By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
For 2013, the refreshed Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track A/T 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 designs with deeper dimensional sculpting. The rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination and new contours. The traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions remain, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs producing a classic wedge-like profile.
The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine adds sophisticated direct-injection technology, adding 42 horsepower and 29 lb.-ft of torque. Peak horsepower rises to 348 at 6,400 RPM, with peak torque increasing to 295 lb.-ft. at 5,300 RPM on premium fuel. In addition, lambda-engine anti-knock technology gives this V6 the versatility to run on regular fuel. This new direct-injected engine will easily propel the Genesis Coupe from zero to 60 mph in the lower five-second range on its way to an impressive 149 mph electronically-limited top speed. The Lambda V6 intake system also now employs an intake sound induction pipe into the cabin to ensure this engine’s aural character matches its visceral appeal.
To further broaden the power band, the 3.8-liter engine uses Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System that helps cylinders breathe most efficiently at both low and high RPM. The combination of high-pressure, precisely-metered direct injection with efficient cylinder breathing results in outstanding throttle response and off-the-line acceleration coupled with remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency and features durable, quiet timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.
The 3.8-liter Lambda engine now offers an in-house-developed eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC manual-shifting capability. Each transmission has been specifically tuned to match its engine’s unique power and torque curve characteristics. In addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the selected gear at all times.
Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe that is lighter and stronger than a comparable multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 19-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are fitted.
While all Genesis Coupe models offer a true rear-drive sport driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe Track models raise the bar even higher with differentiated, track-tuned suspension calibrations. The suspension features both firmer front spring rates and rear spring rates, with matched damper rates. The Genesis Coupe Track model also delivers a significant increase in roll control over other versions of the Genesis Coupe via thicker stabilizer bars.
All Track 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 adjustment 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 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track interior has been enhanced with distinctive, upscale features and design cues. The instrument panel crash pad features a stitched-seam appearance for a distinctly upscale look, and the parking brake lever is leather-wrapped.
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. The Blue Link platform is available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium trim levels. Blue Link can be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror inside the Genesis Coupe. 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.
Overall, the 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track A/T is a joy to drive, it offers upgraded features and track worthy performance, Hyundai has taken its already potent Genesis Coupe and turned it into one of the most affordable performance cars on sale today.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $34,250.00, the EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
