Hyundai launched its new Genesis Coupe in the Korean market at an event on Jeju Island, Korea. The coupe follows on the heels of the the Genesis sports sedan, which was launched in South Korea and the U.S. earlier this year. While the sedan is focused on luxury, the new Genesis Coupe gives Hyundai some added sporting credentials thanks to its performance-focused front-engine rear-wheel-drive architecture.

The Genesis Coupe is designed to sit above Hyundai's Tiburon sports car, which has been sold in Australia for some time now but will end production later this year. Despite the coincidental timing, the Genesis Coupe is not a replacement for the Tiburon. According to Hyundai, the Genesis Coupe is their "very first thoroughbred, a true halo car with all the hallmarks of a high performance car." The new Genesis is designed to cast away Hyundai's budget econobox image and reinvent the brand as something more substantial.

Aesthetically, the Genesis Coupe projects strong lines with pronounced shoulders. The aggressive, wedge-like silhouette, short overhangs and long wheelbase give the Genesis Coupe an attractive figure, especially when combined with the voluminous hood, the articulated bumper surfaces and the distinctive headlamps.

Two engine choices
Under the hood of the Genesis Coupe lie two very different engines: the range-topping, all aluminium 223kW DOHC 3.8-litre V6 Lambda RS and the entry level 154kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, which will be significantly less expensive than the V6, as well as more fuel efficient.

Based on the highly successful Lambda V6 first introduced in 2004, the high performance RS edition (Racing Sport) of the Lambda allows the Genesis Coupe to catapult from zero to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The V6 is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic, however a six-speed manual is also available. The manual transmission features a short-stroke shifter (under 41mm), optimised gear ratios and triple cone synchronizers (1st, 2nd and 3rd gears) for smoother shifts.

Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre turbo-four is slower than the V6, but has enough power to propel the car from 0-100km/h in 8.3 sec. Like the V-6, the Theta employs a Dual CVVT system plus a piston oil cooling jet which is positioned under each cylinder to deliver improved cooling and better fuel efficiency.

Focus on handling
In terms of handling, the Genesis Coupe features dual MacPherson struts in the front to improve maneuverability by reducing the offset between the wheel centre and the tie rods and increasing the caster angle. For competition applications an optional front tower strut bar is available for maximum body rigidity while cornering.

The rear rides on a five-link setup with reduced toe variation during acceleration, braking and cornering thus yielding more consistent handling. The Limited Slip Differential features a torque sensor for improved ride and handling under any road conditions. The rear differential transfer case sits atop a three-point mounting system (including a hydraulic bush mounting) for reduced noise and vibration (NVH).

Although the car is slightly heavier at the front thanks to its 55:45 front-rear weight distribution, it is expected to handle well and should prove to be worrisome to the likes of the Nissan 350Z and the Mazda RX-8.

The use of crash-durable adhesives in critical areas has increased dynamic torsional rigidity by 15 percent enabling better ride and handling, increased safety performance and reduced NVH. According to Hyundai, the Coupe is one of the quietest cars in its class thanks to special reinforcements and applications of various poly-urethane foam as well as sound interceptive materials that have helped eliminate both noise and vibration.

Additionally, premium high performance disc brakes from Brembo will be available as part of an optional track–use performance package.

Coming to Australian shores?
Hyundai hopes to sell 40,000 Genesis Coupes annually, 5,000 in Korea and 35,000 in overseas markets. While the Genesis Coupe has not yet been confirmed for the Australian market, it is likely that it will arrive on our shores in the second half of next year.

Rumours have been circulating that the V6 Genesis Coupe will cost around USD$26,000 in the U.S. market, similar to the U.S.-market pricing of the Mazda RX-8 and the Nissan 350Z. Based on this, we can expect the range-topping Genesis Coupe to cost close to $50,000 in the Australian market.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe gallery

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