Auto Extreme

Hyundai revealed and premiered its 2010 Genesis Coupe at New York International Auto Show. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is highly anticipated at NYIAS. There ar e two stunt drivers performing burnouts and controlled skids in front of gathered journalists. The official unveiling confirmed much of the rumored information already known about the car.

Hyundai already has released some advance information on the car, with additional material leaked from an early marketing clinic last year. According to various Web sites, the Genesis Coupe will offer a choice of at least two power plants: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a normally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 that is said to make more than 300 horsepower.

In case you haven’t figured it out from the name, the Coupe will share its rear-wheel-drive underpinnings with the recently unveiled Genesis sedan.

But now in the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai confirmed that the stylish Genesis Coupe will offer two engines - a turbocharged four cylinder and an upgraded version of the 3.8 liter Lambda V6. The four cylinder will put out an estimated 212 horsepower using regular grade gasoline and 223 on premium. The V6 will put out 306 on regular and 310 on premium, which Hyundai says will make it the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe in the world.

Hyundai claims that the V6 model will hit 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. The top-line SE model will include Brembo four-piston brakes (14″ in front, 13.4″ in rear - both ventilated) and a Torsen limited-slip differential. It will also come with 19″ wheels, whereas other models will come with 18″ wheels.

The Genesis Coupe is based on the same rear wheel drive architecture as the Genesis sedan, although as of yet there is no news of V8 availability in the Coupe.

Hyundai said that three transmissions will be offered, though only a six speed manual and a ZF six-speed automatic were mentioned. An Infinity audio system with iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth will be standard.

On the safety front, six airbags and ESP will be standard. Enthusiasts - the target market for the Genesis Coupe - will no doubt be pleased to learn that the ESP will be entirely defeatable.

The Genesis Coupe is one of seven vehicles Hyundai plans to introduce over the next 24 months. It’ll be on sale early next year and though pricing was not announced, Hyundai repeatedly stressed that it will be the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe on the planet.

“Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America when the concept was first shown. “When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse.”

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