October 13, 2008, marked another exciting beginning for Hyundai.
The automaker introduced the Hyundai Genesis Coupe to the South Korean market that day, an affordable sports car lineup from Hyundai vehicles to compete in the expensive 300-horsepower category.
Let’s break down the Hyundai Genesis Coupe models by year and trims.
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The rear-wheel-drive Genesis Couple got introduced to the American market on March 21, 2008, at a press conference during the New York International Auto show.
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe joined the US lineup of Hyundai vehicles in Spring 2009, and word spread about its two high-performance engines:
- A 212-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine
- A 306-horsepower DOHC 3.8-liter V6 aluminum engine
Hyundai Motor America marketed its new Genesis sports car with an independent rear suspension and impressive Brembo brakes.
While both engines ran standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2.0-liter Hyundai Genesis Coupe had an optional 5-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 had a 6-speed automatic for more control.
The Genesis Coupe generations were Hyundai vehicles with cool, racing car cockpits.
The info display on the dash of the Genesis Coupe read the outside temperature. The display had a large speedometer that lit up in blue, which all Hyundai vehicles were known for.
Fabric choices for the deep bucket seats varied according to model:
- Black cloth on the Hyundai Genesis Coupe GS and GT
- On the GT, optional black or brown leather
- On the SE, red cloth inserts with black leather
During a car review and road test of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe in March 2009, a V6 Genesis Coupe went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
The 2010 Turbo 4 Hyundai Genesis Coupe models started at the US$20,000 mark, and the more powerful V6 came in at just over $25,000.
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
American reviews of the Genesis Couple were generally good. But complaints emerged that the ride could feel stiff, and the manual shift wasn’t smooth.
A redesigned Genesis Couple appeared at the 2012 Detroit International Auto Show. For 2013, the new Genesis looked more rugged outside with an improved inside and better materials on the seats.
The biggest improvement happened to the new engines. The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe engines got better in these ways:
- The 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder turbo engine became more accurate
- The 3.8-Liter V6 got upgraded with smarter direct-injection technology
Both of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe models now had optional 8-speed automatic transmissions, and both had improved manual shifting abilities.
This new Genesis Couple received mixed reviews. The transmission improvements, upgraded engines, and better-balanced suspension were definite pluses, but the Genesis Coupe got called too expensive compared to its competition.
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The final production year for Hyundai Genesis Coupe models was 2016.
In the US, the Genesis Coupe reached peak sales in 2013, when dealerships sold approximately 12,500 units. When production ended in 2016, the numbers dropped to around 4,700 units sold.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was an exciting entry into the affordable sports car category. The automaker doesn’t intend to build the Genesis Coupe again, but it had a great run.
Keep reading around on our site for great information on this and other Hyundai vehicles!