This used 348-HP V-6 coupe comes from an unexpected brand

It’s not every single day you discover a rear-wheel-drive coupe with severe horsepower from a model higher recognized for practicality than efficiency. However this 348-horsepower V6 machine shattered expectations, proving its maker may construct one thing worthy of true fanatic consideration. Sharp dealing with, muscular acceleration, and a surprisingly refined inside helped it stand tall towards extra established sports activities automotive rivals.

This coupe didn’t simply look the half, it delivered real driving pleasure. Its balanced chassis, obtainable guide transmission, and daring styling made it a compelling different to pricier imports. And whereas it might have flown below the radar when new, time has revealed its worth as one of the crucial underrated efficiency bargains of its period.

For lovers searching for rear-drive thrills, on a regular basis livability, and a contact of luxurious, this unlikely efficiency automotive stays a reminder that zeal for driving can come from probably the most surprising locations.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was the Korean model’s first actual sports activities automotive

Credit score: Hyundai

We have grow to be considerably accustomed to Hyundai producing thrilling sports activities vehicles through their N performance division, but it surely wasn’t that way back {that a} sports activities automotive from the Korean big appeared outlandish. Again in 2008, they launched a competitor to some fairly established inexpensive sports activities vehicles, the Genesis Coupe.

Setting new stadards for Hyundai

Earlier than the launch of the Genesis Coupe again in 2008, Hyundai had by no means made a rear-wheel drive sports activities automotive. That they had dabbled in providing some extra performance-oriented trims, however by no means a completely devoted sports activities automotive. The Genesis Coupe was based mostly on the identical platform because the Genesis sedan, with each serving to to justify the existence of Hyundai’s stand-alone luxurious model of the identical identify.

The Genesis Coupe launched to some fairly heavy competitors. Hyundai claimed that the coupe aimed to ship a driving expertise just like the esteemed Infiniti G37. We expect it achieved this purpose fairly effectively, and it’s closely underrated. Within the States, it ran from the 2010 mannequin to the 2016 mannequin.

In its time available on the market, it underwent a single facelift, with Hyundai altering its styling fairly closely for the 2013 mannequin 12 months. These are the fashions we would go after as they appear extra fascinating, they arrive with a lot better supplies, and their engines and transmissions are a lot better than the pre-facelift fashions.

The range-topper featured a fairly spectacular 348-horsepower V-6

Credit score: Hyundai

The Genesis Coupe was all the time provided with a selection of both a turbocharged four-cylinder or a stoic V-6. Each are fairly incredible for his or her time. The facelift for the 2013 mannequin added fairly a bit extra energy to each engines and extra refinement to the transmissions on supply, making them the only option in case you’re searching for an inexpensive used sports activities automotive.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe efficiency specs

The unique Genesis Coupe launched with a lot much less energy than the post-facelift fashions. The four-cylinder used to make 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, with the newer mannequin smashing these figures. The V-6 began out with 312 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The 2015 and 2016 fashions have been solely provided with the V-6.

The transmissions have been additionally upgraded after the facelift. The four-cylinder fashions used to characteristic a six-speed guide or a five-speed automated. The V-6 bought a six-speed automated as a substitute. Each fashions bought an up to date eight-speed auto for 2013 onwards. The guide transmission, which is mostly regarded to be fairly tough and clunky, was additionally improved, although it nonetheless is not among the many greatest.

The Genesis Coupe is criminally underrated in our opinion. It options a terrific steadiness of journey and dealing with, one which few of its rivals from this period can match. R-Spec fashions, which include extra efficiency gear and tighter suspensions, really feel harsher on the street however are much more succesful round twisty sections of street.

2013+ Genesis Coupe gas economic system

The turbocharged Genesis Coupe is unquestionably the extra environment friendly selection right here, at the very least in case you go for the guide transmission. The EPA initially estimated the V-6 with the guide to be extra environment friendly than fashions with the turbo-four and an automated transmission. Afterward, they estimated the guide V-6 to handle 19 miles per gallon.

The Genesis Coupe will not be probably the most environment friendly choice on the market, but it surely comes fairly near its rivals from the identical time interval.

You’ll be able to seize a Hyundai Genesis Coupe for an absolute steal proper now

The Genesis Coupe is a little bit of a darkish horse. Whereas we’re very keen on it, it is not almost as widespread as its rivals. This may be chopped right down to a few issues, together with its clunky transmission and below-par energy output at launch. What this implies in case you’re on the hunt for a used sports activities automotive, although, is that you may take dwelling a well-taken-care-of Genesis Coupe for nearly nothing.

Common used pricing

In case you have been to seize a post-facelift Genesis Coupe right now, you would be paying a median value of $12,286, which is extremely low for such a superb machine. Clearly, the four-cylinder fashions are rather more inexpensive than the V-6 fashions. The newer the mannequin you get, clearly, the extra you may need to pay as effectively.

There are a ton of various trims to select from, all with various gear. For a automotive from a decade in the past, the Genesis Coupe comes with a fairly nice list of standard features, so we would not blame you for skipping the higher trim ranges. Nonetheless, contemplating costs are fairly low, we would personally go for one of many high trims.

Whereas the turbocharged four-cylinder is pretty spectacular for its value, we would seize a mannequin with the V-6 below the hood. In reality, we would go for the top-of-the-line V-6 Final trim. These record for a median value of $14,457 and include a ton of apparatus. They characteristic issues like cruise management, leather-based upholstery, heated seats, and a sunroof.

Reliability and upkeep prices

• Common annual upkeep prices: $621 (RepairPal)
• Recollects: 6
• Widespread points: Alarm goes off with out purpose; no sound from stereo; whine from energy steering

It has, for some purpose, grow to be a factor to dunk on Korean vehicles relating to reliability, however there may be little or no information to assist that they are not fairly sturdy. The Genesis Coupe will get fairly excessive scores throughout all fashions years. RepairPal provides it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, which they take into account to be above common. J.D. Energy could not have rated all fashions, however the 2015 mannequin 12 months will get 80 out of 100 for high quality and reliability.

The Coupe has had six recollects issued, however not each recall impacts each mannequin 12 months. It is very important ensure the mannequin you are has had any relevant recalls seen to. There are a few widespread points that try to be looking out for as effectively, listed above. As with all used automotive, give it an intensive check drive before you purchase and have a mechanic have a look in case you can.