New Genesis Coupe
I for one like it and am thinking about getting one.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...upe_first_look
As we revealed in our March 2008 issue, Hyundai opens a new chapter in automotive history this summer when it begins selling its first V-8-powered, rear-drive sedan-the appropriately named Genesis.
Naturally, a rear-drive Genesis sedan begets a rear-drive Genesis coupe-and from the appearance of things, this two-door could be just as much of a revelation as its four-door forebear. Why? Just take a look at who it's targeting.
According to Hyundai, the short list of Genesis coupe competitors includes the Infiniti G37, BMW 335i coupe, Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX-8, and Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, though a comparison of specs reveals the G37 matters most.
Dimensionally, Hyundai apes Infiniti in all key external measurements. At 182.3 inches long with a 111.0-inch wheelbase, the Genesis coupe is shorter by 1.2 inches between the wheels and 0.8 inch overall. With a width of 73.4 inches and height of 54.3, the Genesis coupe is 1.6 inches broader and 0.5 lower.
Curb weight is close as well-a claimed 3550 pounds in base V-6 configuration makes it about 65 pounds lighter than the G37. Engine specs and output are also in the ballpark; Hyundai claims the coupe's all-aluminum, 24-valve 3.8-liter V-6 makes 310 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 263 pound-feet of torque at 4700. Both figures are less than the 330 horses at 7000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of at 5200 rpm the G37's 3.7-liter V-6 makes, but note the Genesis's rpm advantage. The G37 has a better weight-to-power ratio, 11.0 versus 11.6 pounds per horsepower, though the Genesis coupe is ahead of everyone else on the list, including the 335i coupe. More significant, Hyundai is certifying the Genesis coupe (and sedan) to run on premium or regular unleaded gasoline and lose only four horsepower in the process.
THE NOTCHED beltline at the rear side window and Z-shaped character line are two of the Genesis coupe's signature design details.That goes for the turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder base engine as well. Yes, you read that right-at the 2008 New York auto show, Hyundai announced the entry-level Genesis coupe will be a tuner's dream come true.
The base coupe's 2.0-liter all-aluminum turbo four-cylinder is the fruit of the same Global Engineering Manufacturing Alliance that produced the 291-horse, 2.0-liter turbo in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 300-horse, 2.4-liter turbo that powers the Dodge Caliber SRT-4. Output from the north/south-oriented engine will be significantly less-212 horses at 6000 rpm and 217 pound-feet of torque at 2500 rpm-to give buyers a reason to pick the V-6. Hyundai did engineer some headroom for the tuning and drifting set; the blown and intercooled I-4 features a low 9.3:1 compression and can take boost up to 29 psi. Like the V-6, Hyundai is certifying the engine to run on regular or premium unleaded. With the latter, horsepower jumps to 223.
At 3450 pounds in base trim, four-cylinder Genesis coupes won't be light, but they still should be an attractive alternative for enthusiasts. Not since the Nissan 240SX has America had a rear-drive, four-cylinder coupe
Originally Posted by AlanŽ
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