by Jake HolmesThe Hyundai Genesis Coupe will enter model-year 2011 with a range of interior upgrades and a new, performance-focused 3.8 R-Spec trim. The interior revisions are geared toward creating a more upscale look, starting with chrome trim surrounds for the instrument cluster, center-stack buttons, and automatic-transmission shift gate. Fabric replaces hard plastic on the A-pillars, while dark, metallic-look accents replace plastic on the center stack, door handles, air vents, and steering wheel.
Soft-touch materials are added to the door panels, glove box, dashboard, and door armrests, with improved leather for the steering wheel. The Genesis Coupe also scores new rear coat hooks (woo!), a new trunklid handle, and improved graphics for the digital information display. Navigation and climate control become standard on the 2.0T Premium trim.
Tuner-Ready V-6 Model
The new 3.8 R-Spec trim mirrors the existing 2.0T R-Spec trim, but for models equipped with the 3.8-liter V-6 engine. The R-Spec treatment is essentially a de-contented version of the 3.8 Track model, allowing buyers to get upgraded suspension and brake components with fewer interior toys and gadgets, meaning a lower entry price for a track-focused Genesis V-6.
The 3.8 R-Spec rides on 19-inch wheels with sticky Bridgestone Potenza tires, stiffer suspension with bigger anti-roll bars, a limited-slip differential, and Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch front discs and 13.0-inch rears. Visual differentiation includes R-Spec badging, seats with black leather side bolsters and red cloth inserts, and fog lights. In keeping with the performance bent, automatic headlights and cruise control are ditched in order to save weight. Likewise, the only transmission choice is a six-speed manual. We recently drove a 2.0T R-Spec model, and while it was a solid performer, we came away thinking that the Genesis Coupe as a whole needs some reworking before it can be considered a true performance coupe.
Pricing for the 2011 Genesis Coupe has yet to be announced. (read more)
Hyundai Chicago
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