Hyundai Genesis R-coupe - $23,750

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/chicago-2009-hyundai-introduces-r-spec-genesis-coupe-for-enthus/

R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo® braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model

The list of omitted items doesn't look like it will save more than a few ounces of weight, but will cut cost.

No cruise control is ridiculous though. What is the point? Cruise is just software (OK, and a couple of interior switches) on cars with electronic throttles.

No way I'd buy a new car without cruise.

If it had some more power I might be interested, not too many rwd turbo 4's out there, brings back memories of the Mitsu Starion/Chrysler Conquest. Damn I loved those cars.

If it had some more power I might be interested, not too many rwd turbo 4's out there, brings back memories of the Mitsu Starion/Chrysler Conquest. Damn I loved those cars.

yeah those were pretty neat cars :) I still miss the AWD Turbo Eclipses from the mid 90s :o

No Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. I'll pass. It isn't worth killing resale to save 20 lbs.

Gen. X & Y love the high tech features. Baby boomers will not buy a stripped Hyundai. I don't know who they think is going to buy this package. I'd never buy a car with out cruise control.

I like it.

No Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. I'll pass. It isn't worth killing resale to save 20 lbs.

Gen. X & Y love the high tech features. Baby boomers will not buy a stripped Hyundai. I don't know who they think is going to buy this package. I'd never buy a car with out cruise control.

I don't think Baby Boomers are in the market for this type of car, anyway. Isn't this car targeted towards younger buyers? I look at a car's function first, then I look at the features.

But the things they are removing, like everyone said, remove a negligable amount of weight, but will cut costs. I could see if they removed some sound deadening material, used lighter seats, cheap/no sound system, etc....But looks like it will be a nice, all around handling car, that will be fairly cheap.

I suspect you will see so many of these things on the road, you'd barely be able to spit without hitting one.

Yes, a bit of an exaggeration, but consider a few items that will no doubt have young buyers putting a rush on Hyundai showrooms:

1. At $23K, it's price is a bulleye to such cars as the Cobalt SS, a well equpted Civis Si coupe, and the Altima coupe... not the cheapest of youthful beginer cars, but right at the price point where young guys with a decent job can easily afford.

2. It has similar styling as Infiniti's "G" coupes, at a very low price.

3. This setup has drifting written all over it.

4. It's probably the cheapest thing on the planet with Brembo 4 piston brakes, 19" rims and performance rubber, a AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system, standard.

5. The turbo engine in it was once called "Chrysler's World Engine"... it was a co-op between Chrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai. To get a feel for this engine's potential, take a gander of the SRT4 version in the Caliber. :bow:


Irony alert:
The turbo 4 in the Genesis coupe is made by GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Allience), and is primarily run by Chrysler, but is an independent company.

Guess where the engine's made?

Dundee, Michigan!

Yep... the car that's likely to become the next ricer rage.... has an engine that is manufactured by American workers in the USA.... and partly engineered by Chrysler!!! :lol:

http://www.gemaengine.com/

210hp? bah!

210hp? bah!

Just up the boost pressure a few lbs, and that 210 number goes up....Isn't the engine tuned conservatively from the factory?

No way I'd buy a new car without cruise.
:yes:

I don't think I'd buy a new car without steering wheel audio controls either. And if I were buying a purpose-built race car, it would most definitely not be a Genesis.

To get a feel for this engine's potential, take a gander of the SRT4 version in the Caliber. :bow:
I got to take a Caliber SRT4 for a drive about a month ago.

Faster than your average car, but ":bow:"? :no: Not even close. It's maybe as fast as a bone-stock '97-04 Grand Prix GTP.

:yes:

I don't think I'd buy a new car without steering wheel audio controls either. And if I were buying a purpose-built race car, it would most definitely not be a Genesis.

Leaving out cruise makes no sense, even from a cost perspective. Steering wheel radio controls a nice to have, and I have that in both my cars, but never use it. For resale value? Okay...

I got to take a Caliber SRT4 for a drive about a month ago.

Faster than your average car, but ":bow:"? :no: Not even close. It's maybe as fast as a bone-stock '97-04 Grand Prix GTP.

