HYUNDAI GENESIS

Following the successful launch of its Genesis sedan, Korean automaker Hyundai rolled out a two-door version of the car, aptly named Genesis Coupe. The car first debuted in pre-production form at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, and later was unveiled in production guise at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.


Hyundai stuck to its promise of aggressive pricing, making the V6 model of the car the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe in the world.


The four-cylinder model has a starting price of just $22,000. That will buy you the most basic configuration, equipped with a 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. If you're looking for some more power, you'll have to pony up $25,000 for the the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model.



The basic $22,000 version comes standard with a six-speed manual. For customers looking for added comfort or ease of operation, a five-speed Shiftronic automatic with manual mode is $23,250. The 2.0T model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch disc brakes, a front strut brace, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, projector beam headlamps, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, active head restraints, front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.


A "Premium" variant of the 2.0T model is also available, coming in at $24,250 for the manual variant and $25,500 for the Shiftronic automatic. The Premium edition gains a power driver's seat, 360-watt Infinity audio with 10 speakers, push-button start, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and navigation system.

Available for $26,750, with a six-speed manual only, is the 2.0T "Track" model. It includes 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch discs and four-piston red calipers, a Torsen-type limited-slip differential, black leather bolster seats with high-friction cloth insert, aluminum pedals, a rear spoiler, Xenon HID headlights, fog lamps, a lightweight aluminum spare, and navigation system.


Unique to the Coupe lineup is the R-Spec model, which Hyundai considers a clean slate for tuners. Priced at $23,750, it is $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model, leaving tuners with extra cash for their own choice of aftermarket performance upgrades. It has all the same mechanical upgrades as the Track model, but lacks the premium leather seats, Xenon lights, and navigation.


The V6 model comes standard with a leather interior -- a unique selling point for a $25,000 vehicle. Other highlights of the base model include fog lights, chrome fascia accents, and premium door sill plates. A six-speed manual is standard, while upgrading to the Shiftronic pushes the price to $26,500.


A "Grand Touring" V6 package is available for $27,500 with the manual transmission, or $29,000 with the Shiftronic. This trim level adds a 360-watt Infinity premium audio system with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, Xenon HID lamps, auto-dimming mirrors, navigation system, reverse warning system, heated side mirrors, push-button start, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and heated seats.

Lastly, the "Track" V6 model comes with 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston brakes, track-tuned suspension, and Torsen-type limited-slip differential. Unlike the 2.0T, the Track model is available with a Shiftronic automatic, in addition to a regular manual. Pricing is $29,500 for the manual, and $31,000 for the automatic.