Short
and sweet: sometimes it’s best. Leave on a high note; get out while they still
appreciate you, and all that. With a lifespan of just five years, the Hyundai Genesis
came in with rear tires burning, and it’s looking to leave the same way -- on
that high rubber-burning note.
Why
even show up in the first place? Well, Hyundai desired that
ever-popular and sought-after young-buyer vote of confidence. Reaching for the
cool appeal, Hyundai released the Genesis Coupe, its first rear-wheel-drive
sports car. On the heels of the Tiburon that left something to be desired in
terms of performance and boy-racer appeal, the Genesis Coupe checked all the
right Gen Y boxes.
Now, as
we prepare to say goodbye to the peppy two-door number, I got behind the wheel
of a high-performing Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT.
What is
the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT?
The 3.8
GT model achieves the same high levels of performance as the 2.0T R-Spec, which
also benefits from race-proven Brembo brakes, a sport suspension, and a Torsen
limited-slip differential.
Just as
sporty to look at on the outside, the 3.8 GT offers more grunt under the
nostriled hood, but just as much punch behind the wheel.
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
Price and Specs
Equipped
with a 3.8L GDI V6 engine, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT offers up 348 horsepower
and 295 lb-ft of torque, all pushed out the rear end and blissfully controlled
via a 6-speed manual transmission (or an optional automatic, but let’s not talk
about that). With near perfect weight balance (56/44 front to rear on the 3.8 GT),
the Hyundai Genesis Coupe
3.8 GT really is the sporty answer in the Korean lineup.
How
much does that kick cost, though? Well, the 3.8 GT doesn’t just house the
largest engine; it also holds the biggest price tag. With a starting price over
$35k, the Coupe 3.8 GT could seem a bit on the rich side for some. However,
considering what you get for those pennies, I’d say it’s a good bargain.
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupé 3.8
GT engine
Equipped
with a 3.8L GDI V6 engine, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT offers up 348 horsepower
and 295 lb-ft of torque, all pushed out the rear end and blissfully controlled
via a 6-speed manual transmission (or an optional automatic, but let’s not talk
about that). (Photo: Miranda Lightstone)
Driving
the 2014 Hyundai
Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
This
coupe’s got a lot of attitude in all the right areas. The factory exhaust note
is just enough to elicit some looks on the road, and the exterior design does
the rest to attract attention.
The
manual transmission is actually kind of tricky. I pride myself on being pretty
good with three pedals and rarely stall any car (case in point, I’d just driven
a 700+ horsepower Hellcat with a clutch the week before without incident),
however, behind the wheel of the 3.8 GT I managed to stall it about six times
throughout the week. My only conclusion here is that I’m either seriously
losing my touch or the travel distance on the clutch vs. the throttle is just
so mismatched that it's very hard to coordinate. However, living with the car
would see that rectified in no time and stalls avoided.
Otherwise,
the Hyundai Genesis Coupe
3.8 GT is a blast on wide-open stretches. The GDI is so responsive and
seemingly in its powerband at all times. It just wants to go, and go, and go.
Handling
is sharp and concise, and while the vehicle can feel large at times, the
suspension keeps it firmly planted and pointed in the direction you wish to go.
And should you want that back end to play, don’t you worry it will.
This
coupe’s got a lot of attitude in all the right areas. The factory exhaust note
is just enough to elicit some looks on the road, and the exterior design does
the rest to attract attention. (Photo:
Miranda Lightstone)
Inside
and Out of the 2014 Hyundai
Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT
As mentioned
in the beginning, the Genesis Coupe ticks all the necessary Gen Y boxes, one of
those being aggressive, modern exterior styling. This vehicle gets some serious
looks, especially decked out in white with black hood vents. It’s sexy, and
curvaceous. The wide, gaping front grille gives it a touring coupe grin, and
the angular headlights give the illusion of constant speed (not always an
illusion with the 3.8 GT, trust me).
Inside,
the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
GT offers up the amenities you’d hope from a $35k car including comfortable
seating, a great and functional entertainment system, and room in the back seat
for an offspring or two (no more though). While installing the baby seat was a
tad difficult, it did fit quite well once in and my son had plenty of room.
The
trunk in the Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT is extremely shallow and could be an issue
for wider luggage and even large strollers.
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