2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec

Hyundai is already having a good year. Its Genesis sedan, which debuted last year to overwhelmingly positive reviews, was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year by a panel of automotive journalists last month at the Detroit Auto Show. Now, the South Korean automaker is releasing its first rear-wheel-drive coupe, also called Genesis, and is hoping for the same kind of success.

 

At the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai announced it is already expanding its fledgling Genesis coupe lineup with the 2010 Genesis coupe R-Spec. A mid-model-year release, the R-Spec is designed to appeal to the tuner crowd, enthusiasts who want a low starting price and a car that can be modified to theiR-Specifications.

 

The Genesis coupe R-Spec will get most of its genetic material from the performance-oriented 2009 Genesis 2.0T Track model and will have a starting price of $23,750, $3000 less than the better-equipped 2.0T Track on which it is based. The engine will be the same: a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that will deliver an estimated 30 mpg on the highway and a top speed of 137 mph. Like the 2.0T Track model, the R-Spec will come only with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other Genesis coupes will also offer a 5-speed automatic.

 

The R-Spec will take its mechanicals from the 2.0T Track, making it turn, brake and handle better, though certainly ride harder, than other models. The hydraulic steering will be quicker. Brembo brakes will do the stopping, with 13.4-inch front and 13-inch rear ventilated rotors and red 4-piston calipers at each corner. The racetrack-tuned suspension will feature higher-rate coil springs, firmer shock absorbers, an additional front strut brace and thicker front and rear stabilizer bars (25 mm front and 22 mm rear). The tires will be summer performance Bridgestone Potenzas, P225/40YR19 up front and P245/40YR19 at the rear, on gunmetal-finish alloy wheels. A Torsen limited-slip differential will also be standard.

 

To reduce weight and price, the R-Spec will not have several of the features of the Track or even the base model. Compared to the base model, the R-Spec will lack automatic headlights, cruise control, a trip computer, chrome interior accents, steering-wheel audio controls and a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link.

 

No standard safety features will be lost, though. Safety equipment will include front side and curtain side airbags, active front head restraints, traction control, electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitor and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

 

Other standard features will include air conditioning, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, an iPod interface and USB and auxiliary input jacks. The R-Spec will be available in three colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.
 
Also at the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai announced that it is teaming with drift champion Rhys Millen Racing and Red Bull Energy Drink to campaign a specially prepared Genesis coupe in the Formula Drift Professional Drifting Championship series and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and at select Red Line Time Attack series events in 2009.