2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe will compete with the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and others in the sporty/performance-car class.

Korean automaker Hyundai has been expanding both its product lineup and the general perception of its brand by taking aim at new market segments. For 2007, Hyundai targeted the luxury SUV category with the Veracruz, a midsize SUV that brought a new level of upscale ambiance to the brand. For 2009, the even-more-luxurious Genesis sedan shook up the premium-large-car class and garnered several industry awards, including a Consumer Guide Automotive Recommended pick.   

Now, Hyundai sets its sights on the rear-wheel-drive performance-coupe market with the 2010 Genesis Coupe. Hyundai’s strategy is to aim for market “white space”--that nebulous area between established competitors in a given automotive category. Hyundai hopes the Genesis Coupe will lasso buyers from old-school muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang, as well as from front-drive sporty cars such as the Honda Civic Si and VW GTI. If Hyundai has its way, even buyers of premium-brand performance coupes such as the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G37 will be swayed by the Genesis Coupe’s charms.

Hyundai is serious about pushing the performance “cred” of the Genesis Coupe. They’ve partnered with famed drift and stunt driver Rhys Millen to field a specially modified 500-horsepower Genesis Coupe race car in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Formula Drift Professional Drifting Championship, and the Redline Time Attack series.
 
Judging from our initial seat time in several Genesis Coupe variants, we think it’s a fine first entry into a very tough market segment.

What’s Cool…

Broad Range of Powertrain and Trim Configurations
Hyundai offers two engine choices and six different trim levels with manual or automatic transmission, ranging from a base 2.0T coupe with manual ($22,000) to a 3.8 Track model with automatic ($31,000).

Nimble Rear-Wheel-Drive Handling
Rear-wheel drive isn’t as common as it used to be, but for many performance-driving aficionados, there is simply no substitute. The Genesis Coupe’s multi-link rear suspension endows it with crisp handling and the ability to kick out the tail-end a little (or a lot) for fun.

Click here for a full review of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Premium Gas Not Required
Most sporty cars require premium fuel for their highly-tuned engines, but both Genesis Coupe engines make their official horsepower numbers (210 horsepower for the turbo 4-cylinder and 306 for the V6) on regular gas. Run premium fuel, and those numbers increase by a couple horsepower.

High Features-Per-Dollar Ratio
Hyundai vehicles are typically generously equipped with standard features that cost extra on rival makes, and the Genesis Coupe follows that tradition. 

Serious Performance Hardware Available
Hyundai caters to dedicated performance enthusiasts with 2.0T and V6 Track models that come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, and four-piston Brembo-brand brakes. For aftermarket-tuning enthusiasts, a stripped-down 2.0T “R-Spec” model is slated to debut midyear with a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission and minimal convenience features.

…What’s Not

V6 Not As Eager As Rival Engines
Though it’s plenty gutsy as the RPMs build, the V6 doesn’t quite have the snappy, eager-to-rev nature of other performance-oriented engines in this class.

Manual Shifter Not As Smooth As Top Rivals
Precise shifter operation is an important part of the optimum performance-car experience, and the Genesis Coupe’s shifter and clutch arrangement is not as crisp as competitors’ performance-oriented manuals.

Low Cowl, On-the-Floor Seating Position
The Genesis Coupe is even more low-slung than it looks. The on-the-floor seating position is great for styling, but not so great for long-haul comfort and easy entry and exit, especially for big-and-tall folks.

Rear Seat Sized For Small Children
Few sporty coupes offer sufficient back-seat space, and the Genesis Coupe is no exception. Unless your back-seat passengers are under 10 years old, the Genesis Coupe is essentially a two-seater.

CG Says:

Our hats are off to Hyundai for crafting a performance car that manages to carve out a unique niche for itself. Against its rear-wheel-drive competition, the Genesis Coupe is larger and more practical than a Mazda RX-8 or Nissan 370Z, and a bit lighter and more nimble than the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang pony-car trio. Some might find the Genesis Coupe a bit wanting in terms of personality and overall refinement, but Hyundai’s competitive pricing should make it a formidable player in the sporty/performance-car arena.

05.14.2009