New York brought many acclaimed wonders into the world like the Yankees, CBS, and bagels. And then, came the Genesis Coupe. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe made its official debut at the New York International Autoshow today. It seems as if the telephone was a technological marvel when the first spy shots of the car appeared onto the web. Was it worth the wait? Definitely I'd say because the features that the Genesis Coupe sports and the beasts under its hood make it impossible to state otherwise. For one, it is the only car in the market that is rear-wheel drive and can be opted to be propelled by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. While the tuner enthusiasts celebrate at the back, those who desire more power can button down the 3.8L V6 that boasts (get this) 310 horsepower. Giddy up tuners and consumers because the Genesis Coupe is in town.Hyundai gave us an official glimpse of the Genesis Coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show last January, when the Genesis Coupe Concept dazzled the crowds with its attractive design and flashy orange paint. Hyundai boasted that the concept was actually a modified version of the production car. They kept true to their word because the Genesis Coupe has lost little from the concept-to-production transition. The design begins at the front with a fascia that cues the Veloster Concept (see banner). If you squint, fades of Lexus's L-Finesse theme can be spotted. The side profile of the Genesis Coupe features its trademark "Z" pattern and the dipping rear window. The rear is simple, yet in my honest opinion, is the best looking part of the car. Traces of the Infiniti G37 can be detected, but I think the Hyundai edges the aforementioned car by a slight margin. All in all, the exterior is definitely a winner for Hyundai.
The goodness has only begun. Hit the jump to continue reading the article and view the high-resolution images brought to you by Netcarshow.com. The Hyundai PR department's description of the Genesis Coupe is also available after the jump.
[Source: Hyundai]
Hyundai's tradition of bringing a wad of features at an affordable price continues with the Genesis Coupe. The car is available in three trims - GS, GT, and SE. Standard items include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), USB/AUX inputs, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys, and six airbags. Features standard in higher trims include 19-inch alloys, HID headlamps, climate control, four-piston Brembo brakes, limited slip differential (LSD), and bolstered leather seats. Think the features are enough to end your day with a good one? The goodness hasn't finished here.
Undoubtedly the most anticipated part of the car lies under its hood. It surely doesn't disappoint with the two engines Hyundai has put out for the Genesis Coupe. Standard on the GS and available on the range-topping SE is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 223 horsepower and 217 lb.ft of torque. It lowers to 217 horsepower when running on regular unleaded fuel. However, one who fills up a car propelled by a turbocharged engine with regular unleaded fuel certainly doesn't deserve the cred to drive the car in the first place. Stepping up to the GT or the SE gets you a 3.8L Lambda DOHC V6 that churns an impressive 310 horsepower (306 on regular) and 263 lb.ft of torque. The turbocharged inline-4 is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. The V6 is available with the same manual transmission or a ZF 6-speed automatic.
Thus ends the trilogy of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. In all three departments, the car is hands-down a winner. I might be comparable to a Hyundai PR guy with all the praises I have stated about the car. However, I seem to not be the only one as the plague has spread across the web like wildfire. Hyundai has announced that the Genesis Coupe's prices will range from a tad under $20,000 for the GS, while a loaded SE will hover in the $30K mark. The Genesis Coupe is slated to go on sale in Korea in July 2008. The U.S. and Canada will get its taste in spring of 2009. Until then, we wait for the ever-awaited comparison test pitting the Genesis Coupe to the Infiniti G37 from the folks at Motor Trend. Will David slay Goliath again? We'll see.
PRESS RELEASE: ALL-NEW HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE: A NEW BENCHMARK FOR ATTAINABLE 300-HORSEPOWER SPORT COUPES
New York, 03/19/2008
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.
GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
• Hyundai’s second rear-wheel drive performance car
• 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
• Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model
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
2010 Genesis Coupe 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.
Designers used the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designer's term for the side glass) from the 2006 HCD9 Talus Concept on the Genesis Coupe. The 2004 HCD8 sport tourer concept’s sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Genesis Coupe.
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.
GENESIS COUPE GS (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
Key Standard Equipment:
• 2.0-liter turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control System
• ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Manual A/C
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
• AM/FM/XM/CD Player/USB/iPod connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Vanity mirror illumination
• Bluetooth
GENESIS COUPE GT (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
GS equipment Plus:
• 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• Leather steering wheel / Shift knob
• Metalgrain /chrome interior accents
• Automatic temperature control
• Fog lamps
• Premium door sill plates
• Trip computer
• Chrome front fascia accents
• Auto light control
GENESIS COUPE SE (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
Unique SE equipment:
• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• HID headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Manual A/C
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• High performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires
• Brembo braking system with monobloc four-piston calipers
• SE track-tuned suspension / front strut brace
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolsters / red cloth insert seats
• Rear spoiler
• Aero wiper blades
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.
