Hyundai has always been known as a world class car manufacturer that has been giving top notch products at a fraction of the expected price. They have produced all kinds of cars: from compacts, to family cars, to SUVs, to luxury vehicles. But most enthusiasts are left off guard when Hyundai decided to make a sports car. A sports car? Exactly. But it turns out; Hyundai doesn’t just want to make a sports car. They want to make a world-class sports car. And the end result is the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is all business. It makes its message heard, even at first glance. This 2 door coupe is aggressively styled, seemingly ready to take on anyone in its path. And if the car’s shape isn’t enough indication of its intentions, its rear-wheel drive configuration perhaps will be. Still, it is designed to be reliable enough to be used as a daily driver, and with a price tag that is very low compared to the competition, it has “buy me” and written all over it.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Coupe | Base Price: $22,250.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) | MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 182.3 in. (463 cm) | Width: 73.4 in. (186 cm) |
| Height: 54.5 in. (138 cm) | Wheel Base: 111.0 in. (281 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3294 lbs (1494 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 4 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC w/ Dual CVVT 4 Cylinder Turbo | Displacement: 2.0 liter |
| Horsepower: 210 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 223 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds* | 1/4 Mile: 13.3 seconds* |
*based on Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8L R-Spec
| Option:Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6 | MSRP: $26,750; MPG: 17 city / 26 hwy |
Performance
Of course, in a car such as this, the first thing that is going to be scrutinized is its performance. After all, this is considered to be a legit sports car. And the engine options sure scream ready to take on just about any sports car on the market, affordable or otherwise. The base engine used for this car is a turbocharged 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine capable of producing a healthy 210 horsepower and 223 lb/ft of torque. And if you think that’s not good enough, a second engine offering is the 3.8 liter V6 engine capable of producing 306 horses and 266 lb/ft of torque.
On paper, that is a lot of engine strength, especially considering the price. A 6 speed manual transmission is standard for all engines, though a 5 speed automatic is optional for the 2.0 and a 6 speed automatic is optional for the 3.8. Test numbers seem promising: a zero-to-100 dash is accomplished within 5.5 seconds. In addition, the suspension is nicely balanced: it is confidence inspiring on the track while being civilized enough on the road. An upgraded suspension is optional for the more upscale Genesis Coupe offerings.
Inside, Out
As for the looks of the car, it is very sporty and gained generally positive reviews. Its stance is very sporty, and the lines are all well placed. However, in a coincidence that may work in favor or against it, its more often than not compared to the Infiniti G Sedan (MSRP $32,000; 20 city / 29 hwy). Sure, it looks are very much of a contender, but at the cost of being like a pretender. As for the interior, the seats are great and properly bolstered, and the trim is something that you would expect in a higher scale vehicle. And to ensure safety of the occupants, the Genesis coupe is equipped with safety gizmos such as traction control, brake force distribution, and an armada of airbags.
Pros & Cons
So based on this, what are the strong points of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe? The first strong point is this. It is a legitimate sports car. People that underestimate its racing capability could get toasted on the track. Another advantage working for it is its value for money. With a price so affordable, it gives much more expensive offerings a run for their money. However, there are weaknesses in this car too. Its looks, while impressive, is deemed some to lack in character. In addition, its practicality takes a hit when considering that the back seat lacks headroom and the trunk is very small.
All in all, what we can say is that the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a successful attempt in putting Hyundai in the sports car map. Sporty yet affordable, it can give its competition a serious run for its money.
Overall Rating
72 out of 100
What others say:
“For road or track, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of the best performance values on the market.”Car Connection
“All Genesis Coupes are nimble and well-balanced, with good grip and minimal body lean in turns. ”Consumer Guide
“Sharp handling; spirited performance; livable ride quality; sporty cabin design; strong four-cylinder fuel economy; good value.”Edmunds
“In all cases, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one fun, stylish ride.”KBB
