Image by: IFCAR
Let me break down exactly why I think you should buy the Hyundai Genesis.
Powertrain options:
Let’s start off with the powertrain options. There are two engine options, a 2.0T with a 6 speed manual or 5 speed auto with 210 hp from 2009-2012 and received an increase of power from 2013-2015 with 256-271 HP. Then there’s the buttery smooth 3.8l v6 with a 6speed manual or 6 speed auto with 299-312 HP and received a nice upgrade in 2013 with 348 HP. An 8 speed auto replaced the 5 speed and 6 speed auto in the 2 gen genesis. On top of all this, the car still gets around 17-25 mpg collectively. The power for the money is much better compared to the BRZ/FRS. You’ll get nearly 100 more hp for the same amount of money with the v6 option.
Motorsport Potential:
There’s even huge motorsport potential. A few weeks ago I watched the Klutch Kickers drift event and someone was drifting around a rented Genesis Coupe and it did surprisingly well. Of course, with Forced induction and further angle mods the car could rip around a track. The genesis even competed in formula drift professional drifting championship, or you could do the opposite and build the car to be a curvy road monster. Your imagination is your limitation
Reliability:
Genesis is reliable. There have been so many owners reporting zero issues all the way up to 100k miles. The main issues seems to be headlight seals going back, 2nd gear lockout which should be fixed with synchromesh and an upgraded stiffer transmission mount to reduce the slop. Even those issues aren’t all that common
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B72X7HLcvNg&t=109s&ab_channel=PapadakisGarage
Great performance:
The base models handle great, but the r-spec trim handles even better with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Torsen LSD, stiffer suspension, but this model does lose a few fancy features for weight reduction like Bluetooth hands free, auto headlights, cruise control, and more fancy stuff. Could just buy a premium model and upgrade what you want to upgrade if you want to stay fancy.
And with the intro of the next model in 2013, things got just a bit better.
The Infiniti G35 is also a great performer!
Exterior styling:
The styling cues Hyundai took makes this car look much more unique compared to all the Camaros, mustangs and all the mainstream cars. Not saying those cars are bad, but the Genesis coupe definitely looks like it’s from a different playing field. Clean sweep from bumper to bumper, mean aggressive front fascia that got even better in 2013,and the same for the rear end. Its a clean looking car.
Photo by: crash71100
Interior:
The interior isn’t much to be raved about, but it’s still competitive for the market and the price of this budget sports car. Leather seats are nice and a touch of chrome makes it feel a little bit like the higher end genesis sedan, but not quite. Still a bonus in my book.
Good Value:
Speaking of budget sports cars, it is a decent value. You could purchase one well under 10k for an R-Spec model and even cheaper if you are okay with the 2.0l Turbo. It really depends what your main purpose is. Are you city driving or do you need to pass cars on the highway?
Exhaust:
The exhaust note it’s definitely worth talking about. Stock and at idle its very conservative. But, once you open its throat you’ll be able to hear the roaring engine of the 3.8l and even the 2.0. Hyundai did a great job here. How could you not like that sound? Or, if you wanted to you could go aftermarket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shPbkRSpxeE&ab_channel=BrosFOURRSpeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crvJx-CTafM&ab_channel=CynthiaCzikall
Aftermarket:
The aftermarket scene has been well built to supply just about anything and everything you’d need for any desire you dream of. It’s a well rounded car and replacement parts are fairly cheap if and when they go bad.
Pro… Con:
The last pro of the Genesis is actually a con, I had to get you all this far somehow. The genesis is a bit heavier from the FRS and its not nearly as balanced. There is a lot more weight in the front of the car. However, that’s not really a con if you plan on doing performance upgrades for whatever purpose
Overall, the genesis is a great car with 300hp under 10k.
Do you have a Genesis build you are working on? Do you want to be featured on a future battle of the builds video? Email me at Chris@Automotonation.com to submit your build.
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