2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-SPEC

By Mauricio Lezcano  / carsntravel.com

Hyundai’s rear drive sport coup receives more powerful powertrain technologies, more aggressive design, upscale interior refinement and blue link telematics.

The refreshed Genesis Coupe strikes a more menacing demeanor, with an aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and hood with heat extractor cues. The side view reveals new, aggressive 19-inch alloy wheel design with deeper dimensional sculpting. The rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination and new contours; traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions remain, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs producing a classic wedge-like profile.

Under the hood the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder substitutes a new twin-scroll design for its turbocharger in addition to a larger intercooler with enhanced thermal efficiency.  This Turbocharged engine also benefits from Dual CVVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts.  The 2.0-liter turbo now generates 274 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft of torque on premium fuel.

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a true rear-drive sport driving experience, the high performance Genesis Coupe R-Spec models raise the bar even higher with differentiated, track-tuned suspension calibrations. The suspension features both firmer front spring rates and rear spring rate, with matched damper rates.

In addition, all R-Spec models now receive front strut camber adjustment bolts that can be easily installed in the front strut assembly at their owner’s discretion. These camber adjustments bolts allow approximately -1.5 degrees of negative front camber adjustment for sharper, more responsive apex turn-in and significant understeer reduction in competitive events.

The 2.0-liter twin scroll turbo engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission which has been extensively refined to provide more driver-friendly shift gating and balanced weighting precision. The clutch take up, feel, and engagement characteristics also have been refined for optimum shifting ease and feel.

Genesis Coupe interior has been enhanced with distinctive, upscale features and design cues. The instrument cluster now features an electroluminescent gauge cluster for premium ambience and superior readability. A new driver-side rear seat walk in assist function has been added for more convenient rear seat access from the driver’s side.

Hyundai Blue Link telematics is available on 2013 Genesis Coupe with a 90-day complimentary trial period. Blue Link combines safety; service and infotainment into a complete package that works to both help simplify Hyundai owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue  Link brings that seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, Point of Interest web search download, turn by turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting.

The 2013 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

In a nod to enthusiast, 2013 Genesis Coupe now offers a specially-tuned three-stage driver selectable ESC mode. This new three-stage ESC function offers more options for various driver preferences and road conditions, Full-on ESC function default on start-up, Intermediate ESC function with driver powertrain override control and retained ESC/TCS braking function and Full-off ESC function for uninhibited driver vehicle control in all conditions.

The driver-selectable full-off ESC mode has been calibrated to provide drivers with larger performance envelope should they choose to participate in competitive events such as autocrosses or track days. The anti-lock braking system functions remains fully functional in all ESC modes to help drivers maintain steering control under adverse braking conditions.

Overall, the Genesis Coupe is a joy to drive, Hyundai has taken its already potent Genesis Coupe and turned it into one of the most affordable performance cars on sale today, considering the significant upgrades the car looks better inside and out, the power is impressive and the driving dynamics have been improved.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $26,500.00, the EPA fuel economy estimates 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Hyundai.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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