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.
Antuan Goodwin
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles.
For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency.
Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need.
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The Genesis Coupe R-Spec trim level gets all of the Track level's performance upgrades, but at a lower cost.
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Hyundai manages to keep the R-Spec's MSRP low by limiting the cabin tech and comfort upgrades.
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Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V-6 that outputs more than 300 horsepower.
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Hyundai doesn't hide its engine under fancy plastic shrouding. What you see is what you get.
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Fuel economy is EPA estimated at 17 city and 26 highway, but with a heavy foot you could do much worse.
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Power flows through a single-option manual transmission, which we found to be a bit rough around the edges.
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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.
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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.
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However, the longer Hyundai seats four--two more than the Nissan can claim.
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Big Brembo brakes at all four corners help haul the R-Spec to a hasty halt.
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Inside the cabin, the R-Spec is limited to Hyundai's basic cabin tech offering. Fortunately, that's not such a bad thing.
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Bluetooth hands-free calling is standard on the Genesis Coupe, even at the R-Spec level.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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USB and iPod connectivity are standard thanks to included USB and auxiliary inputs.
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For full iPod/iPhone control, you'll need to add a 30-pin dock connector cable for $35.
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Instrumentation is a basic two-gauge affair with a small monochromatic trip computer located in the center.
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XM Satellite Radio rounds out the R-Spec's surprisingly full-featured (for a stripped-down trim level) cabin tech package.
