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2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
December 9, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Road Test Editor
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
DriverSide Overview
A few years ago, Infiniti raided the performance coupe segment with the G35 , a sleek two-plus-two coupe designed to steal sales away from BMW’s 3-Series by means of a more reasonable price tag. It largely succeeded, setting a new standard for entry-level, upscale coupes and forcing BMW to up the ante in the horsepower department. Still, a large chasm exists between the rear-drive import coupe segment and the low-cost domestic coupe segment – a problem Hyundai has recognized and is looking to fill with the Genesis Coupe . Hyundai will tell you it could be considered the spiritual successor to the Nissan 240SX “Silvia” of the ‘90s, a rear-drive coupe for everyday enthusiasts looking to use their car as much for suburban errands and daily commutes as they are for oversteer shenanigans and weekend track day romps. We’re happy to report the Genesis Coupe is glad to oblige in both respects. Aided by its starting point of $22K ($25K for the V-6) and a slew of standard features, it’s hard to call the Genesis Coupe anything other than an outright bargain.
What's to Like
Value is at the core of the Genesis Coupe’s appeal, with even the most basic model hitting high on the bang-for-your-buck scale thanks to generous standard packaging. Choice of six different trim levels (seven with the upcoming 2.0T R-Spec) should give the discerning buyer plenty to think about. Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty presents buyers with some extra assurance – just don’t mod the engine!
What's Not to Like
Chunky, hard plastics line the doors, lower dash and center console, but at least the upper dash gets some proper soft-touch material. Road noise can be intrusive at high freeway speeds, though not overly so. Blame the fitment of large wheels and tires with narrow sidewalls. Don’t expect backseat adult passengers to endure rides lasting more than a few minutes.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
From the get-go, the Genesis’ mission statement is clear – it wants to involve the driver. Large gauges that appear to be plucked directly from Mercedes-Benz’s SLK stare you down in the driver’s seat, and despite the oversight of a telescoping steering wheel drivers long of the leg won’t have fitment issues. The 2.0T provides just enough punch, but it’s in the 3.8-liter V-6 that enthusiasts will find delight, the extra power bringing the chassis alive despite the fact that the engine’s power delivery makes it more of a mallet than a sledgehammer. It will still run from 0-60 in under 6 seconds and emits a properly gruff V-6 howl, the manual gearbox providing a solid, connected feel. Turn in is predictable thanks to steering that’s well adjusted, and at low speed the Gen Coupe’s long wheelbase an...