On Sale: Spring 2009
Expected Pricing: $22,000 to $29,000

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is svelt new two-door that goes on sale in early spring 2009 as a 2010 model.

Hyundai's concept coupe was a hit at the greater Los Angeles auto show last year (Fall 2007). It piqued the interest of those looking for a sharp looking rear-drive sports car at an affordable price.

Now, the unveiling of the production version of this car at the April 2008 New York Auto Show was no let down as it grabbed the headlines when two examples slid, with wheels spinning under the expert skills of a couple of stunt drivers, onto a makeshift indoor drifting stadium. Rock music and fireworks added to the razzmatazz. You've got to do something outlandish to make the headlines in the Big Apple and Hyundai did just that.

Judging by the specs, buyers of the car will not be disappointed when it goes on sale early in 2009.

The two-door coupe will be offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 212 hp and a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 306-hp. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard with both engines. A five-speed automatic will be optional with the four-cylinder engine while the V6 gets a stronger ZF six-speed automatic as an option.

The Coupe is based on the same rear-drive platform as found under the upcoming Genesis sedan, but with almost five inches chopped out of the wheelbase. The Coupe features a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension. The suspension on the sporty SE model is track-tuned and includes Brembo brakes. All models include electronic stability control and a traction control system. A limited-slip differential is optional with both engines.

In keeping with its positioning as an affordable sport coupe for younger drivers, the Genesis comes with the latest in audio systems including USB and mini-jack inputs. When an iPod or iPhone is connected it recharges the unit as well as allowing the driver to access tracks via the steering wheel controls. An optional Infinity audio system will be offered.

The Genesis Coupe replaces the Tiburon and brings Hyundai directly in competition with the Ford Mustang and the Infiniti G37 Coupe. Pricing, as one expects from Hyundai, will be competitive. We expect the base model to sell in the low $20,000s while the top-of-the range V6-powered version likely in the mid- to high-$20,000s. That's considerably less than its aspirational competitors from Japan and Europe. Hyundai officials like to point out that 20 years ago you had to pay $59,000 to purchase a rear-drive coupe with 300 horsepower: a Porsche 911.

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