2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Press release

Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.

GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

• Hyundai’s second rear-wheel drive performance car
• 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
• Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.

“We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37.”

DESIGN PROCESS

2010 Genesis Coupe Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.

“The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.”

Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and “Z” bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.

Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic.

Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination.

Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.

Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.

REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

Genesis Coupe’s body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution.

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Powertrains

Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.

SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 18-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. Genesis Coupe SE delivers an increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.

STEERING

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a quick ratio gear delivers both linearity and agility. The steering is also engine-RPM sensing.

TRANSMISSIONS

Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS

Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The 2010 Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.

Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2010 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.

The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupes. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.

THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS

The Genesis Coupe is offered in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the premium-sport GT featuring the 3.8-liter V6, and the high-performance SE, available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine.

GENESIS COUPE GS (Preliminary packaging subject to change)

Key Standard Equipment:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control System
• ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Manual A/C
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
• AM/FM/XM/CD Player/USB/iPod connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Vanity mirror illumination
• Bluetooth

GENESIS COUPE GT (Preliminary packaging subject to change)

GS equipment Plus:

• 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• Leather steering wheel / Shift knob
• Metalgrain /chrome interior accents
• Automatic temperature control
• Fog lamps
• Premium door sill plates
• Trip computer
• Chrome front fascia accents
• Auto light control

GENESIS COUPE SE (Preliminary packaging subject to change)

Unique SE equipment:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• HID headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Manual A/C
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• High performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires
• Brembo braking system with monobloc four-piston calipers
• SE track-tuned suspension / front strut brace
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolsters / red cloth insert seats
• Rear spoiler
• Aero wiper blades

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Genesis Coupe Product highlights

“Genesis sedan has set a new benchmark for the $35,000-$40,000 premium sedan, and we think Genesis Coupe will do the same in the sport coupe segment,” Krafcik said. “From our 30-mpg 2.0T with its low-pressure intercooled 4-cylinder turbo, to the 3.8 Track model with 306-horsepower and Brembo braking system, Genesis Coupe offers a wide range of powertrain and performance choices for driving enthusiasts of all stripes.”

There are seven basic Genesis Coupe configurations:

• 2.0T
• 2.0T Premium
• 2.0T Track (6-speed manual transmission only)
• 2.0T R-Spec (mid-model year availability, 6-speed manual transmission only)
• 3.8
• 3.8 Grand Touring
• 3.8 Track

GENESIS COUPE 2.0T: A MORE EFFICIENT TAKE ON THE REAR-WHEEL DRIVE SPORT COUPE

Standard equipment includes:

• 2.0-liter, low-pressure, turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, 223 lb.-ft. of torque (at just 2,000 rpm), an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
• M6VR1 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: A5SR1 5-speed electronic automatic transmission with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
• 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels with staggered Bridgestone Potenza RE92A tires (225/45VR18 front, 245/45VR18 rear)
• Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist
• 12.6-inch ventilated front rotors with 60mm single piston floating caliper
• 12.4-inch solid rear rotors with 43mm single piston floating caliper
• Sport-tuned MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and five-link rear independent suspension, 24mm front stabilizer bar, 19mm rear stabilizer bar
• Front strut brace
• Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Driver’s lumbar support
• Black-out front lower fascia
• Air conditioning
• Satin silver and chrome interior accents
• Remote keyless entry system with alarm
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
• AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
• iPod/ USB Aux jack connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Trip computer
• Projector beam headlamps with auto light control
• Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity with steering wheel controls

The 2.0T Premium model adds or substitutes:

• Power driver’s seat
• 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
• Proximity Key with push-button start
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Power tilt and slide sunroof
• Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)

The factory-tuned 2.0T Track model builds from the 2.0T Premium, adding/substituting:

• 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
• Unique Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
• Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace
• Torsen-type limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolster seats with high-friction red cloth insert
• Aluminum pedals
• Aero wipers
• Rear spoiler
• Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights
•  Fog lamps
• Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
• Navigation system (mid-model year availability, pricing TBA)
• Note: Automatic transmission not available with 2.0T Track

Later in the model year, a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, will arrive at Hyundai dealerships. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, turbocharged rear-wheel drive performance platform. R-Spec equipment includes:

• 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210 hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
• 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
• Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
• 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
• Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
• Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
• Torsen-type limited-slip differential
• Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Driver’s lumbar support
• Air conditioning
• Remote keyless entry with alarm
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
•  AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
• iPod/ USB/Aux jack connectivity
• Projector beam headlamps
• Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
• Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec

