Saturday, October 04, 2014

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 GT Review



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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