I think guionM's point is more of the overall potential of the engine. If the engine is the same as the SRT-4's engine, it will easily be able to handle a lot more boost, and respond well to mods. And I think the chassis in the Genesis is much stiffer, and more driver oriented than the caliber.

I got to take a Caliber SRT4 for a drive about a month ago.

Faster than your average car, but ":bow:"? :no: Not even close. It's maybe as fast as a bone-stock '97-04 Grand Prix GTP.

We're talking a a cheap $23K "economy car", not a loaded Pontiac.

A FWD Caliber isn't a RWD sports car, so taking one for a test spin isn't going to be representative of the engine in a Genisis coupe. I'm refering to the engine tuning potential..... at least 300 horsepower.... from a 4 banger!

Last I checked, Camaro LS1 produced only about 40 horsepower more.

No, it's doesn't have more horsepower than God, but it's highly impresive and a very good value IMO. :cool:

offer a "tune" or the V6 and i'd consider looking at it. this is my kind of car.


too bad the camaro won't come like this.

We're talking a a cheap $23K "economy car", not a loaded Pontiac.
I was using the GTP just as a frame of reference that would be familiar to a lot of people here.

A FWD Caliber isn't a RWD sports car, so taking one for a test spin isn't going to be representative of the engine in a Genisis coupe. I'm refering to the engine tuning potential..... at least 300 horsepower.... from a 4 banger!
I'm just talking about general acceleration performance. Not off the line grip or handling or anything like that. My point is that the 285hp Caliber offers underwhelming acceleration performance, especially compared to what I grew to expect from its predecessor. The Neon SRT4's prowess in stock form came from its low weight.

Last I checked, Camaro LS1 produced only about 40 horsepower more.
A minute ago you were talking about engine tuning potential. Double standard, anyone?

No, it's doesn't have more horsepower than God, but it's highly impresive and a very good value IMO. :cool:

I don't find it the least bit impressive, except in the context of what the Koreans were building ten years ago. Today, I expect Hyundai to build world-class cars for dirt-cheap prices, because that's what they've been up to for the past couple of years. It's cool that they're building a "track" version of the Genesis coupe, and I think it will be reasonably competitive. However, I don't find this version of the Genesis as compelling as I do a Camaro LS (let alone LT or SS), which is roughly the same price for the same sort of car (and with much better styling, IMO) in the same performance ballpark.

And the Camaro has cruise control. :)

....too bad the camaro won't come like this.

I concur :yes:

too bad the camaro won't come like this.

Having Cruise control, and the standard GM trip computer for MPG, trip miles, etc.. is too much for you.:think:

Having Cruise control, and the standard GM trip computer for MPG, trip miles, etc.. is too much for you.:think:

I can't argue with the appeal of having the Brembos and summer tires on larger wheels without having to pony up for an SS.

My Evo wasn't available with cruise control. Man that drove me nuts.

They have to do something about the power. I'm guessing they'll bump it up in the coming years to keep sales going. This is the same engine in the Evo thats close to 300hp.

I can't argue with the appeal of having the Brembos and summer tires on larger wheels without having to pony up for an SS.exactly. be a great package for V6 buyers.

My Evo wasn't available with cruise control. Man that drove me nuts.

They have to do something about the power. I'm guessing they'll bump it up in the coming years to keep sales going. This is the same engine in the Evo thats close to 300hp.

There's a 306 horsepower V6 available, too. The R-Spec is just the sportiest 2.0T. They'll probably bump both as time goes by.

I can do without all that junk....except cruise. I really like cruise.

Irony alert:
The turbo 4 in the Genesis coupe is made by GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Allience), and is primarily run by Chrysler, but is an independent company.

Guess where the engine's made?

Dundee, Michigan!

Yep... the car that's likely to become the next ricer rage.... has an engine that is manufactured by American workers in the USA.... and partly engineered by Chrysler!!! :lol:

http://www.gemaengine.com/

Where in Dundee? There's basically a river and the largest Bass Pro Shop I've ever seen with a water slide off of US-23. Maybe the engine facility was hidden behind or inside the Bass Pro Shop. :shrug:

I have bluetooth in my enclave... never getting another car without it. I also love the steering wheel controls.

