Unfortunately, the Genesis Coupe is also a heavy hitter in terms of curb weight. This fully-laden 3.8GT model tips the scales at just over 1600 kilos. So can Babe Ruth run the bases?
Oh yes indeedy. While it must be mentioned that the 348hp figure doesn't feel like all the torque is there off the line, rev that big six up and delight in both ample forward thrust and a fantastic soundtrack to go with. The twin exhaust pipes bellow in sonorous harmony; Nissan only wishes the 370Z sounded this good.
Show the Genesis coupe a series of tight S-bends, and yes, the extra heft of carting around a fairly luxurious interior does impart some ponderosity. Solution, kick off the traction control and stomp on it.
Here's the biggest surprise yet. While the Hyundai twodoor now glides over rough pavement-a good trick, considering the previous gen's rock-hard suspension seemed crafted by leading lights of the Spanish Inquisition-it still knows how to shake a tail-feather.
This car is an enormous amount of fun to drive. Yes, it's got useable back seats and a comfy front buckets and a decent stereo system and a reasonably luxurious suspension, but it also has something a little more. Many coupes are more about style than fun-to-drive, but other than the enthusiast 2.0T R-Spec of this same chassis, I'm struggling to think of anything that does a better job of blending practicality and entertainment.
One brief personal appeal: It should be entirely possible to wedge the fivelitre V8 of the Genesis Sedan 5.0R under the hood of this coupe, and thereby create a monster that'd have All-American muscle cars reeling. Rhys Millen has recently run up Pikes Peak in record time behind the wheel of just such one Frankenstein's Monster. Your chassis's good enough, Hyundai; why not go for the gusto?
Features: By the time you option up to the $36,999 3.8GT, the Genesis Coupe comes with a list of standard features as long as your arm; actually, as long as Michael Phelps' arm.
Touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, keyless go, leathercovered everything, HID headlights, and an Infinity stereo system with more wattage than an AC/DC stadium tour.
Mechanically speaking, you also get a Torsen limited-slip rear differential and a paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic ($1800) is available for those who don't need to stir the stick.
Let's talk about going backwards in price for a bit. While the GT will appeal to older buyers, enthusiast-minded folks should scan a little further up the spec sheet until they find the 2.0T R-spec.
At $28,799, the R-Spec gives you all the go-fast goodies of the GT mated to that 274hp turbo motor (which can run on regular fuel for a 14hp demerit), improves fuel economy to 6.6/8.5 L/100kms city/hwy, and is very slightly lighter on its feet.
Stick with the six and you'll see 7.3/9.6 L/100kms city/hwy-that is, you'll see those figures listed on the dealer price sheet on the side of the car. Get either model out in the real world and fuel-economy figures are going to be considerably less good; I found the V6 to be fairly thirsty when driven with verve.
Green Light: Great-sounding engine; practical for a two-door; comfortable, but enthusiast-friendly seating position; great handling.
Stop Sign: Big displacement but still short on low-end torque; some kitschy interior doodads; heavy curb weight.
The Checkered Flag: Good enough to be Hyundai's flag-bearer; a convincing performance coupe and a great Grand Tourer.
Competitors: Scion FR-S/Subaru BR-Z ($25,990)
Current darlings of the motoring press, both the FR-S and the BR-Z are taking rear-drive handling back to their roots with light weight and a low centre of gravity. At a price that undercuts the top-line Genesis Coupe by nearly ten-grand, surely the Toyobaru twins are worth a good hard look.
They are, but only if you're willing to forego straight-line speed and creature comforts. Where the Genesis will still be relaxing on a longer road-trip, the FRS/BRZ is completely frenetic and really quite noisy. Lots of fun though.
Ford Mustang V6 ($23,554)
Here's a crash-course in arguing on automotive forums: As a trump card, always pull out the Mustang V6. Bang for your buck? Horsepower versus fueleconomy? Fun-to-drive? The 'Stang knocks 'em dead in every category.
Except for just one thing; it's a Ford Mustang. If you can't look past the longhood, highchair seating position and musclecar image, the V6 Mustang might not be for you. On the other hand, it's a good enough Jack of All Trades to be on every coupe-buyers shopping list.
