Making a Big Impression

Could Hyundai Genesis Coupe Revive the RWD Tuner Scene?

Posted March 19 2008 04:01 PM by esanchez
Filed under: Car News

Hyundai just introduced its Genesis Coupe at the 2008 New York Auto Show. I almost hesitate to even talk about it in this blog, because it stretches the very definition of "compact." With a 111-inch wheelbase, Hyundai's new sports coupe is just behind Infiniti's not-so-small G37 coupe which stretches 112.2 inches between its axles.

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So this car is clearly not a revival of the AE86 Corolla or even the Nissan 240 SX, two dearly-departed RWD import funsters. It seems Hyundai's aiming for sirloin sizzle on a burger budget with this car. Its size, styling, and dimensions (if not status) clearly put it in the same realm as the Infiniti, and its price point of low-to-mid 20s puts it in the ring with the Ford Mustang and upcoming Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

But it remains to be see exactly what the demographic of the typical buyer will be for Genesis. If there's one thing I know about traditional musclecar fans, it's that they're fiercely brand and country-loyal. I really don't see many Camaro, Mustang, or Challenger intenders crossing over and buying a Hyundai.

I think this car could possibly get some 240 owners that are still hankering for a affordable rear-drive sports car, don't care for the Nissan Altima coupe, and can't afford the G37. Or even some guys that would buy the latter if they could afford it but are willing to settle for something almost as good (at least on paper.)

In terms of what's going to be under the Genesis' hood, the two engine choices will be a 200+ horsepower (from the typically vague early-introduction press release) 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, or a 300 horsepower 3.8L normally-aspirated V6, both offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Many are already expecting that the turbo four will be the favorite of tuners, with the V6 attracting those looking for a buget luxo-coupe.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this car could stoke the revival of the RWD tuning scene?

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Reader Comments:

1. Anything's possible, but the tuning/ performance scene for Hyundai is not at any respectable size or level yet, and especially since this car will share few similarities with the Tiburon and other FWD cars, everything will need do be freshly developed. Time will tell.

A revival for real RWD sports cars is long past due, but I want Mazda or Nissan to step up with something, not Hyundai. Interestingly, I think what might happen is that this car will spark some interest for Japanese manufacturers, and they might decide to persue this market again.

BTW, if this car WAS actuallly SMALL, good handling, had good power delivery, was reliably and cheap, it would probably be a hit and I myself might consider buying one!! Shoot, If I liked everything about it, I'd probably over that it's a Hyundai and just focus on tearing up the tarmac with it. But not with this thing...Genesis..Psh. Why's everything have to be so goddanm big and boring these days?! LESS IS MORE!

pucsicsal - Posted March 21 2008 04:22 PM

2. I don't know if this car could stroke the revival of the RWD tuning scene, but I sure hope it does.

ptieu - Posted March 24 2008 04:44 PM

3. In answer to the question, no. Hyundai has tried and failed before. The Genesis is going to be too expensive and it will become another car that tried too hard. The looks of it are inspiring along with the stats, but the price tag will be its curse. Tuners like cheap RWD power, or they like high end performance at whatever cost. This car won't squeeze into either category. Not a cheap one. Not a racetrack miracle either.

ctrovall - Posted March 26 2008 06:22 AM

4. Now that I think of it, I see what you mean. There'll always be used miatas, 240sx, and ae86 that would make better track cars for less money than a sub 20k promise of rwd power.

ptieu - Posted March 27 2008 08:17 AM

5. I hate to gloat, but I predicted this car on these forums a few years ago. Beyond that, I'm absolutely let down by the turbo 4. This is the 4b11, fundamentally the same engine in both the new Lancer X and Caliber SRT-4. As evidenced by both cars, its absolutely capable of near 300 HP at the crank. And Hyundai has detuned it to (by motor trend estimates) 212 HP and 217 lb ft. WTF is Hyundai thinking here? What is that, 3 lbs. of boost? At least it's RWD, it seems to be the only performance benefit the genesis has going for it. Get with the ffing program Hyundai, give the 4b11 its testicles back.

