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2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe First Impressions

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Mathieu St-Pierre
Feeding the frenzy
At the other of the spectrum we find the $38,799 3.8 GT with the 8-speed autobox. This car is a real grand tourer. With the right amount of engine growl mixed with leather, navigation, power seats and other goodies, the car presents the right blend of attitude and poshness. For added pleasure, the box can be controlled with steering wheel-mounted paddles, although do not expect rev-matching downshifts. It's a GT and not an R-Spec.

All of the other trims will find buyers but the most popular is expected to be the 2.0T Premium. For $29,899, this car features all of the aforementioned kit in the 3.8 GT including an Infinity audio system and a sunroof.

Track and road frenzy
The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is ready for anything the driving champion may want to throw at it. I piloted the car through Red Rock Canyon in Nevada where the Coupe demonstrated evolved levels of poise and composure over the previous car. Steering and overall chassis response has progressed in the right direction.

Beyond that, the revamped suspension does wonders to keep rubber and tarmac in perfect harmony, especially on the track. At Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, with a 3.8 R-Spec (which we will not get in Canada), I was able to put the car through some severe torture. The Brembo brakes held up impressively well, even after some serious hurt. And the wail of the 3.8 at WOT! Purely invigorating.

In all cars, the new 3-stage ESP system can be set full-on, with limited assist or totally off. Through the cones and on a partially wet surface, the car was incredibly quick, forgiving and predictable, with the ESP off. In fact, the cars (2.0T and 3.8) were so good that they permitted me to clock the quickest times of all waves and journalists, for both cars. Me or the car? You pick.

Around the track, at limited assist, the Gen Coupe will drift but won't let you kill yourself. The car works with the driver and not against. It's all quite impressive.

Frenzy fed
The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a phenomenal car. It is so good that I cannot imagine spending extra money on a Nissan Z or a Chevy Camaro SS. The only car that stands a chance is the Ford Mustang GT. The current 'Stang is refined and ridiculously fast. The Gen Coupe bests the refinement but doesn't stir the same flavour of emotions. It's an Asian/American thing.

As far as I'm concerned, the new 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the new bar by which any sporty car should be measured for styling and performance. I think I like it. I like it a lot.

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe front 3/4 view
The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a phenomenal car. It is so good that I cannot imagine spending extra money on a Nissan Z or a Chevy Camaro SS. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

2013 Hyundai Genesis
hyundai genesis 2013
2013 Hyundai Genesis
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Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
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