Hyundai's new Genesis Coupe has some impressive performance credentials; it's hard to go wrong with a choice of 210-horsepower four-cylinder or 300-horsepower 3.8 liter V6 directing power to the rear wheels, after all. Just after announcing pricing for the new Genesis Coupe at the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the version that the enthusiasts were no doubt hoping for; the Genesis Coupe R-Spec.

The Genesis Coupe is already available with an optional "Track" package, with a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, bigger wheels, a limited-slip rear differential and a stiffer suspension. The R-Spec adds to this package with a diet, removing all of the unnecessary options to leave a "blank slate" for performance enthusiasts to modify.

The Genesis R-Spec is equipped with the 2.0T engine and a six-speed manual transmission, a lowered suspension and 19-inch wheels. Want an automatic transmission? It's not offered on the R-Spec. Performance tires and Brembo brakes front and rear improve the car's grip and response, and the Torsen limited-slip differential is shared with the Track model. The R-Spec improves on that by tossing out nonessentials like the cruise control, Bluetooth connectors, automatic headlights and trip computer. The R-Spec stickers for about $3000 less than the Track model, with prices starting at $23,750.

 

behold...the next civic. all the ricers will jump on this.

at least this car has the ingredients to be entertaining though. good price point too.

 

What's a decked out Civic Si run?

 

according to honda's site its $24K, this car would obviously trump it in a myriad of ways though. it's a baby 370Z. when BPU mods become available it will be a significant performer.

let's be honest here...decent power (and easily tunable turbo powertrain) + RWD + 6 spd + LSD + cheap price = a pretty good formula imo. it's essentially a korean version of the nissan silvia.

 

Hyundai is the first company I've seen that has gotten the "lightweight" model right. If they're gonna strip the weight by removing features, it's nice to see they're doing it right and lowering the price too. As IIVVX said, this really is the second coming of the Nissan Silvia. Hyundai hit a home run out of the park with the Genesis!

 

I agree with you. Too often we see these 'sporty' Japanese cars with FWD, no limited slip, etc. I think Hyundai got the formula correct this time. And, they know that although the 210HP isn't all that much, the platform is very accessible for owners to tap into. This car, with software work and simple exhaust (nothing obnoxious please), would be very entertaining.