For those seeking a unique and thrilling driving experience with sharp handling and sporty design at a great value, the all-new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe proves to be the beginning of something good for years to come.
Although the Genesis Sedan debuted last year to positive reviews, the 2010 Genesis Coupe is completely different car. The Genesis Coupe is a performance car and is available in six trim levels – 2.0T, 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Track, 3.8, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track. Like the name suggests, the 2.0T has a 2.0-liter, 210-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. If that is too soft for your tastes, the 3.8-liter, 306-horsepower V-6, mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, can burst from 0 to 60 in less than six seconds.
All models are built on a rear-wheel drive platform and get exceptional fuel economy. Depending on which trim you choose, the Genesis Coupe receives 17-21 mpg in the city and 26-30 mpg on the highway. Because the Coupe is so versatile, it can compete with the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Nissan 370Z.
You know the 2010 Genesis Coupe is for real when the base model has 18-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza high-performance all-season tires. The Track has a wing spoiler, while a moonroof is optional. The interior of the Genesis Coupe has a cockpit-like feel with contoured sport seats and “2+2” seating meaning that the rear seats are designed to fit children or small objects. Standard features include: blue-backlit gauges, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 system, cruise control, Bluetooth/iPod connectivity, a leather-wrapped shift knob and multifunctional steering wheel. Power leather seats, keyless entry, keyless ignition, navigation system, Xenon HID lamps and a 360-watt Infinity audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer are optional.
When it comes to safety, the 2010 Genesis Coupe boasts standard front and side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seat, antilock brakes with Brake Assist and an electronic stability system with active front-seat head restraints. Brembo brakes with four-piston red calipers and larger rotors, and a sonar backup-warning system are optional.
The folks at Hyundai are willing to bet that with an affordable sticker price, superb handling and sporty look and feel, the 2010 Genesis Coupe truly will be the start of something exciting.