2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

csv8 · 20-07-2010, 10:23 AM

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
By Brett Davis | July 16th, 2010

Just so it’s clear, this car won’t be coming to Australia, but we wish it would. Why? Because the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is the perfect car to really pound home Hyundai’s competitive edge when it comes to making decent products, and it really expresses their concern for making exciting cars that are reasonably priced.

The new Genesis R-Spec is powered by the same, 228kW, 3.8-litre V6 that’s in the normal Genesis Coupe, but the power is sent to the rear wheels via a proper Torsen-clutch limited-slip differential. The car also sees the addition of new 19 inch wheels, 13.4 inch Brembo brakes and stiffened suspension with adjustable camber settings.

Inside, there’s new bucket seats covered in black leather with optional red cloth inserts. There’s also a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, iPod-ready audio package and a six-speed gearbox as per usual Genesis Coupe specification. The R-Spec doesn’t come with cruise control, automatic headlights or wood/metalgrain interior inserts though as these items are said to increase unnecessary weight.

With a power-to-ratio that betters a BMW 335i’s, it truly could be an affordable performance car. We can only hope Hyundai Australia one day announces a down under release, but unfortunately there has been no plans for any right-hand drive versions to be made.

**Professor Farnsworth** · 20-07-2010, 10:26 AM

no cruise control due to weight? come on now.

Seduce XR6 · 20-07-2010, 10:29 AM

Nice looking car & decent performance, but think you may find the handling is not that good when compared to many others of the same types or prices as this is not a cheap car & has been around for awhile already in other countries such as America.
The v6 is heavy & as an effect causes vehicle to have much understeer when pushed hard through corners.
Is also a 4 turbo version which handles better, well there was back a year or so ago when I was reading about it.
You sure seem to like Hyundai in your praise for them.

csv8 · 20-07-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seduce XR6

Nice looking car & decent performance, but think you may find the handling is not that good when compared to many others of the same types or prices as this is not a cheap car & has been around for awhile already in other countries such as America.
The v6 is heavy & as an effect causes vehicle to have much understeer when pushed hard through corners.
Is also a 4 turbo version which handles better, well there was back a year or so ago when I was reading about it.
You sure seem to like Hyundai in your praise for them.

Do you mean me ? or the reporter ? I get annoyed that FORD Aus won't take a gamble and bring in cars like the Focus RS, Raptor etc. I know Hyundai aren't bringing this is in but one day they might. Its good to keep up with the competition. What if Holden release a twin turbo Commy ??? thats rumoured. Ford Aus will again be left behind. !!! FORD Aus are too cautious.. Diesel Terry should have been here years ago. Liquid LPG like wise. Nothing ventured nothing gained, as the saying goes.

flappist · 20-07-2010, 10:41 AM

It can't come here, the steering wheel is on the passenger side

barra240t · 20-07-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

no cruise control due to weight? come on now.

At least it's an excuse, I don't think we have one for Focus XR5!

AWD Chaser · 20-07-2010, 11:28 AM

And it's got the same engine as my car!!! hahaha

XR Martin · 20-07-2010, 11:34 AM

Wonder how it compares to price with a V6 Mustang

SteveJH · 20-07-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barra240t

At least it's an excuse, I don't think we have one for Focus XR5!

Wasn't the excuse "Its a hot hatch/sports car, and drivers of these cars don't want cruise control"?

Could you fit cruise control from another trim level of focus?

csv8 · 20-07-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Wonder how it compares to price with a V6 Mustang

2011 pricing not released but 2010 pricing
We’ve already covered the Genesis coupe’s many trim levels—which number five and are spread across two engine choices—and now Hyundai has announced pricing for its rear-wheel-drive two-door. In short, the basest base car (still well-equipped, it should be noted) starts at $22,750 and V-6 power has an entry price of $25,750. A top-spec V-6 Track automatic is the most expensive Genesis coupe, starting at $31,750.

To recap, the Genesis coupe 2.0T uses a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and can be had in base, Premium, Track, and R-Spec trims. The appropriately named 3.8 gets a 3.8-liter V-6 packing 306 hp in base, Grand Touring, and Track models. Four-cylinder cars come with either a six-speed manual or five-speed auto, while the V-6 is paired with the six-speed stick or a six-speed auto.

Pricing and Build Details

The base V6 Mustang will cost you $22,995, while the well equipped V6 Premium will set you back $26,695.
Ford says the 2011 V6 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7L V6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

The Mustang V6 is $5k cheaper

flappist · 20-07-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Wasn't the excuse "Its a hot hatch/sports car, and drivers of these cars don't want cruise control"?

Could you fit cruise control from another trim level of focus?

In the 21st century where speed cameras are a profit centre not having cruise control is a huge negative.

Nissan found this out the hard way with their 200SX and several of the 4WD models.

irlewy86 · 20-07-2010, 12:27 PM

If not having cruise control is a weight saving (read: cost saving) that must mean the Hyundai still has a mechanical linkage to the throttle body..... old school.

XR Martin · 20-07-2010, 01:27 PM

I owned a 1983 626 that had factory cruise, I find it a bit strange that nearly 30 years later its still not standard on everything.

Matt47569 · 20-07-2010, 07:40 PM

isnt cruise control essentially a computer chip and a button? can't be that heavy really..

CFOUR · 20-07-2010, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Wonder how it compares to price with a V6 Mustang

This was actually designed as a mustang killer and there working on a v8 model due out 2012 also.

tranquilized · 20-07-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveJH

Wasn't the excuse "Its a hot hatch/sports car, and drivers of these cars don't want cruise control"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

In the 21st century where speed cameras are a profit centre not having cruise control is a huge negative.

Dont I know it!! Driving my brothers XR5 a few weeks ago I got photographed doing 108 on the Westgate freeway. XR5's need cruise control, hot hatch or not!

As for the Hyundai, the omission of cruise control seems more to save money for the company rather than weight for the customer.

tranquilized · 20-07-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Wonder how it compares to price with a V6 Mustang

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFOUR

This was actually designed as a mustang killer and there working on a v8 model due out 2012 also.

And apparently its succeeded. Motor Trend compared the Hyundai with the V6 Mustang, V6 Camaro, and V6 Challenger. Hyundai came out on top, narrowly beating the Mustang. Challenger came last.

A few quotes on the Genesis;

"The only one that looks and feels like a sports car. Surprise, we like it best"
"The Genesis feels milled from a solid billit of aluminium alloy. It has that feeling of lightness and stiffness that just makes everything else seem to work better..."

Base prices in the US;
Mustang US$22,995
Genesis US$25,750