As a performance car, we’ve yet to discover the all-around capability of Hyundai’s upcoming rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe. There’ll be no V8, but the hi-po V6 is expected to pump out serious juice. It becomes obvious that the Genesis will be a budget 350Z.
Originally (as you can see in older Genesis posts), the concept was soul-stirring. Orange paint and unpainted carbon fiber contributed to that effect. Now, with the production GenCoupe revealed, my indwelt Korean exhilaration is dwindling.
Don’t get me wrong: if a 6-speed manual and a V6 fail to excite in this car, I’d be shocked. But sporty cars like this (and 350Z, Mustang, RX-8) are sold with a heavy emphasis on style. Without style, these cars are simply impractical and pointless.
And, dare I say it, from some angles, the GenCoupe looks like a Tiburon of the past. Indeed, the Tiburon has been a looker during some stages of its evolution, but I was expecting more than a rehash. Thankfully, the rear-end is terrific. Enthusiasm? Remaining. To what degree? Hmm, I’ll get back to you.
