The Genesis Coupe was a huge surprise from the Hyundai and the rumors of its production had built a huge amount of anticipation in the auto industry. Never before has this economy sedan maker offered a rear wheel drive coupe that is offers some serious power. The Genesis Coupe offers a totally different driving experience than the standard Genesis. With a wheel base of only 110 inches and a total length of only 182 inches, this vehicle reaches into the size and performance levels of modern Mustangs. The Genesis Coupe comes equipped with an intercooled turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine offering 210 horsepower or up to 306 horsepower in the 3.8 liter V-6.
The many trim levels offer a giant range of features and options packages to equip this little sports coupe with all sorts of high end add-ons and some very nice design variations. The 2.0T model will be the base model that offers the most affordability, but with many engine upgrade options this is just a starting point for most consumers wanting to unleash the real power of this sports coupe.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 3.8L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Models: 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T R-Spec, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring, 3.8 Track
What's New
There is a new trim level for 2011: the R-Spec. For the 2.0-liter four equipped car, it replaces the Track model. With the 3.8-liter V-6, it becomes the new standard model, replacing the 3.8 Base. In addition, the manual transmission is no longer available the 2.0T Premium or the 3.8 Grand Touring. All models receive soft-touch materials in the cabin and softer armrests.
Exterior
This sport coupe is fairly large (111.0-inch wheelbase, 182.3-inches long overall), making it close in size to a Mustang. Its most distinctive styling cue is the curved notch at the bottom of each side window.
Interior
The Genesis Coupe has room for four people (although rear seat room is compromised), and its styling options inside range from youthful and sporty to more upscale. Leather is available and tasteful metal-grain accents are used throughout. Navigation and 10-speaker audio are available.
Performance & Handling
The 3.8-liter engine is by far the better option here; not only is it a more powerful, but it's more refined, too. And when equipped with the manual transmission, the 3.8-liter is an especially fun drive. The automatic transmission equipped models are not nearly as engaging, even when using the manual mode. Steering is responsive, and the 3.8-liter engine propels the Coupe to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds (6.8 with the 2.0T).
Safety
Driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, and window curtain airbags are standard. So are stability control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and Brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
EPA Fuel Economy
2.0T: 20-21 mpg city/30 mpg highway
3.8: 17 mpg city/26-27 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Cool looks
- Fun to drive
- Terrific V-6
- Good fuel economy
You Won't Like
- Unrefined turbo four
- Rubbery feel to 2.0T manual
- Intrusive stability control
Sum Up
Takes on Camaro and Mustang
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Mustang
- Honda Accord Coupe
- Chevrolet Camaro