The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch disc brakes, a front strut brace, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, projector beam headlamps, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, active head restraints, front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.
The Premium edition gains a power driver's seat, 360-watt Infinity audio with 10 speakers, push-button start, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and navigation system.
Available for $26,750, with a six-speed manual only, is the 2.0T "Track" model. It has all the same mechanical upgrades as the Track model, but lacks the premium leather seats, Xenon lights, and navigation.
A six-speed manual is standard, while upgrading to the Shiftronic pushes the price to $26,500.
Lastly, the "Track" V6 model comes with 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston brakes, track-tuned suspension, and Torsen-type limited-slip differential. Unlike the 2.0T, the Track model is available with a Shiftronic automatic, in addition to a regular manual.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a solid value, providing rear-wheel drive sports car abilities for a lot less than the competition. The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's sportiest vehicle yet, but struggles to find its place in the exciting, fast-paced world of sports cars.
Other Sports Cars to Consider
Within the class of Affordable Sports Cars, only the Mazda RX-8 and Mitsubishi Eclipse offer seating for four and everyday usability. Shoppers seriously considering the 2011 Hyunda Genesis Coupe should shop it against Muscle Cars, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.
Details: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T is available in base, Premium and R-Spec trims.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe features improved interior materials, including padded door armrests, softer leather for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and more chrome accents for the instrument panel. Though it shares its name with the larger Genesis luxury sedan, the Genesis Coupe is a considerably different type of car. It follows the basic formula for a high-performance coupe with its sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and a pair of small backseats. Thankfully the Genesis Coupe has the goods to back it up. With either power plant the Genesis Coupe provides some of the best handling you'll find in a sport coupe, with precise steering and plenty of cornering grip.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a performance coupe available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track.
The base 2.0T comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, keyless entry, tilt (but not telescoping) steering column, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, Bluetooth and a CD/MP3 stereo with USB/iPod connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
The 2.0T Premium loses the R-Spec's performance hardware and instead comes with a sunroof, automatic headlights, power driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system plus a navigation system.
Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine (in 2.0T models) or a 3.8-liter V6 (in 3.8 models). For the 2.0T, Hyundai offers either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. For the 3.8 models, there's the manual or a six-speed automatic, also with manual shift control.
EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2.0T is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the manual transmission.
Safety
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags.
The front seats are superbly shaped for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising.
Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is notably impressive for its excellent body control, responsive steering and sophisticated ride quality.
