2008 New York Auto Show: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Tennessee

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• What's New - With sharp looks, plenty of power and panache, the Genesis Coupe is the latest version of the coming-soon Genesis Sedan.
• Why it Matters - If you want to have some fun on the way to the office and don't need much room for packages or people, the Genesis Coupe may be an exciting, affordable and smart alternative.

Introduction

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Preview - 2008 New York Auto Show: You know Hyundai. They're the guys who started out with cheap cars like the Excel and yet, despite fierce odds, slowly built a reputation for quality cars and SUVs, cars that were affordable, reliable and came with a great warranty.

Yawn.
Don't blame Hyundai for being so good at its mission, but most of the time they haven't exactly set the enthusiast world on fire - or even the crowd that likes to have some driving fun. The debut of the Genesis sedan, a much-anticipated moment in terms of launching Hyundai's V-8 power, fizzled a bit thanks to a mainstream design, but that changes today. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a sexy rear-drive party for two that will have competitors sharpening pencils and car buyers drooling over the prospect of a test drive.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Notable Features

Three trims will be available for sale: the base GS with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electronic stability control and traction control, airbags all around and standard Bluetooth capability. Next up is the GT, with a naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter V-6. The GT also adds chrome interior/exterior accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The top model, the SE, offers either engine with standard features such as HID headlights, leather-trimmed seats, Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned suspension. Optional on the SE is a limited slip differential. Reports on the Web indicate that pricing will start at just under $20,000 and top out at over $25,000.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Under the Hood

Two engines will be available in the Genesis Coupe. The first is 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an output of 212 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 217 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. The second will be powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine pushing 306 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 263 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. Three transmissions are offered; the six-speed manual for all engines, a five-speed automatic mated to the four-cylinder, and a six-speed auto connected to the V-6. The suspension is a MacPherson strut dual-link setup with a five-link rear. Steering is handled via an rpm sensing rack-and-pinion system.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Design

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is perhaps the most sparkling example of design to come out of Hyundai's Irvine-based design center. You could call it professional excitement, because while its lines are aggressive and sporty, they blend well together. It's fair to claim that, from the show floor, the Genesis Coupe looks like it comes from a luxury brand. Consider, for example, the rear haunches blend nicely into the rear integrated spoiler, and the rear hatch window looks to offer plenty of visibility. Insider, it's easy to tell that the seats are nicely bolstered and will offering plenty of support. Instruments seem simply designed and logically placed. Front seat room feels acceptable, though back seat legroom looks slightly compromised.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Competitors

With three models that spread out across a wide array of features, the Genesis Coupe should compete against the likes of mainstream coupes and perhaps one or two luxury units. For example, likely competitors are the Honda Accord, Mini Cooper, Nissan Altima, and more. It's a shame, really, that Toyota doesn't offer up a true competitor.

By Brian Chee
Photo credit: Oliver Bentley, Hyundai Motors America