In 2008, South Korean's largest automaker, Hyundai, added another chapter to its storied business model by heading upscale. With the arrival of the 2009 model year Genesis sedan, Hyundai not only introduced its first rear-wheel-drive car, but gave luxury buyers from BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and Cadillac something to ponder. Case in point, the new Hyundai flagship sedan was chosen 'Car of the year' by a panel of automotive journalists at the North American International Auto Show in January of 2009.
It did not take long to build on the success of the impressively-priced Genesis sedan as a performance sports coupe came on board in 2009 as a 2010 product.
Not to be outdone in calendar year 2009, the Big Three American automakers (General Motors, Ford and Dodge) all boasted two-door 'pony' cars (Camaro, Mustang and Challenger respectively). All do a great job of with exterior styling, combing classic nuances with modern aerodynamics.
The rear-drive Genesis coupe aims for a slightly different audience than the domestic pony cars, as it eyes European performance entry-luxury two-doors such as the Infiniti G37. The Genesis coupe rides close to the ground, providing riders with a 'pure' driving experience. The ride can't be described as subtle; it's designed for those who like to feel connected with the wheel and the road. The 182.3-inch length makes it shorter than the three American amigos, which helps the Genesis keep its weight under control for a lighter, more spirited experience. Both coupe and sedan are built from the same performance underpinnings. Lightweight, ultra-high-tensile steel is utilized. Genesis coupe weighs several hundred pounds less than the Camaro or BMW 335i.
The South-Korean-built Genesis coupe offers generous standard content amenities along with an impressive starting price of $22,750 including ($750 destination charge). Starting pricing is on par with the American ponies, but thousands less than European and Asian luxury coupes.
While the flagship sedan offers the choice of 3.8-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8 power, the all-new coupe sports four cylinders or six. The all-aluminum, 3.8-liter V-6 (similar to what's offered in the sedan) generates 306 horsepower. Those thirsting for turbo technology can choose the intercooled, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder punching 210 horses. Our test-drive model was the four banger and what a hoot is was to drive when joined with the six-speed manual transmission. For those insisting the engine have most of the dynamic shifting fun, a five-speed automatic transmission is available with the four cylinder while a six-speed automatic is offered with the V-6. Our test six-speed manual had a short foot clutch throw and a reverse gear necessitating a break through of a left-side barrier and than forward motion, similar to many German makes.
The 2010 four-cylinder coupe comes in three trims: base, premium and track while the V-6 is available in base, grand touring and track. By the end of the calendar year, Hyundai adds a R-Spec, tuner-inspired trim to the four-cylinder turbo. Hyundai supplied a top-level turbo track edition with a $26,750 starting price. Floor mats and iPod cable were the only extras for a bottom line of $27,625 including $750 destination charge. A four-cylinder premium coupe starts at $25,000 with manual transmission. Add $1,250 for the five-speed automatic in four-cylinder models.
The V-6 starts at $25,750 for a base model with manual transmission; $28,250 for grand touring and $30,250 for track. Add $1,500 for the six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes rear window defroster with timer, manually-folding dual power side mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, satellite radio pre-wiring, CD and MP3 player power windows and door locks. Power moonroofs come standard in premium and track configurations.
Earlier in the year at the 2009 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally held at central Wisconsin's historic Road America, journalists had a chance to learn and try real-world style "drifting" in a new 2009 Genesis coupe. Hyundai brought professionals along to provide gentile training in this up-and-coming pastime. Sad to say that the tires lost very little rubber during my drifting sessions although riding shotgun with the pros was a tilt-a-whirl experience as the back end slid at the command of the driver.
Inside, shoulder belts attached to the inside "B" pillar require quite a back stretch to reach before fastening. Front black buckets with red inserts (track models) are comfortable and side bolsters keep drivers connected to the seats while turning with little body lean. Leather seating is available in up level V-6 trims. Push-button start comes in all trims but base.
Drivers peer into a smallish instrument panel with two deep-set, individual gauges. The tiny fuel gauge is tucked at the bottom of the right-side tachometer. Both the remote fuel-gauge and trunk release buttons are on the driver's door. In between the front bucket seats sits an in-line, dual beverage holder, hand-operated parking brake and large flip-top storage bin. Doors incorporate handy, brushed aluminum grab bars, but no molded cup holders.
The tri-spoke steering wheel includes cruise control and secondary audio controls. The brushed aluminum center console features a sound system on top with ventilation functions below; one dial controls temperature while another monitors fan speed. In between are buttons controlling fan direction. Mid-year 2010 models offer an optional touch-screen in-dash navigation unit.
The cozy back area, with bucket-type seating for two, has a smidgen more leg room than Camaro or Mustang...but not much. Headroom for anyone taller than 5' 8" is tight. Maneuvering into the back should be done from the passenger side as that bucket seat has a 'tilt-and-slide' function. Once a lift lever on top of the seat back flips up, the seat back manually tilts forward as the bottom heads in the same direction. Triangular, back side windows are static and don't open. The seatbacks in row two fold down as one unit once a pull-knob accessible via the trunk is pulled. While it's designed for two (two what...Beagles?) human adults should avoid the back and call shotgun or driver positions.