AOL Autos Test Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Refreshed for 2013, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe remains the Korean automaker's sportiest offering, and rear-wheel drive sport car alternative to the muscle bound Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro in the sports car segment.
The Genesis Coupe shares a platform with the Genesis sedan, but the similarities end there (apart from the "Genesis" name, obviously). Drastically different styling, driving dynamics, interior and price make this car an entity on its own. It's kind of like the hyper little brother in the Genesis family.
For 2013, the Genesis Coupe receives a refreshed front facia -- with a big, gaping grille – improved horsepower on both engine options and a much-needed update to the interior.
I flew to Las Vegas to spend some time with the Genesis Coupe, both on the track and on the road to see if it can really roll with the big boys during daily driving and when it's being pushed to the limit. Click through to see what I found
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
How Much?
MSRP: $24,250 - $33,000
Invoice: $23,060 - $30,954
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
Key Stats
-2.0L turbocharged I4/3.8L V6 engine
-274 hp, 275 lb-ft of torque (2.0T); 348 hp, 295 lb-ft of torque (3.8)
-Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
-21 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway (2.0T); 18 mpg City, 27 mpg Highway (3.8)
-Seats 4
-10.0 cubic feet maximum cargo capacity
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
The Competition
Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Subaru BRZ (pictured), Scion FR-S
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
What We Like
Michael: I liked almost everything about the Genesis Coupe. Seriously, this car is H. O. T. The 3.8L V6 engine is especially nice, getting to 60 MPH from a standstill in just over 5 seconds. I still get tingles up my spine every time I think about the growl it produced when I revved.
I'm also a fan of the design. The big grille may turn off some folks, but I think it gives it a mean, defined profile that's going to make a statement on the road.
Autoblog: Longtime followers of the Genesis Coupe will be happy to know the six-speed manual transmissions in both applications have been hugely improved. Likewise, the new eight-speed automatic transmission does a smart enough job of swapping cogs for you if that's your bag. Wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow the driver to click through gears quick enough, though don't expect to be able to hold a gear all the way to the rev limiter.
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
What We Don't Like
Michael: There isn't too much that I don't like about this car. Some of you more hardcore enthusiasts may find complaints on the track regarding the 2.0-turbo engine (see below) and the brakes, which do suffer from an iffy pedal (you really have to push to get the action you want). But for tearing around roads in a street-legal fashion, these issues aren't nearly as pronounced.
Autoblog: While the leather-wrapped steering wheel looks right at home in a sports car, steering feel is still a bit too numb for our tastes. Turn the nose toward a track, and other issues rear their head. Despite building torque at an admirably low 2,000 rpm, the turbocharged four-cylinder takes its sweet time arriving at full thrust. Don't get us wrong, the twin scroll turbo has significantly diminished lag, but if you want to be quickest out of every apex, you'd better not let the tachometer fall too far south.
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- Image Credit: Autoblog
Bottom Line
I'm a big fan of this car. It's a legitimate performance vehicle that comes at the price of a midsize sedan. Is it as good as an M3 or G37, which the Genesis Coupe seems to be designed after? Not quite. But this car offers some serious bang for your buck. And for that reason, I vehemently approve.
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