Tuners take a look at Genesis coupe, Hyundai provides details on track version
Even before the Hyundai Genesis coupe made its big reveal in New York, its aftermarket potential was apparent. While the 3.8-liter V6-equipped model will undoubtedly find an audience with the hairdresser set, the 223 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter model – directly related to the inline four found in the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Evolution X – is where it's at. Hyundai realizes if it's to be taken seriously as a true performance player, the Genesis coupe has to be embraced by the aftermarket. So it invited 20 tuners to its North American headquarters in Fountain Valley, California to take a look under the hood.
Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
[Source: Inside Line]
While production hasn't officially begun, Hyundai wanted aftermarket firms to get a head start on development. Among the companies represented at the "measuring" session were HKS, Garrett-Honeywell and Gale Banks Engineering. John Espino, an engineer for Gale Banks, said "I'm more excited about this [the 2.0-liter turbo] than I am about that one [the V6]." However, in addition to turbocharger and intercooler upgrades for the boosted 2.0-liter, Gale Banks plans to develop a supercharger for the V6.
Garrett's Brian Regnier pointed out to Inside Line that the turbocharger on the 2.0-liter model is positioned above the engine mount, limiting the size of upgraded turbos. "But there's always a way around that."
But Hyundai isn't leaving everything up to the aftermarket. As reported previously, the automaker plans to release a lightweight, track version of the Genesis coupe, which will include a retuned suspension, front strut tower bar and four-piston front Brembo brakes. The standard Genesis coupe will be fitted with Bridgestone RE92As, sized 225/45R18 in front and 245/45R18 in the rear, but the track model will benefit from stickier Potenza RE050As, wrapping 19-inch wheels.
The only thing left to prove now is how it drives on the road and on the track, and we're eagerly anticipating our change to get behind the wheel later this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
David 3:15PM (7/24/2008)
Too heavy, this car will push far beyond 3500lbs. Too bad, their attitude is great when it comes to proper development.
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XJ 3:49PM (7/24/2008)
The V6 weighs just over 3500lbs. The turbo 4 weighs just under 3500lbs. And they're making a lightweight version.
David(Postal) 4:58PM (7/24/2008)
They are both lighter than the Camaro
David 11:25PM (7/24/2008)
Compare this to an S15 Silvia or 240sx, and you can see the unfortunate side effect of comprehensive safety.
ConceptVBS 12:56AM (7/25/2008)
I would rather have the added safety features with increased weight then a tin can on wheels with a death trap.
Nick 3:16PM (7/24/2008)
Hyundai can't afford lifts?
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Za 4:41PM (7/24/2008)
You're joking right? Hyundai-Kia sells more cars than Honda.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/hyundai-kia-pass-honda-to-become-worlds-5th-largest-automaker/
Brian W 10:28PM (7/24/2008)
Sales are up but they are giving them away.
Hyundai Q2 misses forecast, outlook tough
Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's top automaker, posted a surprise fall in quarterly earnings on Thursday as a weaker won increased its debt load and it had to pay more for steel and other raw materials.
Seoultrain 3:16PM (7/24/2008)
Makes me wonder how high the factor of safety is on these components. Surely, if they anticipate a strong aftermarket following, they've engineered their parts to take considerably more load than stock. Though Hyundai is pretty new to this, so here's hoping that they paid enough attention to durability.
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Michael 6:01PM (7/24/2008)
Seoultrain, it's the World Engine that Chrysler and Mitsubishi both use, it has proven itself to be able to handle boost. Now I know the blocks are the same but I'd like to know about the internals and the head.
RC 3:18PM (7/24/2008)
eh file this under "girl car" joining it will be the eclipse, and current tiburon.
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Geeky1 3:27PM (7/24/2008)
I'm not sure I agree with that; unlike the other two, this thing has the engine connected to the correct set of wheels.
I really wanted to like the Tiburon; it's a nice looking little car. But it's wrong wheel drive and it's laughably slow. We already know that the Genesis corrects one of those problems, hopefully it'll correct the other as well.
Seoultrain 3:39PM (7/24/2008)
The only thing making this car look girly is Hyundai's insistence on silver (the worst color) and red (doesn't look good on this car). I'd love to see a black or navy. Maybe darken the headlight housings a bit.
The dark coloring would also take care of that rear window line, for those who hate it.
ConceptVBS 12:55AM (7/25/2008)
Here is the black version:
http://clubgenesiscoupe.com/zbxe/pds1/files/attach/images/282/016/002/clubgenesiscoupe-3.jpg
http://clubgenesiscoupe.com/zbxe/pds1/files/attach/images/282/022/002/clubgenesiscoupe-4.jpg
http://www.gencoupe.com/general-discussion/1000-official-spotted-pre-release-thread-7.html
The Talking Hamburger 1:36AM (7/26/2008)
Wow, a 'girl car'. I guess you don't hang around girls because you're afraid of catching cooties, too!
Grow up.
Rafael Illan 3:17PM (7/24/2008)
can you smell that? its the smell of success. Hyundai is getting to a market that is begging for a small RWD car.
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bill jackman 3:19PM (7/24/2008)
I want to like it, but that side window cutout drives me insane. Why, Hyundai designers? I want to get Robert Cumberford's take on that!
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mk 3:43PM (7/24/2008)
+10!!!
Completely agree.
The front end is not great either. The headlights are huge, and the grille is puckered.
Joe K. 3:21PM (7/24/2008)
"Genesis coupe will be fitted with Bridgestone RE092As, sized 225/45R18 in front and 245/45R18 in the rear"
Too soft, had them on my tC and even with proper rotation (every 6,000 miles) they wore out in 30,000 miles. Most owners don't see 25,000. Th potenza G019 or G009 are much better for wear and have only slightly less grip. Who needs Z-rated tires on this coupe anyway?
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spdracerut 3:35PM (7/24/2008)
Way too hard. This is a sports coupe, not a touring car.
I'm happy I got 8k out of my RE01Rs.