2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring
Vital Stats
Engine: 3.8 liter V6 (306HP/266TQ)
Drivetrain Layout: Front engine/Rear wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Seating Capacity: 4 Passengers
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city/30 highway
Base MSRP $30,000 + $750 (destination charge)
Recommended Options: Floor and Cargo Mats ($185), iPod Cable ($35)
The Basics
This vehicle represents part two of the Hyundai’s image revitalization in the US. In Europe, and (of course) in Korea, the Hyundai’s brand name is very strong. However, Hyundai has had less than an ideal image in the US market… and it’s fully understandable – i.e. Pony Excel?
Setting the history of Hyundai Motors in America aside, the Genesis Coupe is a very, very solid attempt at a personal sports coupe. Style-wise it sets its target straight at the Infiniti G37, and it is a gawdy $20k less than a 3-series BMW. So the question is can you pay $10k, $20k extra for these premium vehicles and live with yourself?
Highs: Exceptional value proposition, solid driving feel, smooth engine, high design execution
Lows: Interior suffers the same illness of the previous generation Infiniti G35 Coupe, slow shifting transmission
Exterior (Tae – 9, Ilya – 
Hyundai set the Infiniti’s previous G35 Coupe as a benchmark and tried to make improvements wherever they saw fit. Infiniti did basically the same, hence the two vehicles’ similarity. If you prefer the classic flowing lines, you’ll lean toward the Infiniti… and if you like a more progressive design, you’ll take the Hyundai.
Interior (Tae – 6.5, Ilya – 6.5)
If they have done the same thing they did on the Genesis Sedan, then this car would be an absolute home run. However, the Genesis Coupe is marketed toward a younger audience at a lower price point – which translates into… cheap plastic! Mainly, the silver tone painted center stack is the big culprit. The Grand Touring trim specific brown leather upholstery is of high quality, but the dashboard and door panels are about average.
Drivetrain (Tae – 7.5, Ilya – 7)
The engine is pretty much the same one that’s found in the Genesis Sedan (ie luxury class), so it’s super smooth with plenty of mid-range grunt. It does run out of steam toward the high-end. The transmission is a little bit of a disappointment. Hyundai’s engineers must be using the software they using on the Genesis Sedan, or they designed it with a overly aggressive ‘fail safe’ mode. You click on the paddle shifter, and… you wait for the shift to come. The up-shift is slow by today’s standards.
The 6-speed manual, while crisp, feels notchy and heavy. Also, the clutch pedal takes quite some work to get used to. Pressing the clutch takes the strength of a strongman, while letting off involves having the reflexes of the Speedy Gonzalez.
Performance (Tae – 8, Ilya –
This car is plenty quick! With 0-60 times under 6 seconds, it is slightly slower than the G37 Coupe we’ve tested. We think it’s mainly the transmission that’s slowing down the sprint times. When you toss this car side-to-side, it is pretty comparable to the G37 – but not quite as sharp as a BMW 335i Coupe with Sport Package, per se. With some aftermarket upgrades, the Genesis Coupe might become a very fun car.
Ride Quality (Tae – 8, Ilya – 8)
Not too many complaints here, although expansion cracks in the road will transfer into the cabin a little more than the Infiniti or BMW. Also the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels seem as if it’s a tiny downgrade from those two competing vehicles mentioned.
Technology (Tae – 7.5, Ilya – 7.5)
Since we did not get to test the model with Navigation System, we can tell you that the Infinity Audio System does indeed sound better than the Infiniti’s Bose Audio system at normal listening levels. The premium features such as keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, power moonroof, and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity are all present. So are all the standard electronic nannys are on-board like Traction Control System, Stability Control, etc…
Value (Tae – 9.5, Ilya – 9)
The tested car comes at a tick over $31k. The standard equipment list is so long on the Grand Touring model, that there is no option packages – only a few accessories are available from your dealer. For a similar offering at a Infiniti dealership, you will spend about $13k more… add another $8k, and you can buy yourself a BMW 335i Coupe.
Overall (Tae – 8.5, Ilya – 8.5)
The Genesis (both Coupe and Sedan) offerings from Hyundai are just stellar, and just might be compelling enough for non-believers to convert. Only time will tell… but from the market reaction, the Hyundai dealers are already having hard time keeping the Genesis Coupe 2.0T models in stock.
Can you swallow your pride and walk into a Hyundai dealership? If you can, this is one hell of a car!
-KF