March 19, 2008 -- NEW YORK -- Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines - a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.
GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
* Hyundai's second rear-wheel drive performance car
* 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
* Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
* Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model
Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.
"We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37."
DESIGN PROCESS
Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.
"The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that."
Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.
Genesis Coupe's arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe's rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.
Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic.
Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling.
INTERIOR DESIGN
In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai's signature blue gauge illumination.
Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.
Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.
REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Genesis Coupe's body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution.
POWERTRAINS
Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.
The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.
I'm going to eat breakfast. And then I'm going to change the world.