2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Overview

Hyundai designed the Genesis coupe to compete directly with such performance/luxury standards as the Ford Mustang, the Nissan 370Z and the Dodge Challenger. Hyundai intends to compete with price and exceptional value. The Genesis also offers surprising performance and with the 2.0L engine, good fuel efficiency.

The rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe is powered by either a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine making 210 horsepower or a 306-hp, 3.8L V6. Both engines come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or optional Shiftronic automatic, which includes steering-wheel paddle-shifters. The automatic transmission has five ratios on 4-cylinder cars and six ratios with the V6.

The Genesis' mechanical layout and performance are that of a true sports coupe, the front suspension employs a MacPherson strut layout, while a multi-link setup in back helps maintain grip and ride quality. Big stabilizer bars are employed front and back and the rack-and-pinion steering has engine-speed-sensitive power steering.

In the 2.0T engine configuration, the Genesis is available in several trims, including base, R-Spec, Premium and Track. The 3.8 trims include base, a new R-Spec, Grand Touring and Track. R-Spec and Track models lack certain amenities and include performance upgrades which suit them to aggressive driving. Enhancements such as a track-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and special alloys with performance rubber are standard on these models.

All Genesis coupes feature standard electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, advanced dual front airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags and tire-pressure monitoring.

Standard features also include sport bucket seats in front that feature ample side bolsters. The rear seat is small, but there is enough space for a couple of kids. The instrument panel has a distinctive center stack that houses audio and climate controls and is finished with a matte-metallic finish. It's topped with a display located high in the driver's field of vision and the instrument cluster has big, round gauges in a conventional layout.

Even in top-of-the-line V6 Track trim, the Genesis tops out at under $33,000. Dealer-installed accessories are the only options, but are hardly needed, given the strong feature set. Given the extraordinary value and performance that comes with Genesis, it wins its category in just about every way.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Model Changes

Hyundai's successful sports coupe gets no big changes for 2012.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Value

The Hyundai Genesis takes direct aim at the luxury/sports coupe segment. The base 2.0L MSRP starts at just over $22,000 yet features a 6-speed transmission, Bluetooth and remote keyless entry, not to mention a 210 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The V6 model comes with dual exhaust, dual-zone climate control and leather seats.

With the Genesis, Hyundai has a proven performance winner. With a curvaceous profile and a cockpit-style interior layout, the Genesis stands out as a stylish rival to both traditional muscle coupes like the Ford Mustang--and also to more luxurious grand-touring coupes such as the Infiniti G37.

The V6 coupe is able to accelerate to 60 mph in less than six seconds and only requires regular gasoline, while the 4-cylinder model boasts a fuel economy highway estimate of 30 mpg.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Strengths

Lots of affordable luxury; aggressive styling; great handling; powerful engine lineup; very competitive pricing