Hyundai Genesis Coupe -- Hyundai's first foray into the rear-drive sports coupe market - hit the streets. Could the plucky Korean upstart really take on the established ponycar heavyweights? Turns out, the answer was yes.
Back in 2010, we pitted the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track against V-6 powered versions of the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. The Genesis Coupe came in first thanks to "driver-focused sensations from behind the wheel" that made it "the only one that felt like a genuine sports car." Now, with more power and a host of other upgrades, the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe on display at the 2012 Detroit auto show is poised to once again take on the big boys in the segment.
Under the hood, the 2013 Genesis Coupe's engines have been heavily revised to deliver significantly more horsepower and torque and -- you guessed it -- improved fuel efficiency to boot. The 2.0-liter turbocharged mill was fitted with a new twin-scroll turbocharger and larger, more efficient intercooler that helps boost output to 274 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque -- up 64 and 52 respectively over the outgoing engine. The turbo retains port fuel injection instead of the direct-injection system on the Sonata turbo in an effort to make the model more "tuner-friendly," although Hyundai representatives point out that tuning may void the warranty. So tune at your own risk.
News for the 3.8-liter V-6 is the addition of direct injection, which helps increase power by 42 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque to new peaks of 348 and 295 respectively on premium fuel. Thanks to knock sensors, both engines are able to run on regular unleaded, albeit with a small power deficit.
Hyundai claims the increased power will help the Genesis Coupe 3.8 reach 60 mph in the low 5-second range on to a top speed of 149 mph, with a power-to-weight ratio of 10 pounds per horsepower -- better than the pricier Infiniti G37 Coupe and BMW 335i Coupe. The Genesis Coupe 2.0T's power surge lowers its power-to-ratio to 12.3 pounds per horsepower, besting the Honda Civic Si Coupe and upcoming Scion FR-S. Although no 0-60 mph estimates were given, thanks to its generous 30 percent increase in power, it's safe to assume it will easily best the outgoing car's mid-to-high-6-second times.R-Spec and Track models come with a Torsen limited-slip differential, and all models come with dual exhaust. V-6 powered Coupes have a 56:44 front-to-rear weight balance, while the turbo four-cylinder cars have a slightly better 55:45 ratio.
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