Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Production	2009—
Class	Sports Car
Body style(s)	2 door Coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BH-based architecture
Engine(s)	2.0L Turbo I4 - 212 horsepower 3.8L Lambda V6 - 306 horsepower
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 5-speed automatic(with I4) 6-speed ZF automatic (with V6)
Wheelbase	111.0 in (2819 mm)
Length	183.7 in (4666 mm)
Width	74.9 in (1902 mm)
Height	54.9 in (1394 mm)
Related	Hyundai Genesis

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the production version of the Concept Genesis Coupe.^[1] It is Hyundai's newest rear-wheel drive car. This coupe is scheduled to hit dealerships early 2009^[2]. It was designed in Hyundai's California based design studio in Orange County, California.

The Coupe initially debuted in concept form at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show^[3] after much anticipation from the tuner crowd and Hyundai faithful.

This coupe should not be confused with the new Hyundai Genesis Sedan unveiled in the 2007 New York International Auto Show, although the two cars will share the same basic platform.

The 2 + 2 coupe will be Hyundai's second recent rear-drive vehicle released, and Hyundai's first 300+ horse power sports car^[4].

[edit] Spy-shots

Heavily camouflaged spy-photos and rumor threads started popping up across the internet as early as May 2007 which fueled anticipation and speculation^[5].

The pictures confirmed rumors that Hyundai's new coupe would be Rear-Wheel Drive, as under-hood pictures clearly showed a longitudinal engine orientation, typical of front-engine rear-drive vehicles. Also noticeable to the competent observer was a four-cylinder engine (assumed to be Hyundai's Theta engine) with a heat wrapped turbocharger.

These photographs sparked debates across the internet as to the potential engines the new coupe may receive, ranging from just the turbo four cylinder pictured, all the way up to the new Tau V-8 that Hyundai recently developed for the luxury-oriented Genesis Sedan^[6].

Days prior to the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto show, more photo's were leaked of an uncovered silver Genesis Coupe next to a silver Ford Mustang, which is presumed to be the Genesis Coupe's target competitor^[7].

[edit] Concept unveiling

On November 14th, 2007 Hyundai officially unveiled the concept version of the Genesis Coupe^[8]. The unveiling was hosted by John Krafcick VP of Corporate Planning for Hyundai and Joel Piaskowski Chief Designer for Hyundai North America. John and Joel briefly talked about the new cars they had in the works and debunked myths that the new Genesis Coupe would replace the current front-drive Tiburon. The actual unveiling was prefaced by a skit (dramatizing the leaked spy-photos) where an orange camouflaged coupe performed a burnout and attempted to elude a motorcycle photographer, demonstrating its sports car capabilities. After the skit, the car was unveiled with the help of the motorcycle photographer.

The car was then described by Krafcick as the "The most emotional, most passionate car from Hyundai ever." Piaskowski explains that the car unveiled is the production version of the coupe modified to reflect what the tuner crowd may do when they "get a hold of it".

The car featured a vented carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber "ground effects" lip kit, carbon fiber fog light surround, carbon fiber roof, a carbon fiber spoiler, and carbon fiber diffuser for weight saving and aesthetic reasons. The car is also said to be the most affordable 300 hp (220 kW) sports car.

The complete unveiling can be seen here ^[9]

[edit] Specifications

The Genesis Coupe will have two available engines, the base model engine will be a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 223 hp (166 kW) and 217 ft·lbf (294 N·m) torque^[10] with an optional 3.8L Lambda engine (also used in the Azera) modified to produce 310 hp (230 kW) and 266 ft·lbf (361 N·m) torque ^[10] on premium gas. On regular grade fuel the horsepower values will be reduced to 212 hp (158 kW) and 306 hp (228 kW), respectively. A 6 speed manual will be offered as standard equipment, and a 5- or ZF 6-speed automatic will be optional, depending on engine choice. Its wheelbase will be 111 inches (2,800 mm), with an overall length of 182.3 inches (4,630 mm), width of 73.4 inches (1,860 mm), height of 54.3 inches (1,380 mm). A Torsen Limited slip differential for improved handling will be optional.^[10] Optional brakes will be four piston Brembo, with 13.4" rotors in the front and 13" in the rear. Standard wheels will be 18", while the optional 19" wheels with 225/40 tires in the front, and the 245/40 in the rear will be packaged together with the Brembo brake upgrade.^[10] The curb weight of the coupe is expected at 3,549 lb (1,610 kg) for the V6; and 3,439 lb (1,560 kg) for the 4-cylinder. ^[11]

[edit] Price

Little specific details have been officially revealed by Hyundai, however there are rumors of its base model turbo-I4 being released at $19,900 and its V6 model starting at $25,900.^[12] These prices make the Genesis coupe a relative bargain to its AWD competitors the Subaru WRX STI^[13] and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution^[14]

Official mentions of price includes Krafcick saying the 3.8L coupe will be the most affordable 300 hp (220 kW) sports car available.^[15]

With additional comments from Krafcick stating "When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse"^[16]

[edit] Production version

Forty high-resolution photos of the production version model leaked onto the internet during the weekend of the 15/16th of March, showing great detail and all angles of the full exterior and interior^[17]. This is the first time the interior was viewed by the public as the concept had blacked out tint.

On March 20th, the Genesis Coupe officially debuted at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, showcasing a red and a silver model. The unveiling was accompanied by a demonstration of the coupe's abilities with power slides and burnouts. Engine details were released for the two engines, the I4 turbo will produce 212 hp (158 kW) on regular unleaded fuel while producing 223 hp (166 kW) on premium; the 3.8L V6 will produce 306 hp (228 kW) on regular and 312 hp (233 kW) on premium.^[17]

A lime colored 3.8L Genesis was shown at the 2008 BUSAN International Motor Show early in May. Videos on the internet have revealed that a model of the car with this engine is to be badged as the Genesis Coupe 380GT^[18].

[edit] References