Hyundai’s first ever rear-wheel-drive coupe was officially unveiled today at the New York Auto Show. We’ve already seen the official images of the coupe, and while some might (rightfully) see design cues carried over from other makes, we find the Genesis Coupe’s overall styling attractable. Based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Genesis Sedan, the Korean automaker has high hopes for the Genesis Coupe as it aims to market it not only against the Ford Mustang, but also as an affordable alternative to luxury cars like the Infiniti G37 and the BMW 3-Series Coupe. 
While American carmakers are still considering the use of 4-cylinder units on their sport coupes (read what Lutz had to say about the 4-cylinder Camaro here), Hyundai will offer the Genesis Coupe from the beginning with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This unit generates an estimated 212 Hp (223 Hp using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It can be combined with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed auto.
The most powerful version of the Genesis Coupe –unless Hyundai surprises us with a V8 unit in the future, is powered by 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 306 Hp (310 Hp using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds according to Hyundai. The V6 is matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox or optionally, a 6-speed auto. –Details and image gallery after the jump
ALL-NEW HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE: A NEW BENCHMARK FOR ATTAINABLE 300-HORSEPOWER SPORT COUPES
New York, 03/19/2008
Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2011 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines – a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.
GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS
• Hyundai’s second rear-wheel drive performance car
• 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
• Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2011 model
Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport sedan, Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and the second consecutive all-new model introduction from Hyundai appealing directly to the car enthusiast. Genesis Coupe uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis sport sedan.
“We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37.”
DESIGN PROCESS
2011 Genesis Coupe Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.
“The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.”
Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.
Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic.
Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling.
INTERIOR DESIGN
In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination.
Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.
Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.
REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
Genesis Coupe’s body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution.
POWERTRAINS
wo engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.
The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.
SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
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 which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 18-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.
While all Genesis Coupe models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. Genesis Coupe SE delivers an increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.
STEERING
Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a quick ratio gear delivers both linearity and agility. The steering is also engine-RPM sensing.
TRANSMISSIONS
Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque.
Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that’s in use.
HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS
Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The 2011 Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.
Music lovers will welcome the 2011 Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.
SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2011 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.
Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.
The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.
All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupes. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.
THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS
The Genesis Coupe is offered in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the premium-sport GT featuring the 3.8-liter V6, and the high-performance SE, available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine.
GENESIS COUPE GS (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
Key Standard Equipment:
• 2.0-liter turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control System
• ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Manual A/C
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
• AM/FM/XM/CD Player/USB/iPod connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Vanity mirror illumination
• Bluetooth
GENESIS COUPE GT (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
GS equipment Plus:
• 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• Leather steering wheel / Shift knob
• Metalgrain /chrome interior accents
• Automatic temperature control
• Fog lamps
• Premium door sill plates
• Trip computer
• Chrome front fascia accents
• Auto light control
GENESIS COUPE SE (Preliminary packaging subject to change)
Unique SE equipment:
• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• HID headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Manual A/C
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• High performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires
• Brembo braking system with monobloc four-piston calipers
• SE track-tuned suspension / front strut brace
• Limited-slip differential
• Black leather bolsters / red cloth insert seats
• Rear spoiler
• Aero wiper blades
