In a world where gaps in product lines are filled as quickly as they open, Hyundai--yes, Hyundai--has found a new one. Let's call it the semi-affordable, pretty-good-looking, rear-wheel-drive performance-coupe segment. Hyundai has identified and filled that gap with the surprisingly sporty Genesis Coupe.
It is not simply a two-door version of the Genesis sedan. Hyundai says the Coupe shares only the rear subframe, rear suspension and a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with the sedan.
The entry-level coupe, starting at about $23,000, is powered by a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four. Above that is a $26,000-to-$30,000 306-hp, 3.8-liter V6. There's not much in the way of competition offering that particular combination.
So, what's it like to drive?
First, a caveat: Disregard those Web sites that have "first drives" of the Genesis Coupe. Those guys drove Korean-spec cars, tuned for luxury. We will get a much more performance-oriented car than that.
After a day spent lapping the Streets of Willow racetrack in Southern California, along with a short drive over two-lane highways, we can say that the new Coupe felt surprisingly taut, responsive and downright fun to drive--more than we expected, frankly.
Our first drive was in a 2.0-liter turbo four with the Track package and the traction and stability control turned off. We were all ready to experience a shorter version of the luxurious and somewhat soft Genesis Sedan, like a Korean SC400. So when we launched onto the Streets' uphill front straight with a chirp from the rear tires and steering that actually communicated, we were startled. This car was downright sprightly, fairly leaping out of the blocks.
The MacPherson strut front and five-link rear kept the tires on the ground and pointed in the right direction all the way. Laps in the V6 variant were similar in terms of handling, only quicker. You pay only a 95-pound weight penalty for the extra 96 hp. Curb weight of the base four-cylinder model is 3,294 pounds versus 3,389 for the V6. About 54 percent of that weight is on the front axle.
There was way more power available in the V6 than we could wrangle out on the short connecting links between the Streets' tight turns (Hyundai lists 0 to 60 mph for the V6 at less than 6 seconds). As we said, we did all of our laps with traction and stability control off yet rarely felt the rear end get squirrelly.
It's a well-balanced car. All our drives also were in cars with the Track package and its 19-inch wheels with summer Bridgestones--225/40 fronts and 245/40 rears, upgraded Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and a "track-tuned" suspension with stiffer springs and shocks.
Both four- and six-cylinder models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The four-cylinder has an optional five-speed auto while the V6 model lists a ZF six-speed automatic.
So Hyundai's march to world domination continues unabated, even going so far as to conquer segments without anything yet in them. Hyundai hopes there are enough enthusiast buyers out there to support the presence of fun cars such as this one.
SPECS
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
On sale: February/March
Base price: $23,000 (est--prices announced at Chicago auto show)
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter, 201-hp, 223-lb-ft, turbocharged I4; RWD, six-speed manual
Curb weight: 3,294 lb
0-60 mph: Less than 6 seconds for V6 (mfr)
Fuel economy: 25 mpg combined city/hwy (mfr est)
AutoWeek.com
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