‘BUILT FOR THE ROAD AND TRACK’

The newly updated 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0 turbo R-Spec is built for the road and the track.  Whichever you prefer you’ll experience excitement and a quickening pulse.  I tested the new, more powerful and exhilarating 2.0 turbo R-Spec Track model and loved every minute behind the wheel.

The refreshed Genesis Coupe strikes a more menacing demeanor and stance with an aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, foglamps and hood with heat extractor cues.  The side view reveals new aggressive 19 inch alloy wheels with deeper dimensional sculpting.  Finally, the rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination and new contours.  The traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions remain, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs producing a classic wedge-like profile.  Genesis coupe’s bodyside character line is an innovative ‘Z’ shaped design that integrates seamlessly with a unique, drop-beltline rear window graphic.  Genesis coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders, low and wide stance.  To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized. Enlarged openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing along with a more aggressive look.  Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with the blackout rear diffuser treatment complete the performance message from the rear. The Genesis 2.0T R-Spec is one of the sleekest and sexy looking high-performing coupes on the market priced below $30,000.00.

The new redesigned turbocharged, intercooled 2.0 liter DOHC, all-aluminum, inline four-cylinder engine revs high and substitutes a new twin-scroll design for its turbocharger in addition to a larger intercooler with enhanced thermal efficiency.  The twin-scroll design is more efficient at recovering exhaust energy and produces cooler cylinder temperatures than the former single-scroll design.  In addition the twin-scroll is more precise with improved combustion efficiency, reduced turbo lag, leaner air/fuel ratios and more evenly distributed pressure in the exhaust ports, resulting in simultaneous power, efficiency and emissions improvements.  Also, a 53% larger intercooler further reduces intake temperatures, providing denser, cooler air from which to develop even more power.

The turbocharged engine also benefits from Dual CVVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts.  The 2.0 liter turbo now generates 274 hp and 275 lb.ft. of torque on premium fuel.  And, unlike many competitive turbo engines, this turbo’s anti-knock sensors automatically adjust ignition timing and engine mapping to run perfectly on regular fuel, yielding 260 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm.  All of these improvements give the Genesis coupe 2.0T a power-to-weight ratio of 12.3 which is superior to the new Scion FR-S and Honda Civic Si.  The engine also features a deeper, baritone-sounding dual cat-back dual exhaust system to complement more efficient breathing on the intake side.  To ensure that all of this new power is evenly distributed to the pavement, the Genesis coupe R-Spec comes standard with a proven Torsen limited-slip differential.

This potent turbocharged and intercooled engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission that I tested, and has been extensively refined to provide more driver-friendly shift gating and balanced weighting precision.  This short-throw unit was quick and fun to use.  The clutch take-up feel, and engagement characteristics also have been refined for optimum shifting ease and feel.  Optional is the new in-house-developed eight-speed automatic with paddle shift SHIFTRONIC manual-shifting capability.  Both transmissions have been specifically tuned to match the engine’s unique power and torque curve characteristics.  With the six-speed manual I was able to rocket out to 60mp from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds.  I’m sure that if I had the new 8-speed my time would be a scant quicker.

Genesis coupe’s body shell makes generous use of ultra-high-tensile steel.  The rear-wheel drive powertrain configuration provides a well-balanced 55/45% front-to-rear weight distribution for the 2.0T model.

No well-tuned sport coupe chassis should give the perception of being overwhelmed by its powertrain, and Genesis coupe is no exception to this rule.  Spring damper and bushing rates all have been precisely recalibrated to match these new powertrains with better road feel, more precise body motion control and improved ride comfort.

Genesis coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup.  The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe that is lighter and stronger than a comparable multi-piece component would be.  To help reduce body roll and tune the coupe’s at-the-limit handling prowess for maximum predictability, a 23 mm diameter front and 19 mm rear stabilizer bars are fitted on the standard coupe model.

While all Genesis coupe models offer a true rear-drive sport driving experience, the high-performance Genesis coupe R-Spec and Track models raise the bar even higher with differentiated, track-tuned suspension calibrations.  The R-Spec/Track suspension features firmer front spring rates (7%), and rear spring rates (11%), with matched damper rates.  The Genesis coupe R-Spec/Track models also deliver a significant increase in roll control over other versions of the Genesis coupe via thicker stabilizer bars (24 mm front/20 mm rear).  For 2013, all Genesis coupes receive improved low-velocity-control dampers for refined ride comfort with improved body control.  In addition, all R-Spec/Track models now receive front strut camber adjustment bolts that can be easily installed in the front strut assembly at their owners’ discretion.  These camber adjustment bolts allow approximately 1.5 degrees of negative front camber adjustment for sharper, more responsive apex-turn-in and significant understeer reduction in competitive events.  Of course, superb Genesis coupe structural rigidity sets the fundamental foundation for dynamic precision, regardless of specific suspension calibration and that is the result of a standard thick, tubular strut tower brace over the engine bay.

