Usually when a car company introduces a special model it’s about adding content. Not so with the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Hyundai has removed standard equipment including Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls.
On the other hand, Hyundai has added a list of features including performance suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish aluminum wheels with summer performance tires, Brembo brakes and a Torsen limited slip differential.
The objective is simple. Give “true enthusiasts” a blank slate for high performance use and even modification, lowering weight—although Hyundai doesn’t say how much—but more importantly, lowering the price of the 2.0T Track trim level by $3,000 from 26,750. You can get a Hyundai Genesis Coupe for less. The base 2.0T lsits for $22,000. But it doesn’t have quite the impressive list of equipment of the R-Spec.
While Genesis Coupe R-Spec, as introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, is available only with the 2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable valve timing, rated at 210-hp, the stripped for action R-Spec comes with an impressive list of equipment:
· 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
· Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
· 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
· Brembo® braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
· Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front strut brace)
· Torsen-type limited-slip differential
· Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System
· Front, side, side air curtain air bags
· Active front head restraints
· Driver’s lumbar support
· Air conditioning
· Remote keyless entry system
· Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
· Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
· AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
· iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
· Projector beam headlamps
· Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
It’s not available with an automatic transmission, by the way, and were it left to us, the fancy radio would go—or at least traded in for cruise control for that transit to the track. The remote keyless entry and the power windows and door locks would be in serious jeopardy as well, though devising hand-crank windows would probably cost more than just leaving the power windows in place, especially for what is likely to be a relatively small demand model.
We admit to being curious about the business model for the Genesis Coupe R-Spec--they don't exactly give away Brembo disc brakes and Torsen limited-slip differentials--but a Hyundai spokesman assured us that the company has found a way to make money on each one.The only thing left then is to chose a color: Karussel White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. Not that it matters, though, because that money saved is going into custom paint, right?
Illustration: Top, Hyudai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec badge; bottom,
The 2010 Genesis Coupe will be arriving at dealerships in late February with prices ranging from $22,000 for the Genesis Coupe 2.0T with the six-speed manual and for the Genesis Coupe 3.8 with the ZF 6-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. The $23,750 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec will be available in a "mid-2010 model year" introduction.
Illustrations: Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec badge; Bottom, 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. Photos of 2.0T R-spec not available at publication, but will be added when the do become available. Illustrations courtesy Hyndai.
