Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Hyundai, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec live from Chicago
​

Hyundai has been one of the few companies keeping us busy at the Chicago Auto Show. Besides showing the Rhys Millen drift car and announcing pricing for the Genesis Coupe, the automaker trotted out the R-spec enthusiast model.

While the car they brought to the show is basically a concept, the R-Spec package will be available through dealers and will give performance junkies more in some areas and less in others. The full list of equipment is in the press release after the jump, but the highlights are a 210-hp turbo'd inline-four that returns 30 mpg and a top speed of 137 mph. Available only with the six-speed manual, it comes with stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, 19-inch wheels, Brembos, a Torsen limited-slip differential, a beefier suspension and summer-only Potenzas. To reduce cost and weight, the R-Spec doesn't include Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. Basically, the R-spec is packing all the heavy-hitting hardware from the Track model and ditches the frippery that drivers and customizers aren't interested in.

The Genesis Coupe R-Spec will be available mid-2010 with a base price of $23,750, or $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model. That should allow a lot of extra cash for some tuner bits. Besides the performance tweaks, the R-Spec will only be available in three colors: Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red. Good names, good colors, good kit and a good price. We're sold. Check out the press release after the jump and the live gallery below.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Hyndai Genesis Coupe R-Spec



Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts

Chicago 2009: Hyundai introduces R-Spec Genesis Coupe for enthusiasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



Permalink | Email this | Comments

Read more...

 

[wallymn]

Anyone else think the Genesis platform is fairly large for a turbo 4?

 

[Lisa.D]

So how many pounds does this actually shed over the regular genesis 2.0L Turbo, if any?

Just wondering.

 

[ConceptVBS]

So how many pounds does this actually shed over the regular genesis 2.0L Turbo, if any?

Just wondering.

Realistically, im purely speculating here, it shouldnt be that much. The items they are taking out arent that heavy per se. Air conditioning, stereo, roll up windows, lighter wheels, sunroof, smaller manual adjusting seats...these are the things will take off weight considerably; not small buttons. What the "R-Spec" essentially is, is a track package without the "luxury" features for a considerably cheaper price.

Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls does not cost $3000. So for $23,750 MSRP(most Hyundai dealers dont sell at MSRP, almost always lower), the R-Spec is a BARGAIN for what you get.

 

[Lisa.D]

So, from a performance on paper and price perspective, the Genesis R-Spec has everything needed to be a strong contender.

The only wild card IMO is how good the suspension and chassis work together and how the handling will be compared to the likes of the miata, solstice, rx8 and S2000.

I look forward to updates.

 

[slowboyy]

I think the r-spec is a good platform think about it, look at the cars in its class i think the only other car that compare to this car and this category is the cobalt ss gross weight is around 3400 pounds give a take a pound or 2

 

[mkaresh]

Realistically, im purely speculating here, it shouldnt be that much. The items they are taking out arent that heavy per se. Air conditioning, stereo, roll up windows, lighter wheels, sunroof, smaller manual adjusting seats...these are the things will take off weight considerably; not small buttons. What the "R-Spec" essentially is, is a track package without the "luxury" features for a considerably cheaper price.

Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls does not cost $3000. So for $23,750 MSRP(most Hyundai dealers dont sell at MSRP, almost always lower), the R-Spec is a BARGAIN for what you get.

Saving almost no weight. Saving a bit of cost. But the items listed are only the ones deleted from the car's standard equipment. You also lose all of the contents of the Premium Package, partial leather upholstery, and xenons compared to the Track Package.

TrueDelta's price comparison tool was designed for situations like this one, since it assigns values to features (which can be customized) and tallies up the difference. The default values for the lost features total up to $3,600--and that's with no value assigned to the Infinity audio system in the Track. Figure that's worth at least $400.

So, with the R-Spec you give up about $4,000 worth of stuff to get a $3,000 lower price. Good if you don't care for the lost items anyway, but not the best in value terms.

Car price comparisons

Note: I have not included fog lights in the R-Spec equipment, because Hyundai doesn't list them. But they appear to be on the car shown in Chicago. I'll email them for clarification.

 

[mkaresh]

Very prompt response to my email--thanks, Hyundai.

Answer: while the displayed R-Spec has fog lights and a sunroof, the production car will not.

One other clarification: the power driver seat in the Premium/Track/GT packages does not include power recline. After years of loading its cars with features, Hyundai is clearly managing costs with the Genesis. A sure sign that the basic hardware is costly.

 

[Blackout]

It's going to be interesting to see how much these things sell for once they're out. I'd love a track model but for the price I'd rather have the R-Spec. Now I just gotta find a way to get the track models fog lights and HID's into a R-Spec

 

[mkaresh]

It's going to be interesting to see how much these things sell for once they're out. I'd love a track model but for the price I'd rather have the R-Spec. Now I just gotta find a way to get the track models fog lights and HID's into a R-Spec

Find a car that's been totaled in a rear-ender?

Otherwise you start eatiing up that price difference.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Blackout]

Find a car that's been totaled in a rear-ender?

Otherwise you start eatiing up that price difference.

Yeah. I guess I am waiting until they come out to make up my mind. I want the HID's and the fog lights but thats all I want from the track model that the R Spec doesn't have. It's going to be interesting to get pricing for the HID setup from Hyundai to put in my car if the price is right

 

[ConceptVBS]

I give this car about 2-3 months before some idiot crashes it into a telephone pole. You know somebody will. There fore, junkyard scrap parts should be readily available for a great price.

 

[mkaresh]

They've got to slide it sideways into the telephone pole. Head on is likely to take out a headlight or two.

 

[Redline]

Hell I'd be happy with the most basic model lol.