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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 8, 2009 · 24 Hyundai adds rear-wheel performance to Canadian lineup By Jim Robinson Carguide Magazine Metroland Newspapers LAS VEGAS: Heading into the hairpin, I drop down from fourth to second with the short-throw shifter as the big Brembo brakes dig in, then stab the accelerator as the rear wheels start pounding torque to the pavement before rocketing off onto the straight. And all the time, there's one question on my mind. Can I really be driving a Hyundai? I couldn't have asked this a decade, heck five years, ago. Yet there's no question this is a Hyundai that bares its teeth to some pretty potent stalwarts, and in many ways, shows them a clean set of heels. Starting at $24,495, Hyundai's first-ever rear wheel drive sports car, the Genesis Coupe, will have an initial purchase price well below the starting price of its primary competitors, the Infiniti G37, Mazda RX-8 and BMW 335i. The 2010 Genesis Coupe will be offered in two distinct trim levels, the 2.0T and the 3.8 standing for its two engine choices: a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four cylinder with 210 hp (223 lb/ft) and a 3.8-litre V6 producing 306 hp (266 lb/ft). The 3.8-litre V6 will have a starting price of $32,995. Like the Genesis sedan, the Genesis Coupe is designed to run on regular fuel to help keep costs down at the pump. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T has a front-mounted intercooler for increased engine efficiency and power. A six-speed manual transmission is offered as standard equipment on both models with a five-speed automatic optional ($1,200) on the 2.0T. The 2.0T comes with steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth, audio and cruise controls; 18-inch alloy wheels; six airbags; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); an antilock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); Electronic Stability Control with traction control; fog lights; metal grain interior trim; USB and auxiliary audio outlets; automatic light Hyundai has added its 12th nameplate to its model lineup with the 2010 Genesis control; a trip computer; a leatherCoupe shown here with the 3.8-litre GT model in special order Interlagos Yellow. wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob; power and heated exteri- Motorsports Ranch about 45 min- same through the corners. or mirrors; and an utes north of Las Vegas. More than a Journalists agreed the 2.0T was AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 stereo system track, this is an executive resort with nimbler. The 3.8-litre may have with six speakers. sumptuous clubhouse and spa but added some weight, but I felt this The Genesis Coupe 3.8 features with racing at its centre including was due to the turbo that was an advanced all-aluminum naturally the official Corvette Driving School punchier, especially with the manuaspirated V6 engine and a standard with none other than Canadian Ron al. Torsen-type limited slip rear differ- Fellows at the helm. The beefier suspension also was ential. Except for the exhaust maniThe racetrack is very technical up to the test with the front shock fold, this engine shares nothing with with no time to relax and think tower stress bars adding much to the the 3.8-litre in the Genesis sedan. A about the next corner. Switchback overall grip. But for everyday drivsix-speed ZF-sourced automatic turns with glass smooth asphalt run- ing, it's stiff. with paddle shift manual sports ning across an undulating desert Also offered up was a chance to mode is optional. floor is a gruelling test at any time. run the 2.0T and 3.8 through an If you opt for the GT trim level, But the difference was Hyundai autocross course and, get this, a this adds HID headlights, a proximi- turned us loose in street models, not drifting exercise. ty key with push button start, a heavily modified specials, to let the The autocross was very tight with Brembo brake package, Torsen-type car do the talking. cones set just a smidgen wider than limited slip differential, 19-inch alloy The Brembos with their four-pis- the car. Here the 2.0T was much wheels, GT-calibrated suspension ton monobloc calipers front and rear more handy but I still took out a few with front strut tower bar, and heat- haul the Coupe down fast, and I cones. ed leather seats. mean fast. The 55/45 front/rear As for the drifting, well, I passed, Claiming they are going head-to- weight distribution is just about per- as I can't bring myself to tearing up head with cars like the BMW 335i is fect for a rear-driver like the Genesis a set of tires for the sake of making easy to say, but in the real world.... Coupe. a lot of noise and smoke. So to prove the point, part of the Also, the Torsen diff is effective in Where the 3.8 came into its own press launch was taking both the routing torque and keeping the was cruising the wonderful desert 2.0T and 3.8 to the Spring Mountain speed of the two rear wheels the roads north of Nevada. With near HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE 2010 AT A GLANCE BODY STYLE: Sporty coupe. DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive ENGINE: 2.0-litre, DOHC, turbocharged inline four-cylinder (210 hp, 223 lb/ft); 3.8-litre DOHC V6 (306 hp, 266 lb/ft) FUEL ECONOMY: 2.0T manual, 10.1/6.6L/100 km city/highway; 2.0T automatic, 10.4/6.6; 3.8 manual, 12.0/7.6; 3.8 automatic, 11.9/7.3. PRICE: 2.0T, $24,495; 2.0T Premium, $27,495, 2.0T GT, $30,445; 3.8, $32,995; 3.8 GT, $34,995. WEB: www.hyundaicanada.com effortless torque delivery, the 3.8 was a treat with the ZF shifting seamlessly on its own. The 2.0T on the highway, even in sixth gear, felt like it needed a taller overdrive for the posted 70 mph limit. I expected more discussion on the styling, but it hardly came up. There has been comparison between the Coupe and the smaller Tiburon that I see, but Hyundai considers it a separate design departure altogether. Canadian cars will not come with rear spoilers as the U.S. model do. Because Hyundai expects owners will add many of their own personal touches, it was thought better to leave selecting a spoiler to the individual. The cabin feels twice as big as the Tiburon's and the quality of the materials is much improved. The full front bucket seats come with active headrests which I applaud. Continued on Page 25