First Look: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec

Hoping to curry favor with the pro-tuner set and enthusiasts in general, Hyundai is adding a new more-affordable performance-oriented variant to the Genesis Coupe line for 2010. Officially the 2.0T R-Spec, this cool rear-wheel-drive coupe adds Track trim hardware to the most affordable 2.0T version of the car and eliminates "non-essential convenience equipment" to trim both its curb weight and bottom line. In the plus column, the Track goodies add stiffer springs/shocks/anti-roll bars, a front strut tower brace, 19-inch alloy wheels finished in gunmetal grey and wrapped in sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/40YR19 front, 245/40YR19 rear) tires, Brembo high-performance brakes, and a TORSEN limited-slip differential along with the requisite R-Spec badging. Hyundai also will include a set of dealer/owner-installable front-strut camber adjustment bolts with each R-Spec that quicken initial steering input and overall handling response. Departing the R-Spec mix are cruise control, the trip computer, automatic headlights, chrome interior accent trim, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. That net tradeoff keeps the 2.0T's 210-horsepower turbo four engine -- backed by a mandatory six-speed manual transmission -- and all other standard features but delivers them at $24,500, a savings of $3,000 compared to a 2.0T Track model that buyers can pocket or use to add whatever other modifications they desire. Available in Karussell White, Bathurst Black and Tsukuba Red, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec will debut next week at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and start appearing in Hyundai dealer showrooms shortly thereafter.