Before N - Genesis Coupe #1

A New Leap as the Genuine FR Sports Car

A sign of the new challenge ahead

Hyundai Motor’s sports model line-up that started with Scoupe, Tiburon and Tuscani has improved continuously in terms of driving performance. In particular, Tuscani, a front engine front drive sports model, gained great popularity across the world, contributing hugely to the positioning of Hyundai Motor as a global brand. It also got great results in local and overseas motorsports competitions, a testament to its performance. The researchers then set their sights higher, to the development of a new model that would overcome the limitations of the current Korean-made sports cars.
Spy shot of BK during the driving test

Accordingly, the decision to develop the front-engine, rear-drive (FR) premium sedan “BH”, which dates back to 2004, excited sports car researchers. This was because the development of the FR platform was aimed at improving the weight allocation, which was considered the fundamental restriction of front engine, front drive. This, in turn, was directly linked to offering maximum output of over 300 ps and enhanced driving performance. Thus the newly announced BK, a new sports car based on FR platform, was certainly a new challenge for Hyundai Motor.

※ What is front-engine, rear-drive (FR) layout?
It is a type of drive where the engine is positioned at the front side of the vehicle and the output is delivered through the rear wheels. The engine and the center bearing are divided into front and rear parts, enabling better handling, feeling of ride and stability during high speed drive compared to the front-engine, front-drive layout (FF).

Since Project BK was promoted as the first FR sports car, the researchers in charge were under a great pressure to live up to expectations. In order to complete an enhanced sports model, they envisioned a front and rear weight allocation, in a ratio of 55:45. They tried to achieve front and rear balance by placing the engine at the rear part. By dismantling and reassembling the competitor’s model thousands of times, they developed ways to improve the chassis and the body system. They installed solid spring and damper on the suspension to enhance the drive stability and grounding ability and Torsen-way LSD was newly adopted to provide the optimal drive force.

※ What is Limited Slip Differential (LSD)?
LSD is a system that allocates the drive force on the parts that need more force by correcting the difference in the rotation numbers of the rear wheels by going in gears. The Torsen-way LSD used for Genesis Coupe is frequently used for sports cars since it is highly accurate in the allocation of left and right rotation numbers.

Genesis Coupe in Action

Genesis Coupe's concept at the 2007 L.A. Auto Show

The scenes of BK model development in many areas of the world received a lot of coverage and attention online. In November 2007, Genesis Coupe’s concept was unveiled at the L.A. Auto Show. The impressive design, in which the concept car HCD-8’s line and HCD-9 profile style stood out, fueled the car aficionado’s anticipations of the launch.
In March 2008, Genesis Coupe finally made its official debut at the New York International Auto Show. With the FR platform added to the two engine line up - V6 3.8 Lambda engine (380GT) and 2.0 Theta turbo engine (200 turbo), Genesis Coupe offered exciting driving and powerful output, which was not the case for the previous front engine, front drive models. The arrival of Genesis Coupe quenched the Korean customers’ thirst for FR sports cars, while also stimulating the drift culture, which was not previously a feature of Korean motorsports.
The overseas response towards Genesis Coupe was certainly impressive. Dmitry Sokolov, the Nürburgring VLN Germany Endurance Racing champion, praised the new model by saying, “Genesis Coupe shows the perfect balance one would want to see in the front engine, front drive” after driving the Nordschleife course.
Meanwhile, a number of tuning agencies in Japan imported the Genesis Coupe 2.0 turbo model and sold them, grabbing the attention of many enthusiasts Japan’s renowned car critic, Mitsuhiro Kunisawa, showed great enthusiasm; in his review of Genesis Coupe, he said that an enjoyable car had been launched after a long time since the halt in production of the representative rear drive sports cars in Japan. Genesis Coupe, with its ‘basic-oriented’ design and variety of tuning parts, indeed satisfied the sophisticated standards of the Japanese car aficionados.

“I drove very roughly at Nordschleife, but everything was perfect from handling to the end. This is a genuine FR sports car.” - Dmitry Sokolov VLN Germany Endurance Racing

TV commercial (Korea) - 'Life is short'

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TV commercial (Korea) - 'Have you every try to'

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The long nose short deck design that embraces the storm

Genesis Coupe needed a totally new design ratio due to the level-up weight and differentiated design structure compared to Tuscani. After thousands of sketches of every part, and unceasing discussions and evaluations, an aggressive, eye-catching design was born.

The long nose short deck design, based upon short over hang, thin and stretched wheel base harmony, the long hood close to the ground and the short trunk line, hinted at the power of a high performing sports car. The character line, which was inherited from the profile style of the concept car HCD-9, seemed as if it would cause the same sensation as the most powerful tornado.

Interior Design with Delicate Touch

Genesis Coupe’s interior was designed in a driver-friendly manner, reflecting ergonomics. Some of its special features included a center pesia button that was easy to use, even during tough drives and the organ type accelerator that reduced fatigue on the driver’s ankles.
Paddle Shift Adding Excitement at Your Fingertips

In Genesis Coupe, a paddle shift was installed, allowing the driver to change the gear without having to take his/her hand off the steering wheel. With the excitement of controlling the paddle shift, Genesis Coupe made sports driving a joy.
Super Vision Cluster Giving All Information at Once

A Super Vision Cluster was newly installed in Genesis Coupe’s facelift model. Compared to the previous clusters, the newly adopted one had enhanced visibility and intuition, while enhancing its sporty appearance with dynamic colors.

Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
Genesis Coupe (2008. 10 ~ 2011. 11)
The New Genesis Coupe (2011. 11 ~ Current)
The New Genesis Coupe (2011. 11 ~ Current)
The New Genesis Coupe (2011. 11 ~ Current)
HCD-8 Concept Car
HCD-9 Concept Car

A Strong Engine: Making Extreme Performance Possible

V6 3.8 liter Lambda Engine, Breaking the Undefeatable Record of 6 seconds

The V6 3.8 Lambda MPi engine installed in the Genesis Coupe 380GT demonstrated an overwhelming driving force among all the domestic cars, with its maximum output of 303 ps, maximum torque of 36.8kg.m and top speed of 245km/h. From the 2011 facelift model, a new engine with gasoline GDi was installed, reaching 350 ps of maximum output and 40.8kg.m of maximum torque. In particular, a D-CVVT was installed, which optimized the efficiency, not only during big turns but also in the small turn areas. As a result, the 0-100km/h acceleration time reached 5.9 seconds, a reduction of 0.6 seconds from the previous engine, and with that, the first Korean-made car that broke the record of 6 seconds, previously deemed undefeatable, was born.

※ What is GDi (gasoline direct inject)?
It is a type of technology where the gasoline is injected in the cylinder and not in the mixer that converges the fuel and air. GDi helps enhanced output and fuel economy.

High Performing Downsized 2.0 Theta Turbo Engine

In the Genesis Coupe 200 turbo model, a 2.0 theta TCi engine was installed. With the highly efficient turbo charger, intercooler and D-CVVT technology, which was also installed in V6 3.8 engine, the model achieved a powerful driving force at the maximum output of 201 ps, 30.5kg.m maximum torque and top speed of 230km/h. In the facelift model in 2011, a new engine with twin scroll turbo charger technology and a large capacity inter cooler was installed, reaching significant performance improvement of 275 ps for maximum output and 38kg.m of maximum torque. In particular, the acceleration time for 0-100km/h was 7.2 seconds, a 1.3 second decrease from the previous one; these features completely satisfied consumer need for a 2.0 engine driving force.

※ What is twin scroll turbo charger?
It is a system which embraces the strengths of both the single turbo and twin turbo. With the turbine air ducts divided into two, the fluid velocity remains rapid in the wider turn area, enhancing fuel efficiency and output.

Fine Technology that even Controls Safety

BREMBO brake - Perfect Balance between Power and Brake

Genesis Coupe features the world’s best brake manufacturer BREMBO’s 4P mono black caliper and disc; a braking function that can handle Genesis Coupe’s explosive output is necessary in order to offer safer sports driving. BREMBO brake gave the customers firm confidence in the braking function, and the red caliper design, offered a thrilling driving experience.

Perfect Delicate Driving and Improved Chassis Control System

An advanced electronic stability control (ESC) has been built in for a more delicate driving system, which is a must-have condition for a sports car. The ESC prevents mistakes in wheel rotation or slide through sophisticated calculation, ultimately guaranteeing the driver’s safety. In addition, the driver can set up the engagement condition of ESC as needed during sports driving, giving more accuracy and freedom to the driver.

Genesis Coupe Ever Evolving

In November 2011, the facelift model “The New Genesis Coupe” was launched. Along with the new engine described previously, the new model featured 8-speed automatic transmission, the first among carmakers. In particular, the lock-up clutch control technology, which reduces the slide of the torque converter, was installed, achieving the smooth acceleration befitting a sports car.

In addition, the hexagonal grille applied to the exterior design, the more premium looking interior design and the sound generator that satisfied the ears of the driver have made it possible for Hyundai to appeal to your emotions. From the 2014 model, a performance package that included sporty suspension, a high performing bucket seat and rear spoiler was incorporated. Genesis Coupe still resonates with car enthusiasts as the genuine front engine, rear drive.

팝업 닫기

A special drag race was held to showcase the power of the new Genesis Coupe. The competitors in these two special showdowns were a golf ball and an arrow. In this unconventional race, which one could only dream about Genesis Coupe successfully demonstrated its awesome performance in front of large audience.

Genesis Coupe and Rhys Millen, in the Name of the Father

Just as the sports models made their presence known in domestic and overseas motorsports, Genesis Coupe also continued its efforts to showcase its outstanding performance within the field of overseas motorsports. One cannot avoid giving a particular mention to Rhys Millen Racing (hereafter “RMR”) when talking about Genesis Coupe’s achievements in motorsports games. The RMR team participated in the ‘Formula Drift” competition, the only professional drift championship in 2011; the team posted great results of #1 in round 6 and #2 in round 7. Genesis Coupe, unlike other cars that had a high capacity V8 engine, was tuned based on the pure V6 engine and still emerged triumphant.

팝업 닫기

The success of Genesis Coupe with RMR continued until the next competition at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb game. Rhys Millen, the leader of RMR, took home monumental achievement with Genesis Coupe by reaching victory in the 2WD time attack in 2009 and unlimited part in 2012 (world records). Rhys Miller’s amazing victory brought back memories of that of his father, Rod Millen, who won with Scoupe Turbo in 1992.