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Test Drive: 2010 Genesis Coupe
By Chris ⋅ May 31, 2009

2010 Genesis Coupe. 2010 Genesis Coupe. Genesis Coupe. See, even writing it I can’t manage to squeek out the actual brand name. Some have suggested (but I disagree) that the name Genesis is a new division of the parent company, just like Scion and Lexus are divisions of Toyota. I don’t think that is true in the least, because the car still has all of these oblique “H”’s all of them. Still, today if I was going to make an assertion that I love this car, I would still say “I love the Genesis Coupe” because I still can’t believe in my heart that this is made by Hyundai. I can’t. But it is.

I test drove it again Saturday……. and much to my surprise, it is absolutely fantastic. The first time around, I took out a V6 with reported 306hp in a Touring package. This time, I think the track package with the limited slip differential, track-tuned suspension and big brakes made a huge difference.

My first test drive was less than spectacular - just up and down some nearby streets with nowhere to really uncork it. The car looks and feels great with all the makings of a car much more expensive than this is. Keyless operation, leather, automatic climate control, XM, bluetooth, great stereo, etc. The only thing that I took issue with was the power. I was looking for the supposed 300 horsepower that the V6 is marketed to have, but couldn’t find it. My basis for comparison is the violent holy-crap-in-your-pants power of a turbocharged 2.4L 4 cylinder engine in my Scion “Street Edition” tC. My best friend’s 2003 GTI VR6 is the only V6 that I’ve driven enough that has the freight-train-like qualities of a decent V6 powerband. The last/only V6 I had ever owned was in an automatic 1993 Dodge Daytona IROC, which had 141hp and 171tq when it was new. Hardly a comparison.

For the second test drive, I went to another dealership that I hoped would have the 2.0L turbo Track package in stock. They had the engine, but it was an automatic. I told the salesman my reservations about the 3.8 V6 and he laughed and said that he could change my mind about that. So I called him out on that.

“Try me.”

It was near a freeway, and we got into a V6 Track package Genesis Coupe. It is their policy for the salesperson to drive it out of the lot for some reason, so we drove for 200 feet to the bus stop and he let me switch seats. The salesman wasn’t shy about letting me jostle him around in the passenger seat. He gave me those 6 naughty words: “drive it like you stole it”. I have to say, given that I was able to find that 300hp. Holy cows. The power is definitely there after all. Also, the car is quite fun with the traction control OFF. Drifting onto the freeway entrance (with not a soul in sight, of course) was the highlight of the test drive.

So I’m a fan, now. I think it would be an upgrade in some respects, and a cross-grade in others. Compared to the tC turbo, it would be an upgrade in creature comforts and looks in general. It is a SLICK CAR. It would be a downgrade in back seat space. That point might be important to some - people in IKEA parking lots are still amazed at how much stuff I can haul in the Scion. I am still not certain but I think that it would be a toss-up on speed in the end. The Genesis Coupe might edge out the tC by a little bit. It’s quick enough to be comparable, even though the power delivery isn’t as jarring and analog feeling as the vicious force of the turbocharged system. So going from the tCt to the Genesis wouldn’t be a total temperature shock. The Genesis certainly handles better - it was built for this kind of power, whereas the tCt is… well… a tC. 160hp stock - not bad, but not something meant to play with a 350Z. It can, but now with the finesse that the Genesis would. This would-be change in the guard would be mostly about finesse, after all.

Both excel in the bang-for-your-buck category, no doubt about that. With the Genesis, I don’t feel I would need to change anything about it. I got the tC with the intent on heavily modifying it. The Genesis could benefit from a couple of little external modifications (mainly around the grill area), but other than that I think it’s fine. There is, however, the possibility of bolting on a supercharger down the line if I am feeling frisky someday. This, like the tC when I got it, is brand new to the market and by the time I ever wanted to make a project out of it, the aftermarket will be well established.

Ah, to dream!

NERDFACE | Test Drive: 2010 Genesis Coupe

 

SUB-GEN

I wonder how much hp his turbo scion is holding for him to compare it to the gen?

GCJewel

tc cant be compared to gc... tc sux;;;

ROK_Racing

Genesis is its own company in Korea, used Mer-Benz parts too.. now is a merger or buyout.. But when I was in Korea, no car had both logos shared.