Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Coupe, SEMA 2012

Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Coupe, SEMA 2012

It's hard to believe, but it's already been nearly a year since the last SEMA show, and it's time for the funky, freaky, and fast to come crawling out of the woodwork once again. For Cosworth, one of the highlights will be this worked-over Hyundai Genesis Coupe, dubbed the "ultimate" in performance.

Call us skeptical, but even with a Cosworth-massaged 389 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque from the 3.8-liter direct-injection V-6 under the hood, the Genesis Coupe--while a very fun and capable budget sports car--isn't exactly what we'd call the "ultimate" in much of anything. The Cosworth version, however, might just be the ultimate in Genesis Coupe.

Officially called the Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Coupe, this show special--designed to straddle the gap between on-track capability and over-the-road civility--also includes the following enhancements: improved engine cooling capacity; Cosworth intake and exhaust; Cosworth big brake system; Cosworth performance suspension; and an aero kit including splitter, diffuser, and spoiler. Inside, the car gets a Cosworth-made steering wheel, shift knob, pedals, and sport seats, as well as a two-tone interior treatment.

While the combination of upstart carmaker Hyundai and legendary racing brand Cosworth might not seem the most natural of pairings--especially given Hyundai's decision to bail out of its motorsports sponsorships in the U.S. after this year--it does have us looking forward to seeing the finished result in person, and we'll be there, live, to cover all of the action.