Ever since the conception of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe in 2009 as a 2010 model, enthusiasts have had it within their peripheral vision while others have focused in on its endearing and competitive performance edge wrapped in an affordable package. For the latest 2013 model, Hyundai keeps the momentum in the right direction by adding more power to both the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as well as the beefy 3.8-liter V6 engine found in our latest test vehicle.

The new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8-liter V6 Track makes for a capable sports coupe ready and eager to run with its direct competition on and off of the track. We contrasted the 2.0-liter Turbo variant of the Genesis Coupe against the 3.8-liter V6 with a highlighted differentiator being its weight balance and how it manages to plow its extra heft in the V6 around a track. Though the weight dilemma haunts the 3.8-V6, the track version of the Korean sports coupe still begs to claw its way to the finish line with added power this year totaling 348 horsepower and 295 ft-lbs. of torque.

To prevent any stagnation in Hyundai’s enthused drive forward, the new 2013 Genesis Coupe mates its robust V6 engine to a new 8-speed automatic transmission option available on the Track trim and standard on the Touring trim. The 3.8 R-Spec trim is reserved only for the 6-speed manual transmission, though it still sports the same 348-horsepower engine.

My test vehicle, equipped with the new 8-speed automatic transmission, proves to really take advantage of the wide powerband of the big V6 engine. It was apparent of the engine’s eagerness to wind up quickly to its 6,400 rpm redline with an aggressive-sounding growl from its intake manifold. Just by the sound alone, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track makes you aware of just how big its V6 powerplant is.

The new Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track is great for a straight line, even during those times you want to roast the rear 245/40/19-inch performance tires. Being that the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track is a designated trim level that can call your nearest track home base for its capable chassis and drivetrain, it is only fitting that such a vehicle is tossed around every so often. In doing just that, you will quickly discover its true handling traits.  Finding the limits of the new Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track does not take too long -considering when you enter into corner with the temp turned up the vehicle exhibits a bit of understeer and only followed up with restrained oversteer if you wrestle with the steering and power through. The understeer, somewhat of an unexpected trait, was mentally explained after opening the hood and observing how far forward of the strut towers the engine overhangs. To compensate, the standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps you manage the rear end with a bit of synchronization in the drive wheels.

The new Hyundia Genesis coupe’s chassis is plenty capable of taking abuse and the sum of its performance parts, including the big 6-piston Brembo brake calipers up front and 4-piston in the rear, are up able to take on light to moderate track duties with no qualms.

The inside of the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track mimics much of the rest of the Hyundai lineup. Though, with a slant towards performance, the new Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track gets a few unique touches such as analog 3-pod gauges for readout of current fuel economy, oil temperature and torque. I will go all-out in ‘enthusiast-left-field’ and claim my confusion for such a choice of gauges in a “Track” labeled vehicle instead of giving you something more useful like an oil pressure display. Heck, a clock would have been more useful than telling me the Genesis Coupe is currently producing 295 ft-lbs of torque when I should not be looking at the gauge. On the other hand, there is always the chance of riding shotgun with a big smile on your face.

The front seats of the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track are remarkable for a track day and prove to provide enough comfort for long trips. The bolstering is ample while the low back possibly gets shortened due to the low-slung roofline. The rear seating area is a bit tight with a major disappointment in headroom. Be sure to never stick any of your “tall” friends in the back unless they do not mind a roofliner massage or alternative hair makeover. The steering wheel shifter paddles, among the full list of standard features of the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track, come of as a bit cheesy and cheap after hearing the plastic creeping noises just before you are greeted with snappy shifts of the 8-speed automatic transmission. I would say managing 8 gears is just a bit baffling, unless you like the idea of playing games with the computer to see how far you can upshift without divine intervention from the transmission ECU gods. However, the transmission’s sport mode does great to select the proper gear and keep engine humming in its sweet spot sans your forthcoming headache.

Around town, while getting an average of 22.5 mpg, the Genesis Coupe remains civilized giving you extra confidence about unleashing its 348 horsepower. At times you will desire a bit more tire patch on the pavement when the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track gets squirrely with traction control and stability control fully disabled. Though, you will discover a few reasons for drift-champions using such a capable chassis in the Gensis Coupe.

The ride quality of the new Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track is firm enough as to not give away its front-end heavy balance. There is, however, a subtle reverberation of the dampers on light bumps. The appealing look of the Genesis Coupe’s stance pays homage to a customized or lowered sports coupe by limiting wheel gap between the finders and tires. More of its sporty appeal wraps around the wide front bumper, rear spoiler and chrome-tipped exhaust outlets within the rear bumper.

The new Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track, at the top of the trim line for the sports coupe, comes equipped with a full range of Genesis Coupe options as standard equipment, including GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a power driver’s seat. This brings the price to $35,265 including an $875 destination and handling charge, a full set of carpeted floor mats and an iPod connector cable.

In all, the latest Genesis Coupe has come a long way from vehicles like the Tiburon to bring to the table what really matters to enthusiasts, being a truly competent rear wheel drive sports coupe with decent power and enough goodies to keep you smiling on commutes and those rare track days.

Copyright: 2013 AutomotiveAddicts.com

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base Genesis Coupe 2.0T $24,250 As-Tested Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track $27,375
• Engine: 3.8-liter DOHC V6 348 Horsepower at 6,400 rpm  / 295 lb.ft. Torque at 5,300 rpm
• 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: 3,483 lbs.
• Turning circle: 37.4 ft.
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel tank: 17.2 gallons
• MPG: 16 mpg/city, 25 mpg/highway