@esthetics - Posted March 30 2008 08:42 PM

6. @esthetics, it seems like Kia is playing with a version of this engine with its Koup concept that pumping out close to 290 hp. I think Hyundai might be deliberately de-tuning the engine to protect the V6.

esanchez - Posted April 1 2008 10:46 AM

7. i think hyundai failed...so what automaker is going step up and steal the fire for this great idea to have a rwd coupe?

96mitsuTURBO27 - Posted April 7 2008 06:23 AM

8. Where did the information that the 4B11 will be in the Hyndai Genesis come from? I've tried to google it and got no results to talked about the 4B11 in the Genesis.

ptieu - Posted April 8 2008 03:51 PM

9. I got that 4B11 info from the latest May 08 issue of Motor Trend, and they seemed pretty definitive about it. The 4b11 architecture spans between 2 liters in the genesis/ EVO X to 2.4 in the Caliber SRT-4.

Even in the MT article they almost rip on the detuned engine stating "212 horses at 6000 RPM and 217 pound-feet of torque at 2500 RPM-- to give buyers a reason to pick the v6"

I would hate to think that production specs for the genesis have been finalized, because this weak ass turbo 4 is a huge mistake on Hyundais part.

I would bet serious money that the 4B11 will have a dedicated aftermarket following (as any sane person would) and for Hyundai to castrate the engine from the factory just to push people closer to the v6 is ridiculous.

If they were to get invested in the tuning potential of this platform/engine configuration they would know the 4B11 is the real money-maker here.
I think Hyundai engineers created a very exciting car that was castrated by the bean-counters. they should

@esthetics - Posted April 9 2008 05:48 PM

10. Heh heh, I have been around tunner cars for a little while. seen guys talk their trash about one car and another but never have i seen such trash talking on any car but the Hyundai. Why? Is it because they barley broke the market no more than 10 years ago compared to others (Nissan, Honda, Toyota)? Is it because they have yet to introduce a true sport car intill the Tibburon but they screwed up and gave it a crappy 2.7 V6 that didnt even break 200hp?

Also how do ANY of you know that its a 4B11 engine that they are using? It could very well be a Beta 2.0 with an all new tranny...you dont know. Beside the world engine Hyundai is using is in the Sonata I think..not sure. Its not set in stone what engine they are using.

So WHAT if they de-tunned it? They are trying to appeal to the tuner crowd by giving you 2 drastic options a 200 hp 4 banger or a 300hp V6...now if you were given that option most tuners would choose the 2.0. Whats the fun in tuning a car thats already maxed out? You all said it, if its that 4B11 than you can easily get 300+ hp out of it.

Look at the name, HYUNDAI. Its a cheep reliable car. Simply put I think its a good start. Considering they have been in the shitter for years. Its about time. Plus its NOT a compact. If thats what they are calling it they are wrong. The Tiburon was hardly a compact.

Remember when the SRT4 Neon came out it had 200hp yet people bought that hunk of Dodge junk. Chevy Cobalt SS too had 200 something hp and it was a S/C engine, yet people bought it.

To say a few on this quote:
"I would bet serious money that the 4B11 will have a dedicated aftermarket following (as any sane person would) and for Hyundai to castrate the engine from the factory just to push people closer to the v6 is ridiculous."

Acura did it. RSX and RSX Type S same car different engines...why would anyone want the stupid RSX I would go straight for the Type S. Civic and Civic Si.

All and all I'm down to be different. I give props to all you guys in the begining who took your CRX and did that engine swap or turbo charged the engine already in it and made Honda one of the most recognized tuners cars of all time. Not that Hyundai will ever get there, but hey...its a car. It moves and if it comes with a turbo it can be modified to go faster...look up the Hyundai Scoupe. 1.5L SOHC 115 hp with a Garret T15 turbo stock. Ive seen dynos with those cars pushing 200+ hp to the wheels on a stock engine and tranny...not bad for a car that wieghs only 2240 lbs.

Before anyone sets their mind to it being crap, give it a chance to prove itself. We are all tuners, we should all be on the same side with this.

Fintile - Posted June 6 2008 09:07 PM

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