WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

CAR's rating
Handling:
Performance:
Usablity:
Feel Good:

Statistics

How much?	$ 31318
Engine:	3778cc, 6cyl, 299BHP @ 6300, 266lb ft @ 4700
Transmission:	Automatic
Performance:	5.9 sec 0-100kph , 240kph
How heavy?	1610kg

Phill Tromans
12 October 2008

Let’s talk about Hyundai.

Meh. Korean, competent, dull.

Correct, except for the last part. Hyundai is now officially Exciting, thanks to this – the new Genesis Coupe. It’s Hyundai’s first proper sports car and CAR Middle East is the first anywhere in the world to drive it. And that means we’re well placed to tell you that as petrolheads, you should start taking Hyundai seriously.

It does look pretty smart. But isn’t it just a successor to the Tiberon? That was hardly cutting edge.

True, the Genesis Coupe does have its roots in the Tiberon. But this new car is far, far removed from the car that could best be described as, erm…

Competent but dull?

Exactly, although it laid the foundations for a decent-looking, decent-handling sports car. The Genesis Coupe takes that much, much further and is the pinnacle of Hyundai’s reinvention of late. The Seoul-based manufacturer wants to be a brand that people actually desire, rather than just an indication of a practical, reliable, affordable appliance.

This new car then, is a pretty one, designed to take on the likes of Infiniti’s G37 and the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord Coupes. The front bears a slight resemblance to a Mercedes-Benz SLK and the rear has a shade of the Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 406 Coupe about it. The flanks sport a signature Z-shape formed by the shoulder lines from the front and the rear, while the back side windows have a dip in the beltline that we may well see again in future models.

Under the bonnet is a factory-built 3.8-litre V6 that sends 310bhp to the rear wheels. Mount that on an ultra stiff chassis and chuck in a limited slip differential and you have a recipe for something hitherto unheard of at Hyundai – oversteer.

Rate this article...

Average rating:

(votes 635)

User Comments

Comments

Llort Mondella says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Nice job getting a nab at the first one! Glad to see America isn't in the spotlight for once; that maybe we can start to see the Middle East having some prominence in the auto market, and that the American car can become a thing of the past. Reply

13 October 2008

GenCoupe.com GenCoupe.com says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Nice Review! For those who want to learn more and chat about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Please visit our enthusiasts forum at www.Gencoupe.com! Hope to see you there! Reply

13 October 2008

Ron Kappus says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Way to go Hyundai! This is the car company to watch. Reply

13 October 2008

GenesisForums.org GenesisForums.org says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Very nice write-up. If you guys want to see some ORIGINAL pictures and video, check out http://GenesisForums.org Thank you to Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Motors. We're the Premier Hyundai Genesis Forum on the Internet. Check out our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/genesisforums Reply

14 October 2008

hyundaifans.com hyundaifans.com says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Thanks for the review! This and other Hyundai brand vehicles can be discussed at "www.hyundaifans.com". Looking forward to your visit! Reply

16 October 2008

Shankar Krishnan says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Congrats Car ME on pulling off a world's first ! What would Hyundai do to the coupe (Tiburon)? As the most affordable coupe in the market, a lot of heartburn is guaranteed if they decide to kill it. Have a look at topgear's review of the Hyundai Coupe...though TG has very low opinion on hyundai's offerings, they rate the coupe higher than the Lexus SC430. Reply

21 October 2008

Amir Nourian says

Re: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
I am going to Dubai to buy a car and I would like to buy a Genesis. Where can I buy one? Is it available at all Hyundai dealers in Dubai? Reply

23 October 2008

First Name *
Last Name *
Email *
City *
Country *
Subject *
Comments *
Type the verification code shown *

Refresh verification code if not clear.
	Signup for CAR ME newsletter
	Remember me