It is interesting though to see everyone compare the 210 hp car with the 304 hp and complain. Even with the 3k break, it is still more than the expected price of the Camaro LS buy about 1k. The LS comes with 18in wheels, so I am not sure you need the 19's. Gets the brakes and tires and I think you have the same upgrades. You will have a difference in weight of about 400-500lbs.

This might attract some buyers, but I would rather have the Camaro.

1. At $23K, it's price is a bulleye to such cars as the Cobalt SS

Then why is it short 50 horsepower and nearly the same in torque?

The 300hp V6 only makes the same torque as the SS so the drivetrain should be able to handle it.

The old DSM cars were also rated at 210hp from their turbo 2L, but that was more than 10 years ago!

The car is rated at 210 on 87 octane and the engine is certified for 30 PSI of boost. Hyundai wants the aftermarket and tuners involved, and they are already lined up to oblige.

The car is rated at 210 on 87 octane and the engine is certified for 30 PSI of boost. Hyundai wants the aftermarket and tuners involved, and they are already lined up to oblige.

Seriously - this car has my attention. I almost don't even see the point of the v6 when the 2.0 is so BA.

The 2.0L is supposed to be capable of 27-30 pounds of boost & the bottom end is supposed to be capable of 500+ hp

not to mention it's rear wheel drive which should make it easy to work on

I figure only people who aren't into cars will get the v6..... plus they are supposed to have a v8 version out eventually.

Gm should take some notes.

I can't argue with the appeal of having the Brembos and summer tires on larger wheels without having to pony up for an SS.

Maybe those should be stand alone options. I don't think I'd give up all those options for better brakes on an entry level Camaro. Most people buying the small engine won't even appreciate the brakes.

The thing that amazes me about the Genesis is its V8 engine. Compare it to Mustang's 4.6L V8 and the Hyundai V8 trumps it easily. And I thought the small Ford V8 was, in relative terms, a 'good breathing' engine?

I got to take a Caliber SRT4 for a drive about a month ago.

Faster than your average car, but ":bow:"? :no: Not even close. It's maybe as fast as a bone-stock '97-04 Grand Prix GTP.

Did you run it around town or down the 1/4 mile?

Car and Driver got it to trap 103mph

Motor Trend went 14.2 sec @ 102.1 mph

That will burn the doors off a stock GTP. How fast do you think those cars are?

The old DSM cars were also rated at 210hp from their turbo 2L, but that was more than 10 years ago!

190, and 20 years ago! :D

Did you run it around town or down the 1/4 mile?

Car and Driver got it to trap 103mph

Motor Trend went 14.2 sec @ 102.1 mph

That will burn the doors off a stock GTP. How fast do you think those cars are?

AFAIK, the average GTP runs low-mid 14s at 95-97mph.

I drove the SRT4 on a straight, semi-rural two-lane road. Pulled out on to the street and ran it up to ~85 mph.

It felt faster than, say, my wife's Bonneville (noticeable but not a huge difference), but it was not as fast as the Neon SRT4 I drove a few years back. It wasn't as fast as my GN, and definitely not as fast as my Camaro (I didn't expect it to be; I'm just saying). And it definitely wasn't as fast as I expected or wanted it to be.

Maybe the one I drove was a dog...

The thing that amazes me about the Genesis is its V8 engine. Compare it to Mustang's 4.6L V8 and the Hyundai V8 trumps it easily. And I thought the small Ford V8 was, in relative terms, a 'good breathing' engine?

If by good breathing you mean like a kid with asthma. The stock 2v flows 166cfm stock. The 4vs are still only in the upper 200s. Also the small bore kills power. They are durable as hell though and can be made insane on boost or a very expensive N/A build.

If by good breathing you mean like a kid with asthma. The stock 2v flows 166cfm stock. The 4vs are still only in the upper 200s. Also the small bore kills power. They are durable as hell though and can be made insane on boost or a very expensive N/A build.

What do the 3v flow ? they seem to respond to mods... Especially boost, well.