First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition

At the 2008 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled a new sports car. To show off what this car can do, Hyundai demonstrated its abilities by doing powerslides and burnouts in this new car. This new car, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, would go on sale in Spring 2009 as a 2010 model. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is unique to the Hyundai brand as it is the brand's only front engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. I have seen several Genesis Coupes at various Houston auto events. At the 2013, Houston Auto Show, I was able to take one out for a test drive. The version I drove was the 2013 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Track Edition. The version I drove came with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The Genesis Coupe Track Edition is also available with a six-speed manual transmission. Other trim levels for the Genesis Coupe include the 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, and 3.8 GT. The 2.0T versions come with a turbocharged 2.0L I4 that puts out 271 hp and the 3.8 versions come with a 3.8L V6 that put out 348 hp. All versions of the Genesis Coupe come with either the six-speed manual transmission or the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has a very aggressive styling. It has stylish lines going along the sides of the car. What ruins the styling is the front of the car. That wide open black grill just does not work in terms of styling. The only interior option for the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is black with leather seats. This is a sports coupe with 2+2 seating, so there is not much leg room and head room for rear passengers. Behind the wheel, I had good amount of head room and leg room. The seats are firm. This is a sports car and the ride is designed for track days.

The Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is powered by a 3.8L V6 that produces 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 149 mph. This is a quick car. It also has a firm ride to it. You will feel the smallest of bumps in the road when you are behind the wheel of this car. But, this car was built for the track and the steering response is very good. It is also quiet inside the cabin when this car is in motion. Prices for the entry level Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T starts at $25,125. Prices for the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition goes for $33,895,  which includes a $895 destination charge. A Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track with the automatic transmission begins at $35,145, including the $895 destination charge. A manual Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition cost around the same as a base Nissan 370Z Coupe. Both cars have similar driving/ ride qualities, I feel that I have room behind the wheel of the Genesis Coupe. And The Genesis Coupe is not as low to the ground as the 370Z. For the price, you are getting good value with the Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been featured in Burn Notice, Top Gear Korea, Motorweek, 24, Auto Esporte, Best Motoring, Siti hyunteo, Leverage, and Top Gear USA. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is playable in Veloster HD, Ridge Racer, Drift City, Arctic Drift, RayCity, Astana Racer, Forza Motorsport 3, Forza Motorsport 4, Forza Horizon, Nitto 1320 Legends, Asphalt 7: Heat, Car Town, GT Racing: Motor Academy, and Grid 2.

Overall, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track Edition is a good sports car. It has good power coming from the 3.8L V6. It has great acceleration. It responds well to steering wheel inputs. This car is fun to drive and was the most popular car for people to test drive at the Hyundai Ride and Drive booth. It also has a very firm ride to it. You will feel every bump in the road when you are in this car. If you prefer a softer ride, look elsewhere. But if you can handle the firm ride and want a good sports car at a reasonable price, then give this car a test drive. Unfortunately, Hyundai took a different approach with its compact sports car, the Hyundai Veloster.

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