Note: This performance review was created when the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe was new.
Performance: | 7.1 |
With more power, as well as updated transmissions and suspension components, test drivers report that the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has become a more credible sports car. Still, some say that while the Genesis Coupe offers a balanced ride and good power, it falls short with handling that trails that of competitors like the Scion FR-S.
Just like the 2012 model, the 2013 Genesis Coupe lets you choose between a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.8-liter V6, but both engines produce more power for 2013. The 2.0T’s turbo-four now produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 275 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. The more powerful Genesis Coupe 3.8 generates 348 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 5,300 rpm. That’s 64 and 42 more horsepower than 2012 models equipped with the turbo-four and V6, respectively. Regardless of which engine you choose, both models are available with either an updated six-speed manual transmission or a new eight-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters. Although it’s more powerful, Hyundai’s performance tweaks haven’t hurt the rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe’s fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T gets 21/30 mpg and 20/31 mpg city/highway with manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. The Genesis Coupe 3.8 gets 18/27 mpg city/highway with the six-speed manual, while automatic models get 18/28 mpg city/highway.
In general, reviewers agree that the V6 is powerful and refined. Many also note that the four-cylinder has enough horsepower to compete with other affordable sports cars. A handful of critics note that the Genesis Coupe 2.0T suffers from a bit of turbo lag, but with all that extra power for 2013, the V6 is no longer the clear-cut choice for performance addicts. Most critics agree that while the manual transmission is improved, it still lacks the refinement of those found in rivals like the Mini Coupe and Nissan 370Z. And while they like the optional automatic’s refinement, they say that in manual mode, it doesn’t respond to paddle shifts as quickly as they’d like.
Along with more power, the revamped 2013 Genesis Coupe features an updated suspension system. Most reviewers agree that strong brakes and communicative steering are among the Genesis Coupe’s attributes. While most say that the Genesis Coupe has balanced handling, some counter that it lacks the cornering prowess of rivals like the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S. If you like the Genesis Coupe and want the best-handling model possible, consider either the R-Spec or Track trims, which feature larger wheels and stiffer springs for better cornering ability.
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