Hydraulic, RPM-sensing rack & pinion steering has been recalibrated, delivering both improved road feel and agile response to your inputs with precision.  To further optimize your correct reach and angle for your hands, the sporty, leather-wrapped steering wheel features manual tilt and telescoping ability.

While the ride is precise and stiff, it is never harsh.  The R-Spec coupe is perfect for the enthusiast who wants a daily driver to be fun and exciting to drive and have the ability to be taken to the track for even more excitement and pulse-raising dynamics.  The electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS) systems are turned on when you push the start button but can be turned to an intermediate function with driver powertrain override control and retained ESC/TCS braking function or can be full-off for uninhibited driver vehicle control in all conditions.  The ABS function always remains on to help you maintain steering control under adverse braking conditions. Just holding the button longer activates both functions.  You’ll feel ‘riding on rails’ when turning into corners no matter the severity, and incredible stability at high-speeds on the straights.

Slowing the R-Spec down from speed are awesome brakes, like standard Brembo four-piston calipers clamping down on fade-resistant 13.4 inch ventilated front brake rotors, and 13 inch ventilated rear rotors.  ABS, EBD and BA help keep you in control during severe braking maneuvers and when braking on wet or slick pavement.  I felt the brakes working in tandem with outstanding linear feel no matter how much force I applied.  Constant braking was no problem as the fade-free vented discs quickly dissipated the heat build-up.

Inside the 2013 Genesis Coupe’s interior is a comfortable, safe and sporty environment enhanced with distinctive, upscale features and design cues.  The instrument panel crash pad features a stitched-seam appearance for a distinctively upscale look, and the parking brake lever is leather-wrapped on leather-equipped models like I tested.  The instrument cluster now features an electroluminescent gauge cluster for premium ambience and superior readability.  A new driver-side rear seat walk-in assist function has been added for more convenient rear seat access.  Convenient seatbelt assist guides make it easier for front passengers to buckle up.  The manual adjustment front buckets seats have a power lumbar support adjustment and the front seatbacks now have pockets in the rear as standard equipment.  The front buckets also feature very deeply cut side bolstering to keep you in place during very spirited driving.  On the easy-to-use center stack a multi-gauge cluster has instantaneous information on turbo boost, oil temperature and mpg’s.  A center fascia tray with cover has been added for enhanced storage and all interior surfaces now have a softer touch with lower sheen for a more up-market feel.  Among other premium features are an available Infinity premium audio system and two-stage front seat heaters along with a Proximity Key and push button start/stop, both included with the R-Spec model.

Genesis coupe R-Spec also features standard Xenon HID headlights that are razor sharp providing maximum nighttime visibility.  Other standard features include standard auxiliary input jacks for USB, iPod, power windows door locks, A/C, Sirius satellite radio with 6-speakers, Bluetooth hands free phone, front map lights, self-dimming rearview mirror, heated sideview mirrors, lighted dual vanity mirrors, variable intermittent wipers/washers, red leather bolster/red clothe inserts bucket seats, and front/rear floor mats.

Standard safety systems include a strong unibody construction, front/side airbags, side curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts for four with front load limiters/pretensioners, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitor, front/rear crumple zones and steel bars in each door.

The newly updated 2013 Hyundai Genesis coupe 2.0 Turbo R-Spec is not for everyone but the true sports car enthusiast who wants a ride where you have to maintain concentration during your drive but enjoys the thrills that driving a true high-performance car brings.  This car is the ultimate for under $30,000.00, would you believe $27, 375.00 including destination, fully equipped.  Now enjoy yourself!

COPYRIGHT: 2012: HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base Genesis Coupe 2.0T $24,250 As-Tested Genesis 2.0T R-Spec Coupe $27,375
• Engine: 2.0-liter Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder 274 Horsepower at 6,000 rpm with premium / 275 lb.ft. Torque at 2,000 rpm with premium
• Wheelbase: 111 in.
• Total length: 182.3 in.
• Total width: 73.4 in.
• Total height: 54.5 in.
• Track: f/r- 63/63.6 in.
• Headroom: f/r- 39.2/34.6 in.
• Legroom: f/r- 44.1/30.3 in.
• Cargo volume: 10 cu.ft.
• Curb weight: 3,392 lbs.
• Turning circle: 37.4 ft.
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
• Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
• MPG: 21mpg/city, 30mpg/highway