When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.) in Ann Arbor, and we're happy to report that we've been given an in-depth look at a prototype of the company's next-generation system that will find its way into the Genesis Coupe beginning later this summer.

Fair Warning: The accompanying photographs are of a rough engineering prototype unit, but we thought our readers would appreciate the early look. As is typical of such mules, the instrument panel is more than a bit tired looking from having its "head unit swapped out more often than you change your underwear" (so says Dan Bedore, Hyundai's quick-witted P.R. manager).

Click on the jump to get the full skinny.



Photos Copyright ©2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

In the 23 years since Hyundai first entered the U.S. market, the Korean automaker has come a long away. What began as a budget-oriented brand for those who couldn't afford the higher-priced products from Japan has evolved into a credible contender in virtually every segment that it competes. In the early days, the primary emphasis was on affordable motoring, sometimes at the expense of long-term durability. Today, it's a different story. From the Accent to the Genesis sedan, Hyundai still offers some of the most affordable products, but the decades-old connotations of "cheap" have been largely laid to rest.

With the introduction of the Tiburon, Hyundai finally dipped its toe into the sports-car segment, but as nice as it was, it simply didn't have the chops to play with the big boys of the performance set. Enter the Genesis Coupe. Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive two-door is the second salvo in the automaker's bid to flesh-out its premium Genesis sub-brand, while at the same time taking direct aim at a field of established competitors ranging from the Ford Mustang to the Infiniti G37. Does the Genesis have what it takes to play the game? We spent a week with a 3.8-liter Track model to find out.



Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Hyundai may have started off as a value brand devoid of high end transportation, but over the past few years, efforts such as the Azera and Veracruz have demonstrated that Hyundai can elevate its game. This became abundantly evident with the introduction of the the new Genesis sub-brand, which shows that Hyundai can do full-blown luxury. Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik feels that Genesis could eventually be a model lineup all its own, much like Toyoda's Lexus brand. Krafcik told Wards Automotive that Hyundai didn't want to ask its dealers to spend $5 to 10 million on new showrooms to peddle a whole new brand. Instead, the decision was made to sell the Genesis at existing Hyundai dealerships, just separated from the rest of the lineup.

The Genesis lineup is in its fledgling state at this point, but it holds promise. The Hyundai Genesis sedan has its sights trained on luxury competitors like the Lexus GS, while the Genesis Coupe obviously places a premium on sport over luxury. Hyundai's high-end, home-market Equus sedan, displayed for the American audience in New York over the last week, looks ready to compete with the LS460 in terms of size and amenities, while costing thousands of dollars less. Hyundai's Equus flagship sedan could arrive Stateside within 2-3 years.

Beyond Genesis, Hyundai has plans for turbocharging and direct injection in its vehicles beginning next year with the all-new Sonata. The goal is increased sales in the lucrative US market, but given the current economic state of affairs, volume projections take a back seat to sustaining the sales Hyundai has already achieved.




[Source: Wards Automotive]

The fourth Fast & Furious has shot out of the gates with a $72.5 million opening weekend payday. Movie-goers are checking out the new flick for the fast-paced action, the Vin Diesel and the cars, but one vehicle you won't see on the silver screen is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The all-new RWD Hyundai was originally slated to be featured in Fast & Furious 4, but for unknown official reasons, it was later pulled from the script.

Last minute changes happen all the time in Hollywood, but Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson thinks the competition may have helped keep the Genesis Coupe off the big screen, saying "another manufacturer blocked us." Johnson says the Genesis Coupe was even supposed to be included in the action-packed opening sequence.

The news didn't set well with the Korean automaker, considering Hyundai prepped a red 2.0T SE Genesis Coupe especially for the movie. Johnson didn't hypothesize which automaker may have done the blocking, and since several makes and models made the final roster of FNF4, your guess is as good as ours. With the amazing success F&F4 is experiencing, though, we're guessing we'll have another chance to see a Genesis Coupe in the fifth installment.




[Source: Inside Line]

Full throttle down the back straight, the speedometer sweeps past 100 mph. The approaching turn is a 90-degree right, but it looks like we can still put more asphalt behind us before letting off the gas. At the last possible moment, we lift and then lean hard on the brakes. Deceleration forces us against the shoulder belt as the four contact patches ferociously search the line for traction. As the orange cones begin to fill our front windshield, it's obvious that we're carrying too much speed. A turn now and we'd spin.



Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

In just a little bit, Hyundai will be allowing fans and gawkers the rare opportunity to participate in the official press introduction of its new 2010 Genesis Coupe. When new models come to market, automakers typically invite members of the media to some location where they get to listen a presentation on the technical details and marketing plans before going out for a first drive. The information shared during these events eventually gets passed on to you, the readers. Hyundai is holding its Genesis Coupe launch event as this you read this, and now you can join in by tuning in to a live streaming feed right here on the internet.

Those of you looking for insights on the Genny Coupe can head over to http://genesispresspass.com/live/ at 11am EDT. You can even still submit your questions now to the Hyundai executives via a form on the site, and they may be answered live during the Q&A part of the event. Those of you watching online will obviously have to wait for an opportunity to drive the Coupe, but you might learn something new when you tune in.

"Simply smoking." Those are the exact words that John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai USA, used to describe early sales of the automaker's new Genesis Coupe during a recent interview with Motor Trend. The highly-anticipated two-door is selling better than the Genesis Sedan, which arrived on the market last year, even though Hyundai has focused more advertising dollars on the larger luxury sedan.

Still a newcomer, the Genesis Coupe is offered in turbocharged 2.0-liter and normally-aspirated 3.8-liter trim. The bulk of the cars on dealer lots have been the V6 models, with the late-to-arrive four-cylinder variants (including the Track model and next year's R-Spec model) yet to make a significant impact on sales. Seemingly undeterred by its $27,500 sticker price, Krafcik says that more than 50 percent of the 3.8-liter buyers are driving home in the loaded Grand Touring model (the entry-level 2.0T starts at just $22,000).



[Source: Motortrend]

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is already winning praise from the motoring press, and enthusiasts are itching to get their hands on the RWD Korean 2+2. While some are seeking out the uplevel 300-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 model, many tuners are itching to get their hands on the entry 2.0T powerplant. At 211-hp, the base model isn't going to win many street races, but countless mods promise to produce tremendous amounts of power with less weight.

Tuner Beyond Redline took apart the 2.0T to see exactly what Hyundai gave tuners to work with. For starters, the block is evidently sourced from the Mitsubishi Ralliart, which is different from the more structurally sound EVO X block. Beyond Redline expects the engine's sturdy components and 86mm stroke and bore to make 400 wheel-horsepower and rev to 8,000 RPM with the proper mods and a stock block. While the 2.0T gives modders plenty of room for overclocking, the engine's open deck block means that too much boost could warp the cylinders. Block guards can be used to reinforce the cylinder walls, but that means additional work and cash to really kick the 2.0T into high gear. Hat tip to Andrew.



[Source: Genesis Driven]

As Nissan cancels its Silvia replacement, and the Toyobaru saga stumbles along, Hyundai actually has a hot product on the pavement ready to scoop up import tuners jonesing for a rear-drive plaything. The Genesis Coupe is just arriving in U.S. dealerships, but in Korea, the car's been on the streets a while already. As such, drivers there have been hard at work modding and personalizing their rides, giving us an idea of what to expect when they start hitting the streets in earnest on this side of the Pacific. Our good friend (and O.G. Jalop) Mike Spinelli pretty much nails it when he says, "Oh Civic with stove-pipe exhaust, the bell tolls for thee."



[Source: GenMay via Mike Spinelli]

While we're working on our own shoot-out between the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and a yet-to-be-named contender, the crew at Inside Line put Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive two-door against one of its strongest opponents: the Infiniti G37.

IL's 3.8-liter V6 Genesis Coupe tester came equipped with the Track pack, which includes a stiffer suspension, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and 19-inch wheels, along with the standard six-speed manual. The sticker? $30,375, or $6,625 less than a base model Infiniti G37. For the extra scratch, the Infiniti is a more luxurious package and carries a bit of badge snobbery, but performance and driver engagement are the metrics we're interested in and the Hyundai proved to be a serious contender.

The G is packing more power from less displacement (330 vs. 306 hp), a bit more torque (270 vs. 266 lb-ft) and revs higher (7,600 vs. 6,800 rpm). But it's also packing the pounds. The Infiniti tips the scales at 3,709 pounds, while the Genesis Coupe comes in just under 3,500 pounds.

IL performed its usual battery of tests, along with a dyno run, and deemed the G37 a better vehicle on the road from both a driving and livability standpoint, but gave props to the Genesis for its competence on the track and predictable handling characteristics. Both cars were remarkably close in the performance department, with the Hyundai taking the win on the skid-pad, while falling short on the sprint to 60, quarter-mile time and slalom run.

IL's conclusion: For two-thirds the cost of the Infiniti G37, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 gives you more bang for the buck and deserves a place on any enthusiast's short-list. Look out for our own review – including the 2.0T model – soon, but in the meantime, read IL's full comparo here.