Pricing for the 3.8L 310hp (236kW) Lambda V6 version is expected to start below $30,000 in the U.S., while the 210hp (156kW) 2.0L turbo four cylinder is expected to be priced even lower. That pricing fits right in line with the Coupe's initial sales targets of 30,000 units per year in North America, reports Automotive News.
The mechanical details focused primarily on the sport-oriented Coupe, but the Sedan's weight and competition range was also revealed. Checking in at 3,748lb in V6 trim and 4,012lb with the Tau V8 under the hood, the Genesis is both stiffer and lighter than its competition at Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, though both the Japanese and German carmakers offer wider ranges of engine choices and trim levels.
For the Coupe, there are no fewer than seven levels of trim, four matched to the 2.0T engine and three with the Lambda V6. Both engines are available in base and Track configuration, but the 2.0T also features Premium and R-Spec models while the V6 replaces those with the Grand Touring package. Both the Track and R-Spec versions of the 2.0T will be available only in six-speed manual transmission form, and the R-Spec isn't expected to be among the first cars shipped, waiting instead for a later debut.
Some of the special features that set the Track model apart are 19" Euroflange wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4" rotors and four-piston calipers up front and 13.0" discs and four-pistons doing duty in the rear. The suspension gets a tauter tuning, with higher spring rates and thicker anti-roll bars. A Torsen LSD helps put the power down and a range of appearance features including a rear spoiler and HID Xenon headlamps give it a unique look. The R-Spec builds on the Track package, aiming squarely for the tuner market but offering the highest-level platform from which to start. Its primary upgrades are inside the cabin, where a host of electronics and iPod connectivity are found.
The 3.8L V6 base package features black leather seating, automatic climate control and a choice of either six-speed auto or six-speed manual transmissions, while the Grand Touring replaces the black leather with brown and adds power driver seat, an upgraded stereo, smart key system, HID Xenon headlamps and by mid-year, navigation as an option. The Track package in V6 trim reverts back to black leather seats, but adds the tuned suspension and Brembo brake kit also found on the 2.0T Track model.
For the U.S., fuel efficiency figures for the Sedan clock in at 25mpg highway while the 2.0T Coupe manages 30mpg highway. "While some turbochargers sacrifice smooth drivability with high operating boost pressures in the 20 psi range, Genesis Coupe uses a refined, low-boost calibration for smoothness and efficiency," said Derek Joyce, Genesis Coupe product manager. "We could have opted solely for big performance numbers, but our focus for the 2.0T was a more balanced package."
That balance-seeking extends to the car's weight, which though not particularly light at 3,402lb (1,546kg) in 3.8L V6 form (roughly 100lb less in 2.0T trim), still manages to come in about 170lb (77kg) less than the BMW 335i, 200lb (90kg) less than the G37, 300lb (136kg) less than the Camaro LS and about 400lb (180kg) less than the Challenger, despite generating about the same power - on paper - as each of the others. That puts the Coupe's power-to-weight ratio in the neighborhood of 11.0lb/hp - enough to beat all of the opposition by 1-4lb/hp, according to Hyundai. That doesn't account for the generally agreed-upon under-rating of the 335i, the as-yet onlly hypothetical rating of the Camaro's engine, or the considerably lower power of the 2.0T models, but it does show that Hyundai isn't merely playing games with this car, and that it really is in an entirely different league from the Tiburon.
Reader Comments
Mon Oct 13 2008 7:26 PM
NoNameDenton says
I hope the US prices are lower (I know they probably will be, but I mean more afforable).
Tue Oct 14 2008 12:07 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Ralph- "Benchmarked" this is a target that engineers and marketing departments set for the product. It does not however have to be within the category on price, let me explain. Hyundai most likely sees the G37 as the ultimate rear wheel drive coupe on the market so there for they picked it for the benchmark. So you can also guarantee that when we see the ads they will campare the car next to the G37 but tell the viewer/customer you can get it for Mustang and Eclipse money! Much like the ads for their new sedan and that it out accelerates a Porsche Boxster.
A common car that gets picked for benchmarks by manufacturers are the interiors of Audis and VW's even though their customer is not even considering an Audi or VW, thats just how benchmarking works.
When Jaguar built its V8 guess which car was the benchmark, based on power plant? The 1990's era ZR1 Corvette with its Lotus engineered and Mercury Marine manufactered V8.
Wed Oct 15 2008 9:48 PM
turbocoupe87 says
I'm just excited about this car. I've read numerous reports and seen some cool video of this car in action. In this economy I'm looking for a car that is a great value and will be a good purchase a few years down the road. The latter was not usually associated with Hyundai until recently. They have increased their quality and many of the 'rags consider them very close or on par with the other big name imports like Honda and Toyota. You then factor in good safety records, good warranties and good prices anyone should Hyundai in their plans when searching for a new car. There is a cool e-brochure just released at one of the Hyundai Genesis Forums (http://GenesisForums.org) and lots of video and pics there as well.
Wed Oct 22 2008 2:47 PM
c_jetta says
good timing for the release of this vehicle because i don't see much competition in this field (for the 4cyl model). I mean there is the mustang v6 i guess but i think this is the calling that such makes like nissan, toyota(subaru), and honda need to make a cheap rear wheel drive car so this will be fun!
Sat Nov 1 2008 2:25 PM
Hike15 says
i think its to heavy
i'm waiting to hear how the weight of this compares to that of the camaro which i think is major competition with it
Sun Nov 2 2008 4:42 PM
azlan says
i dont care how good this looks or how cheap it is, it has a hyundai badge in it..... enough said
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