2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec (photos)
While the ride can be a bit harsh, Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec delivers on the promise of being a low-cost track car for public roads while still providing the creature comforts that we think matter most.
The Genesis Coupe R-Spec trim level gets all of the Track level's performance upgrades, but at a lower cost.
Hyundai manages to keep the R-Spec's MSRP low by limiting the cabin tech and comfort upgrades.
Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V-6 that outputs more than 300 horsepower.
Hyundai doesn't hide its engine under fancy plastic shrouding. What you see is what you get.
Fuel economy is EPA estimated at 17 city and 26 highway, but with a heavy foot you could do much worse.
Power flows through a single-option manual transmission, which we found to be a bit rough around the edges.
Torque exits the vehicle at the rear axle--as it should on a sports car--and is split between the rear wheels with a Torsen limited slip differential.
The Genesis Coupe has a longer wheelbase than the Nissan 370Z Coupe, which means that it must be more stiffly sprung to match the Nissan's handling.
However, the longer Hyundai seats four--two more than the Nissan can claim.
Big Brembo brakes at all four corners help haul the R-Spec to a hasty halt.
Inside the cabin, the R-Spec is limited to Hyundai's basic cabin tech offering. Fortunately, that's not such a bad thing.
Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard on the Genesis Coupe, even at the R-Spec level.
The Bluetooth system features address book sync and basic voice command. Simply tell it who you want to call and the Hyundai will make the call.
As part of the Bluetooth system, the R-Spec also gets A2DP stereo audio streaming, which makes it a great car for those who want to use a smartphone for navigation or Internet radio.
The R-Spec's steering is very direct, communicating every bump and rut in the road up through the driver's fingertips. Which is great during sport driving, but a bit annoying during daily drives.
USB and iPod connectivity are standard thanks to included USB and auxiliary inputs.
For full iPod/iPhone control, you'll need to add a 30-pin dock connector cable for $35.
Instrumentation is a basic two-gauge affair with a small monochromatic trip computer located in the center.
XM Satellite Radio rounds out the R-Spec's surprisingly full-featured (for a stripped-down trim level) cabin tech package.
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