicles like this one will help build momentum. Expectations are high for this newcomer, which will replace the Tiburon. Will it succeed?

Hey good lookin'

Even though the Tiburon is still a good looking car, it's about time that Hyundai replaced the aging front-wheel driven coupe. The new Genesis should quickly take its place, erasing the former car's image. With the engine up front and driving wheels in the back, Hyundai's designers created a longer, wider and sleeker design. Though the Genesis is completely different, it's easy to see the family resemblance between it and the Tiburon. Overall, first visual impressions of this sporty newcomer are positive. Unlike the Genesis sedan, Hyundai didn't hesitate to put its "H" logo on the front radiator grille. The front bumper is smoothly integrated into the vehicle, while the rear diffuser and dual exhaust pipes almost make you forget it's a Hyundai. With the GT package, the Genesis Coupe enters the league of the Infiniti G37 - in terms of looks. That's saying something. Sitting on 18-inch wheels (19-inch units optional,) the Genesis looks ready for a long drive on a winding road.

Always improving

Compared to the Genesis sedan, a full-size luxury car, the Coupe is significantly smaller. It's a 2+2 seater with rear seats designed to accommodate small children rather than adults. Although Hyundai didn't use high-end or luxurious materials, the interior still looks great. Its designers created a comfortable space furnished with good quality plastics. The sport seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support, although a telescopic steering column is missing. The Genesis Coupe's centre console features many buttons for its climate and stereo system, but the system is user-friendly. A navigation system will be available later this year. Lack of practicality is probably the Coupe's biggest drawback, but consumers don't buy sporty two-doors for their utility.
 

Two new engines

When Hyundai unveiled the Genesis Coupe Concept at the 2007 LA Auto Show, it was rumoured that a V8 engine lurked under its carbon fibre hood. Sadly, this wasn't the case. For now, the much-loved roar of an eight-cylinder engine is reserved for the Genesis Sedan. Due to the current economic crisis, the Coupe's affordable market position and the risk of skyrocketing fuel prices, this option is on hiatus. Still, there are no issues with the two engines Hyundai engineers selected to power this coupe. The base model is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 210 horsepower and 223 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine can be coupled to a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with paddles for manual shifting. The alternative choice features two extra cylinders. Engineers went to work on the 3.8-litre V6 used in the Genesis sedan, revamping it to make it stronger. The engine now produces 306 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional ZF-developed six-speed automatic transmission, also with paddles.

For real car buffs

Hyundai is well aware that entry-level sports car buyers want a product that's up to the job. That's why the GT package is available for both four and six-cylinder models. Included is a sport calibrated suspension system, Brembo four-piston brake calipers, limited-slip rear differential, strut tower brace, thicker anti-roll bars and 19-inch wheels wrapped in high performance tires. At $3,250 this option package is a bargain. Want more? Hyundai hinted that there are performance components in the works.

At the wheel
Despite the great roads outside Las Vegas, we had to see what this Korean newcomer could do on the track. Located about an hour away from the strip, Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch - a playground for the rich - is the perfect testing ground with its long curving roads and tight turns.

Compared to the V6, the turbocharged four-cylinder might appear to be the model of choice on paper as it weighs less. In reality, the engine seems to lack power, despite being advertised as having 210 horsepower. This is something tuners will rectify as soon as they get under the hood! The car also felt particularly weak when exiting corners at full throttle with the stability control engaged.

As for the transmission, it isn't the most precise stick shift in the industry but it's pretty good for a vehicle in this price category. Ditto for the automatic five-speed transmission. On the track we sampled GT models. The Brembo brakes are extremely powerful and the sport suspension enhanced by the stiff chassis is great. For those who enjoy the thrill of the drive, the GT is a must. For drivers seeking a supple ride, we wouldn't recommend this setup as it is very firm.

The huge 3.8-litre V6 was a surprise on the track; the extra weight compared to the four-cylinder was obvious but its power advantage made up for it. Its 0-100 km/h time is well under six seconds. The manual transmission is a bit awkward but you get used to it and standing starts were nothing short of impressive with the six-speed automatic transmission.

A serious contender

With the arrival of the Genesis Coupe, those who said that the affordable sport coupe segment is disappearing are sure to be eating their words. While the segment is still slim, this sporty two-door is certain to draw attention to the sports car market and the Hyundai brand. Pleasing to drive, with more power and rear-wheel drive, Hyundai's coupe should be popular with enthusiasts that are young and young at heart.

The new Genesis Coupe starts at $24,495 for the 2.0T manual and tops out at $36,795 for the 3.8 GT automatic.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T
Base price: $24,495 - $30,745
Type of vehicle: RWD coupe
Engine: 2.0L, 16-valve DOHC I-4 turbocharged
Power/torque: 210 hp/223 lb.-ft.
Transmission: Six-speed manual (opt. five-speed automatic)
0-100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
Fuel consumption (city/hwy., 6M): 10.1/6.6 L/100 km
Competition: Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged, Honda Civic Si / Accord Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe, Nissan Altima Coupe, Volkswagen GTI

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
Base price: $32,995 - $36,795
Type of vehicle: RWD coupe
Engine: 3.8L, 24-valve DOHC V6
Power/torque: 306 hp/266 lb.-ft.
Transmission: Six-speed manual (opt. six-speed automatic)
0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
Fuel consumption (city/hwy., 6M): 12.0/7.6 L/100 km
Competition: BMW 335i Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Eclipse

PREVIEW SUMMARY

PROS
- Excellent performance for the price
- Good handling and dynamics
- Attractive styling

CONS
- 2.0T could do with more punch
- Rear seats are for kids only
- Manual transmission not particularly refined