Hyundai Launches Genesis Coupe in Korea, Announces Performance Data

As well as unleashing its all-new Genesis Coupe in the Korean market, Hyundai also released officials details on its rear-wheel-drive coupe that is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in spring 2009. But let's cut to the chase. The Genesis Coupe will be offered with a choice of two engines, an entry-level 2.0 Turbo and a 3.8 V6.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit develops 210PS at 6000rpm (210HP for US market) and 30.5kgm of torque at 2000rpm (222.7-lbs/ft for US market) which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mediocre 8.3 seconds - not exactly the performance you'd expect from a sports coupe. -Continued

The range topping Genesis Coupe comes equipped with Hyundai's new 3.8-liter V6 Lambda RS that delivers 303PS at 6300rpm (306HP for US market) and a peak torque of 36.8kgm (266.2-lbs/ft) at 4700rpm enabling to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a respectable 6.3 seconds.

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.

The Genesis Coupe will be offered with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as well as with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Hyundai said that there will also be an optional track–use performance package that will include high performance disc brakes from Brembo. For the front 18–inch wheels, Brembo engineers developed 13.4–inch x 1.1–inch rotors (340mm x 28mm) and four–pot fixed calipers (42mm+42mm) while the rear setup features 13.0–inch x 0.78–inch rotors (330mm x 20mm) gripped by four–pot fixed calipers (32mm+28mm).

Depending on the market and the trim level, the Genesis Coupe's equipment will include USB/iPod connectors, auxiliary audio inputs, 5.6-inch information display unit (for audio controls, digital clock, climate control, inside/outside temperature) and steering wheel-mounted remote controls for the audio system. An eight-speaker Infinity sound system is optional.

The Korean automaker announced that it hopes to sell 40,000 Genesis Coupes annually, 5,000 in Korea and 35,000 in overseas markets. Hyundai said that the Genesis Coupe's target customer is a middle-aged male (64 percent) looking for superior performance in terms of acceleration and handling. In the U.S., the competitive set includes the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan Altima Coupe and Ford Mustang.

Korean retail prices start at 23,200,000 Korean won ($18,800 US or €13,800) for the base 2.0L Turbo version and with full options, including the V6 Lamda RS engine, the Coupe tops out at 33,920,000 Korean won ($23,400 US or €20,200).