Chicago 2009: Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec

At the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai revealed the hardcore track-focused Spec-R version of their Genesis Coupe. This special edition of the Genesis Coupe  puts a focus on light weight and reliable track performance, and should have sport compact enthusiasts drooling at the mouth.

The basis of the car is the basic Genesis 2.0T Turbo coupe, rather than the heavier - and luxury laden - V6 model.  Hyundai omits a few of the niceties of the other Genesis Coupes - the automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, steering wheel hand controls, chrome trim, etc - in the name of weight and price reduction.

The idea is to provide all the performance of the Genesis Coupe with less weight and initial purchase price, to appeal to people that are going to customize it anyway, or are going to just flog the crap out of it on the track.

In the name of track flogging, the Spec-R receives some mechanical upgrades.  Actually, no: quite a few.  For starters, the suspension.  The Spec-R has lower, stiffer coil springs and stiffer dampers for better roll resistance and grip.  Swaybars increase to 25mm (front) and 22mm (rear) for better responses.

Out back, the R-Spec is fitted with a Torsen-type (Torque Sensening) limited-slip differential, to help put the power down.  That power is supplied by Hyundai's new 2.0L, 16v port-injection turbo inline four, which cranks out 212bhp at 6000rpm and 217lb-ft (294nM) at 2000 rpm.  This is quite a modern powerplant.  It features dual variable-valve timing, and can run on any grade of gasoline- despite being turbocharged, port injected, and sporting a 9.3:1 compression ratio.  Hyundai claims increased power on 93 octane pump gas, as well.

Power is channeled through a six-speed close-ratio gearbox as it goes to the rear wheels (yay!)  The R-Spec will run 137mph top out, which isn't too shabby.  Upgraded brakes, provided by Brembo, will bring things down to a stop quickly.  The Brembo brakes are ventilated all around, and use four-piston fixed calipers.  Front rotors go from 12.6" to 13.4", and rear rotors jump from 12.4" to 13".

The steering ratio has also been quickened, down to 2.7:1, for faster responses.  The R-Spec will still come with a raft full of electronic safety nets, including stability and traction control, ABS, Brake Force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist.  Oh, and the R-Spec will also be shod with lightweight 19" alloys in staggered sizes, and sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's in 225/40 front and 245/40 rear.

The R-Spec will come online next year as a 2010 model, with a base price of $23,750, which is $3,000 less than the loaded up 2.0T Track model.  And fittingly enough, there will be no automatic transmissions in the Spec-R model.  All sounds good to me!

images: Autoblog.com