Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts
by Frank Filipponio on Feb 11th 2009 at 1:23PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec live from Chicago
Hyundai has been one of the few companies keeping us busy at the Chicago Auto Show. Besides showing the Rhys Millen drift car and announcing pricing for the Genesis Coupe, the automaker trotted out the R-spec enthusiast model.
While the car they brought to the show is basically a concept, the R-Spec package will be available through dealers and will give performance junkies more in some areas and less in others. The full list of equipment is in the press release after the jump, but the highlights are a 210-hp turbo'd inline-four that returns 30 mpg and a top speed of 137 mph. Available only with the six-speed manual, it comes with stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, 19-inch wheels, Brembos, a Torsen limited-slip differential, a beefier suspension and summer-only Potenzas. To reduce cost and weight, the R-Spec doesn't include Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Basically, the R-spec is packing all the heavy-hitting hardware from the Track model and ditches the frippery that drivers and customizers aren't interested in.
The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be available mid-2010 with a base price of $23,750, or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model. That should allow a lot of extra cash for some tuner bits. Besides the performance tweaks, the R-Spec will only be available in three colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. Good names, good colors, good kit and a good price. We're sold. Check out the press release after the jump and the live gallery below.
Live photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE
Hyundai Debuts a HIGH–PERFOMANCE BLANK canvas for tuners: Genesis Coupe R-Spec
CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 – When the colors of your new turbocharged rear-wheel-drive sport coupe are named after international racing circuits, you'd better have the performance and confidence to back it up. Now, Hyundai is upping the ante by announcing an R-Spec version of the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe, designed to appeal to true enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications. R-Spec will be available as a mid-2010 model year introduction.
R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo® braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, the R-Spec will be available in three performance oriented exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.
R-Spec equipment includes:
- 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210-hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
- Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
- 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
- Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
- Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
- Torsen-type limited-slip differential
- R-Spec badging
- Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Front, side, side air curtain air bags
- Active front head restraints
- Driver's lumbar support
- Air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
- AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
- iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
- Projector beam headlamps
- Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
- Note: Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Mehdi Cheddadi 1:27PM (2/11/2009)
All hail Hyundai as new drift king!
Reply
naggs 3:02PM (2/11/2009)
not just drifting, this is the only car that delivers rwd with a real LSD, and a manual trans for anywhere near this price. this car is perfectly timed to take sales away from the too expensive evo/sti. this car, and this model specifically, will make all the other car makers go "oh, that is what they want"
finally force mazda to make a mx5 coupe first, then ruin it by taking the top off.
GenCoupe.com 5:59PM (2/11/2009)
For those of you who want to learn more about the Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Please join us at Hyundai Genesis Coupe forums...
http://GenCoupe.com
trevor2k 1:28PM (2/11/2009)
Wow. A company that will actually listen to enthusiasts.
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Alvin 2:22PM (2/11/2009)
Exactly. I'm very suprised...Hyundai is finally doing things right. Great affordable cars with the same luxuries as Tier-1 competitors for regular people and a cheaper model with bits that enthusiasts care and don't care about.
Good job Hyundai, you definitely have my attention now as a future car buyer.
Mazda FTW! 1:28PM (2/11/2009)
This is the sort of thing Mazda should be doing!
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havoc 1:54PM (2/11/2009)
mazda needs to step it up. i love my ms3, but i cold do without some of the features, like auto ac, the music controls, etc. i have a sport and not a gt, but i still would have liked more of a stripper model (or at least a trade off like screw the auto ac for some forged wheels).
the tiburon had great styling when it came out, but never had the muscle. this 'low pressure turbo' needs a good boos in power as well, but it's a step in the right direction (plus since they keep callign it a 'low pressure' does that mean we shoudl expect a 'high pressure'?)
hyundaifans.com 1:29PM (2/11/2009)
This is a good move by Hyundai. This R Spec should sell very well.
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tanooki2003 1:31PM (2/11/2009)
Once again Hyundai does it.....again. :-)
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Jj 1:32PM (2/11/2009)
I got a chance to get up close and sit in a Genesis Coupe (and sedan) at the Portland Auto Show. Very, very impressive, they are huge step for Hyundai, witch had already made huge stides of late. The interiors would not be out of place in a Lexus coupe.
Hyundai's biggest challenge here is just getting would be Camaro and Mustang buyers into the showroom, once they are there the conquest sales will be easy.
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alex 2:02PM (2/11/2009)
I agree that this and the sedan are nice.... but what exactly do they have in common?!?! why do they share a name?
the only thing i can think of is that they both are a result of the same meeting where one brave young man/woman rose their hand and said "um, excuse me... could we make a car that doesn't suck?"
Quattroporte 1:32PM (2/11/2009)
So, let me get this straight. It's a rear drive coupe with a slippy diff, so one's natural conclusion is that it's fun. Yet, it's practicle and not at all ugly. And yet, it only costs $23k and change. Where do I sign?
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zamafir 1:46PM (2/11/2009)
Yup, it's going to sell very well. Reviews have already compared it to the G37 in terms of driving experience, pretty interesting. Also, as mentioned, the interiors much nicer than what Toyota and Honda are offering at the same price, very very nice car for the money.
big J 9:57PM (2/11/2009)
it would seem natural to compare it to the car they ripped off in terms of styling.
Nick Vrana 1:33PM (2/11/2009)
I pointed this out in the other thread also, but notice it says "2.0 liter LOW PRESSURE turbocharged."
Sounds like they are trying to cater to the tuners big time.
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Todd 7:47PM (2/11/2009)
The aren't trying. The engine, if I remember Edmunds correcty, is a detuned 4B11T, the same engine (detuned) as in the Evo X
tekd 5:48AM (2/20/2009)
The same engine is indeed shared by Mitsubishi and Chrysler. Although I would say calling it a detuned 4B11T gives Mitsubishi a little too much credit for the engine here. Hyundai actually did a great deal of the engineering this time (although I suspect it might have been partly due to cost reasons that all 3 decided to engineer it largely in Korea).
At any rate it's more like the 4B11T being a very tuned up version of an engine that the 3 companies are using in a wide variety of cars-the engine is supposed to be a reliable and economical engine that can compete with the newest engines.
Of course since this engine is heavily inspired by Mitsubishi designs (as are most Hyundai engineered engines), it had a good deal of flexibility as far as taking boost goes...supposed to be good for quite a bit more boost than it's going to ship with....
travisty 1:33PM (2/11/2009)
Still waiting on vehicle weight and upgrade-ability on that turbo'd 2.0. Otherwise I'm really, really digging this car. I saw one in the Soul airport and it looked a LOT better in person...
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ajkl 1:42PM (2/11/2009)
3600 lbs.
While the concept of a RWD turbo-4 is great, it's ruined by the weight. I'll stick with my 2900 lbs MR2 Turbo
Franz 1:56PM (2/11/2009)
@ ajkl:
Actually, the curb weight for the regular 2.0T is 3300lbs, and the R-Spec is gonna be lighter. Coupled with the fact that this has a back seat kinda makes comparisons with the old 2 seat MR2 redundant.