Hyundai Introduces Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

We're big fans of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe here at CarThrottle. When our writer Tony reviewed it this March, he came away impressed with the car's looks, performance, and refinement.  In just 2 short years the Genesis Coupe has become a major player in the affordable performance market, and for 2010 it's going to get even better.

Those familiar with the GenCoupe lineup know all about the Spec-R.  The deal with options on the Genesis goes like this: there's a base model, then an "uplevel" model with things like automatic headlights and climate control, leather seats, a crazy stereo, etc.  At the top of the range is the track model, which has all those goodies plus stuff that matters like a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, stiffer suspension, and sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires.  Last year, Hyundai rolled out the Genesis Coupe 2.0T Spec-R, which includes all those important performance upgrades without all the luxury accoutrement you don't really need - a package for track rats and people that would rather go fast than marvel at their windshield wipers turning themselves on when it starts to rain.

For 2011, Hyundai has made some minor improvements to the basic Genesis, and added a new package: the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec.  It has the same performance equipment as the normal Spec R, but instead of the weak 2.0L Turbo motor that was the sole choice previously, it's stuffed with Hyundai's impressive 3.8L 24v V6.

The R-Spec list of changes is a pretty impressive one.  The engine and powertrain remain the same, but the suspension, braking, and other things are revised.  There are higher spring rates, stiffer dampers, thicker strut bars front and rear, and a front strut tower brace to make the R-Spec corner like it should, but the neatest thing about the suspension are the standard adjustable front camber plates and bolts - so you can dial in more negative camber for sharper turn-in while you're on the track, then put it back so you don't eat tires on the road.  The R-Spec rolls on beefy Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's in staggered sizes, 225/40/19 front and 245/40/19 rear on R-Spec specific alloy wheels.  RE050A's are what I refer to as "cheater OEM" tires, meaning they stick like glue but have a DOT treadwear rating of 140 - the DOT minimum for a street tire.  I guess that means you'll be fitting Pirelli PZero Rosso's in 6 months?  There's also a Torsen-type limited slip differential in the rear to make sure all 306bhp and 266lb-ft of torque from the snarling V6 reach the ground and rocket you out of a corner pointing the right way.

On the "whoa" side of things, the R-Spec comes with Brembo brakes at all four corners, 13.4" front and 13.0" rear with four-piston calipers all around.  There's also a bunch of things Hyundai leaves out on the R-Spec to, and I qoute, "reduce weight, complexity, and cost."  See why I love this brand?  You don't get: automatic headlights, cruise control, automatic climate control, fancy shiny plastic trim, the option of an automatic transmission, or a kitchen sink.

On the other side of the GenCoupe equation, the interior has seen a series of refinements for 2011 to make it a nicer place to spend time.  There's matte finish soft touch plastic everywhere (which, if it's like VW's, will have chipped off in 3 years), padded armrests, cloth-wrapped A-pillars, a nicer steering wheel, and a few other minor things.  I've got to say, with the available satnav touchscreen, the Genesis Coupe interior is looking a lot less low-rent than it was last year.  So, I've pretty much run out of things to complain about.  As if I had much in the first place.  Pricing or market availability has not yet been announced, but stay tuned.  The R-Spec 3.8 should come in somewhere around the price of a mid-level 3.8, making it perhaps the most fun and best deal of the whole lineup.