Finally tested a '13 Track

[harry390]

Got to drive a new Track coupe with 8 speed auto the other day. Although I really wanted to try the MT, this was my only choice. I was impressed to see Brembos on all 4 wheels. Car is well equiped with all of the bells and whistles I'd like. Suspension felt taut but not jarring and at high speed, the car tracked straight as an arrow.

We were on a highway with very light traffic and the salesman told me to punch it so I did. The power is amazing since the car ran up to 120 when I lifted off. It went from 80 to 120 in just a few seconds with a lot more top end power remaining.

I tried paddle shifting for the first time and this could be fun but there's something missing with no clutch. I was not impressed with the shifts and I felt they should be more crisp. Maybe need a DCT for that.

Overall, a very impressive car. Sticker was 35K for this model. No crazy about the rear spoiler since I prefer a cleaner look.

I'd love to drive the MT version but may never find one. Does anyone out there have an opinion on the GC's shift quality and clutch feel?

 

[Vince2]

harry390 the '13 coupe is equiped with gas, monotube shocks. I like your comment that the ride was firm but not jarring. That "firm but not jarring" ride for me is the holy grail of suspensions. Have you driven the pre '13 coupes? If you've driven the earlier version (the amplitude selective dampened models ) compare the rides for us. I so wish the sedan had a choice of shocks.

 

[harry390]

harry390 the '13 coupe is equiped with gas, monotube shocks. I like your comment that the ride was firm but not jarring. That "firm but not jarring" ride for me is the holy grail of suspensions. Have you driven the pre '13 coupes? If you've driven the earlier version (the amplitude selective dampened models ) compare the rides for us. I so wish the sedan had a choice of shocks.

No, this was the 1st Hyundai I've ever been in so can't offer a comparison with prior years. Actually, I was shocked when the dealer contacted me that he had just received a '13 GC Track. I live in northern AZ so not many Hyundai GCs around. Stayed in Boston for the summer and dealers didn't have any GC coupes either.

But the power is there, the ride is firm and I can picture myself driving a GC 3.8 to Vegas for weekend get aways. Just need to decide between auto or MT.

 

[Madduxman3104]

Recently read a review from a car mag that said the AT is constantly wavering between shifts as though it can't figure out where to go. There is so much torque in the MT since there are two less gears. In the 2.0T it actually FEELS as though you could use another gear to get the RPM's down for fuel conservation when in highway cruising mode.

Never driven the 3.8. Can't comment on them from experience. Check out car magazine reviews. I learned a lot before my purchase.

 

[yellow3.8track]

The 3.8 could use another gear as well. 75 mph is right at 3,000 rpm in the coupe with the 6 spd. manual. It has more than enough torque to drop 800 to 1000 rpm off that and still cruise at 75 or 80 mph.

 

[interrex]

The 3.8 could use another gear as well. 75 mph is right at 3,000 rpm in the coupe with the 6 spd. manual. It has more than enough torque to drop 800 to 1000 rpm off that and still cruise at 75 or 80 mph.

I agree that has been my biggest bitch is the rear gears are to tall. Need to be lower for better gas mileage in 6th gear..

 

[Top Gear]

My main beef has been with 1st gear, which is like a granny. I think 6th is okay, which stretches out nicely up toward the top speeds, but yes, mileage has a sweet spot around 75 in 6th.

Personally, I really love the R-Spec handling and ride. If I nitpick, it could sit a tad lower, and once you get use to it, the car seems to roll and lift more than you think it should (a perception corrected by driving someone else's car), but dayaaamm, does mine corner with such balance and sure-footedness! The 3.8 Track should only be about 200 pounds heavier, but has all the same performance gear.

Take out the carbon filter, run the best gas you can find, turn off the stability/traction control, and it's unlikely you'll want for more power in real world driving conditions from the 3.8 cars