Someone at Hyundai is listening to self-improvement tapes, or it at least seems so. Every day in every way, Hyundai products keep getting better and better—especially the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec.
When first introduced for the 2010 model year, there was a lot of interest surrounding the new Genesis Coupe. For the enthusiast, affordable rear-wheel-drive coupes are few and far between, and any new player in the market was welcome.
Replacing the sporty and stylish front-wheel-drive Tiburon, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe was extremely handsome, with good performance and an affordable price. But those self-help tapes must have kicked in, because three years on, the 2013 Genesis Coupe is a major step up, with enhanced looks, performance, and serious bang for the buck.
Available in six trim levels—2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring, and 3.8 Track—a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powers the first three models, and a normally-aspirated 3.8-liter V6 is fitted in the latter three. There’s a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe for every budget. We tested the mid-range 3.8 R-Spec.
The 3.8 R-Spec is the most affordable 3.8 model, and it shows Hyundai’s commitment to making the Coupe a sporty car and not just some pretender. First of all, it’s gorgeous. A refreshed and aggressive front and rear fascia featuring LED lights give some added menace. Crouched over meaty 19-inch alloy wheels, our Gran Premio Gray tester with contrasting red interior was simply stunning.
This is no poser, and Hyundai has considerably upped the ante for the 2013 model. Tops on the list, the 3.8-liter V6 jumps from 306 to 348 hp, and also adds 29 lb.-ft. of torque—now at 295—making it an impressively powerful choice. The Genesis Coupe also gets a revised suspension for better ride and control, quicker steering, and improved shifter feel for the 6-speed manual. Worth noting, available on non R-Spec models is a new 8-speed automatic. A nice compromise if you want quick performance but have to live with a lot of stop-and-go.
We’ll take the manual-only 3.8 R-Spec, thanks. All the goodies make it a road rocket in the first order. Acceleration is fierce, with 0-60 coming in just over five seconds, and it sounds terrific, too. The ride is commendably good considering how well the suspension sticks to the curves—thanks in part to a Torsen limited slip differential—and the Brembo brakes haul you down in a hurry. Quick and powerful, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec still feels more GT-composed than sports car-raw, but we think most buyers will enjoy that livability day-in and day out.
Livability is enhanced by the Genesis Coupe’s beautiful cabin. We were knocked out by the two-tone red and black interior, and very supportive front sport bucket seats. We also loved the R-Spec’s three additional gauges housed in the center stack—very racecar-esque. A nice touch, the 2013 3.8 R-Spec model adds a telescoping steering wheel, which makes it much easier to get comfortable. If we have one complaint, it’s that the R-spec is unavailable with cruise control. With 348 willing horses on tap, it would be nice to have a little help in restraining those evil impulses every once in awhile!
Best of all, the 2013 Genesis Coupe is affordable. The 2.0T model starts at just $24,250, while our 3.8 R-Spec came in at just $28,750. That’s a lot of bang for the buck. With either engine choice, you can add the luxuries, technologies, and make what you want out of your Genesis Coupe. We’d choose wisely, with the great looks, performance and Hyundai’s 10-year warranty, the Coupe is something you’ll enjoy holding onto for a very long time. After our time test-driving the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec, we had trouble letting go. www.hyundaiusa.com
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