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2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec review: Less is more

The Coupe's R-Spec trim level is defined as much by what you don't get as it is by what you do.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
Josh Miller/CNET

3.8 R-Spec badge
The Genesis Coupe's R-Spec trim level is defined as much by what you don't get as it is by what you do. Josh Miller/CNET

Depending on how you look at it, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec is either a step down in trim from the Track trim level or a step up. For some, the R-Spec's deletion of comfort and luxury features like GPS navigation constitute a step down, but for driving purists the R-Spec's luxury omissions mean that they can get all of the performance parts they want with the bonus of trimming the fat, both in weight and in complexity.

Regardless of how you look at it, the R-Spec is a huge value. For your $26,750, you get a sexy-looking Coupe a sport-tuned suspension, grabby Brembo brakes, and a 300-plus horsepower V-6 engine that puts power to the right wheels (the rear ones) through a limited-slip differential. It's an impressive performer that nips at the heels of Nissan's 370Z, but does it have what it takes to beat the Z on anything more than just price?

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec
Check out the full review of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Josh Miller/CNET

Read the full review of the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to find out what we thought about the R-Spec's performance and its odd mix of low- and high-tech packaging.