GENESIS COUPE 3.8

Standard equipment includes 2.0T equipment, and adds or substitutes:

• 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 306 hp and a top speed of 149 mph
• M6VR2 6-speed manual transmission (Optional: ZF 6HP19 6-speed electronic automatic with lockup torque converter and steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift Shiftronic® controls)
• Black leather seating surfaces
• Fully automatic temperature control
• Premium door sill plates
• Chrome front fascia accents
• Fog lights

In addition to 3.8 equipment, the 3.8 Grand Touring adds or substitutes:

• Unique brown leather seat interior environment
• Power driver’s seat
• Heated driver and passenger seat
• 360-watt AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD-changer Infinity® premium audio system with 10 speakers including DVC subwoofer, eight-channel external amplifier, and diversity antenna
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Xenon HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps
• Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink® and compass
• Heated mirrors with outside turn signal indicators
• Backup warning system
• Power tilt and slide sunroof
• Navigation system

The factory-tuned 3.8 Track model deletes the backup warning system and chrome front fascia accents from the Grand Touring model, and adds or substitutes:

• Black leather seating surfaces
• 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels with staggered high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
• Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
• Unique track-tuned suspension, higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, strut brace
• Torsen-type limited-slip differential
• Aluminum pedals
• Aero wipers
• Rear spoiler
• Black-out front lower fascia
• Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)

Genesis Coupe will be available in nine exterior colors:

• Karussell White
• Bathurst Black
• Silverstone
• Nordschleife Gray
• Acqua Minerale Blue
• Tsukuba Red
• Mirabeau Blue
• Lime Rock Green
• Interlagos Yellow

Genesis Coupe features four different interior themes:

• Black environment, premium black cloth seats (2.0T, 2.0T Premium, R-Spec)
• Black environment, black leather-bolstered seats with high-friction red cloth insert (2.0T Track)
• Black environment, black leather seats (3.8, 3.8 Track)
• Black environment, saddle brown leather seats (3.8 Grand Touring)

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Prices and press thoughts

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What does the press say about the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

"The new Genesis Coupe, a modern-day reincarnation of the Nissan 240SX (Hyundai’s own words), will deservedly wedge itself into the segment and push outwards as drivers and tuners jump on board. This platform’s growth will be sustained by its solid performance and unexpected price point. Hyundai doesn’t need perks like the ten-year warranty or its Assurance program to sell the Genesis Coupe; they just need to get enthusiasts behind the wheel." (AutoBlog)

"There’s also no denying that the Genesis coupe is simply a fun car. From the laterally supportive driver seat, you can tell there’s ample front-tire grip, so you get back on the throttle early to tease out the tail. Certainly, you can throttle-steer any rear-wheel-drive car, but not many make it feel this accessible and safe." (InsideLine)

"The best thing about the Genesis Coupe is the chassis. Equipped with the Track pack — larger Brembo brakes, thicker anti-roll bars, 19" wheels, summer tires, stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential on the 2.0T (standard on the 3.8) — it’s a near-ideal budget trackday car that you could also drive everyday on the road. There’s no body roll; the brakes are powerful and don’t fade; there’s plenty of feel through the cheapo steering wheel and there’s a wonderful neutrality between under and oversteer." (Jalopnik)

"Don’t think of the Genesis Coupe as the replacement for the aging Tiburon, either. Entirely new and much fresher than the sometimes bulbous shapes coming out of the Korean design studios, it features a very sophisticated silhouette with interesting facets at all corners. Starting with an arrowhead-like shape from the front and leading over the side edges into a set of “Z-creases,” the Genesis coupe takes a quantum leap into the arena that is currently occupied by the Infiniti G37, Mazda RX8 and even the BMW 335i. " (LeftLaneNews)

What do we think about the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

After stepping out of the four cylinder and into the six, we see what Hyundai was trying to create with their new sport compact. The more powerful motor is a better match for the coupe’s outstanding handling abilities, and brings the most out of the new vehicle.

Whereas the turbo four was fun to drive, the V6 is outstanding. First of all the sound of the exhaust is amazing, compared to the turbo motor, the 300 HP six cylinder has a bark that would make V8 owners jealous. The added torque of Lambda engine is enough to plant you into the seat back.