2009 Chicago Auto Show: Hyundai Debuts a High-Performance Blank Canvas for Tuners: Genesis Coupe R-Spec

CHICAGO, February 11, 2009: When the colors of your new turbocharged rear-wheel-drive sport coupe are named after international racing circuits, you'd better have the performance and confidence to back it up. Now, Hyundai is upping the ante by announcing an R-Spec version of the all-new 2010 Genesis Coupe, designed to appeal to true enthusiasts who want a low starting price and the ability to tune their car to their own specifications. R-Spec will be available as a mid-2010 model year introduction.

R-Spec provides genuine track-readiness in an affordable model. The R-Spec adds core performance equipment to the most affordable 2.0T model, such as: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo(R) braking system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. To further reduce cost and weight, it also eliminates some non-essential convenience equipment such as: Bluetooth(R), automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be priced at $23,750 and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. Appropriately, the R-Spec will be available in three performance oriented exteriors colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red.

R-Spec equipment includes:

  --  2.0-liter low-pressure turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine
      with dual continuously variable valve timing delivering 210-hp, an
      estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph
  --  6-speed close-ratio manual transmission
  --  Electronic Stability Control with Traction control, ABS, Electronic
      Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist
  --  19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with staggered-width
      high-performance summer-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires
      (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear)
  --  Brembo(R) braking system with 13.4-inch ventilated front rotors, 42mm
      four-piston fixed front calipers (red), 13.0-inch ventilated rear
      rotors, 32mm+28mm four-piston fixed rear calipers (red)
  --  Track-tuned suspension (higher-rate coil springs, higher-control shock
      absorbers, 25mm front stabilizer bar, 22mm rear stabilizer bar, front
      strut brace)
  --  Torsen-type limited-slip differential
  --  R-Spec badging
  --  Quick-ratio hydraulic steering (2.7 turns lock-to-lock)
  --  Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  --  Front, side, side air curtain air bags
  --  Active front head restraints
  --  Driver's lumbar support
  --  Air conditioning
  --  Remote keyless entry system
  --  Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
  --  Power windows (one-touch up and down), door locks and mirrors
  --  AM/FM/XM/MP3/CD audio system with six speakers
  --  iPod/USB/Aux jack connectivity
  --  Projector beam headlamps
  --  Lightweight temporary spare with aluminum wheel (T135/80D18)
  --  Note:  Automatic transmission not available with R-Spec