2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

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As we revealed in our March 2008 issue, Hyundai opens a new chapter in automotive history this summer when it begins selling its first V - 8 - powered, rear - drive sedan - the appropriately named Genesis.

Naturally, a rear - drive Genesis sedan begets a rear - drive Genesis coupe - and from the appearance of things, this two - door could be just as much of a revelation as its four - door forebear. Why? Just take a look at who it ' s targeting. jalstin13.blogspot.com

According to Hyundai, the short list of Genesis coupe competitors includes the Infiniti G37, BMW 335i coupe, Ford Mustang GT, Mazda RX - 8, and Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, though a comparison of specs reveals the G37 matters most.

Dimensionally, Hyundai apes Infiniti in all key external measurements. At 182. 3 inches long with a 111. 0 - inch wheelbase, the Genesis coupe is shorter by 1. 2 inches between the wheels and 0. 8 inch overall. With a width of 73. 4 inches and height of 54. 3, the Genesis coupe is 1. 6 inches broader and 0. 5 lower.

Curb weight is close as well - a claimed 3550 pounds in base V - 6 configuration makes it about 65 pounds lighter than the G37. Engine specs and output are also in the ballpark; Hyundai claims the coupe ' s all - aluminum, 24 - valve 3. 8 - liter V - 6 makes 310 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 263 pound - feet of torque at 4700. Both figures are less than the 330 horses at 7000 rpm and 270 pound - feet of at 5200 rpm the G37 ' s 3. 7 - liter V - 6 makes, but note the Genesis ' s rpm advantage. The G37 has a better weight - to - power ratio, 11. 0 versus 11. 6 pounds per horsepower, though the Genesis coupe is ahead of everyone else on the list, including the 335i coupe. More significant, Hyundai is certifying the Genesis coupe ( and sedan ) to run on premium or regular unleaded gasoline and lose only four horsepower in the process.
THE NOTCHED beltline at the rear side window and Z - shaped character line are two of the Genesis coupe ' s signature design details.

That goes for the turbocharged, inline - four - cylinder base engine as well. Yes, you read that right - at the 2008 New York auto show, Hyundai announced the entry - level Genesis coupe will be a tuner ' s dream come true.

The base coupe ' s 2. 0 - liter all - aluminum turbo four - cylinder is the fruit of the same Global Engineering Manufacturing Alliance that produced the 291 - horse, 2. 0 - liter turbo in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and 300 - horse, 2. 4 - liter turbo that powers the Dodge Caliber SRT - 4. Output from the north / south - oriented engine will be significantly less - 212 horses at 6000 rpm and 217 pound - feet of torque at 2500 rpm - to give buyers a reason to pick the V - 6. Hyundai did engineer some headroom for the tuning and drifting set; the blown and intercooled I - 4 features a low 9. 3: 1 compression and can take boost up to 29 psi. Like the V - 6, Hyundai is certifying the engine to run on regular or premium unleaded. With the latter, horsepower jumps to 223.

At 3450 pounds in base trim, four - cylinder Genesis coupes won ' t be light, but they still should be an attractive alternative for enthusiasts. Not since the Nissan 240SX has America had a rear - drive, four - cylinder coupe.