Hyundai Motor provides the Genesis Coupe R-Spec for the tuner

The modern new Genesis Coupe has done everything, but it is always getting better for the tuner. Their latest announcement stated that they will release the Genesis Coupe R-Spec, which is basically a blank sheet of paper for tuners and racers, whether they are entering the city or leaving as they are. R-Spec first got rid of some standard non-essentials: Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, trip computer, chrome interior and steering wheel audio control.

Then they add some fancy go-fast parts, which will surely excite those of us who want to take the car to the track: Track-tuned suspension, 19-inch gunmetal alloy wheels with performance summer tires, Brembo brakes, limited-slip differential, and R-Spec badging. Unfortunately, the R-Spec will only be available in black, white, or red.

The R-Spec will include the 210 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo engine, and 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic trans will not be available, but why would you want it with this anyway? The low-pressure turbo engine gets 30 mpg on the highway and hits a top speed of a mediocre 137 mph. All Genesis Coupes, including the R-Spec, comes standard with Electronic Stability Control, Traction control, ABS, Brake-Force Distribution, and Brake Assist, much like

Toyota’s Star Safety System

So we have a base Genesis Coupe, stripped of a few non-essentials and fitted with some track parts. What a clever approach Hyundai is taking to reach out to tuners. The R-Spec will cost an incredibly reasonable $23,750, which is $1,750 more than a base Coupe and $3,000 less than the 2.0T Track model. On a side note, I hope some of the parts they removed are optional; I’d still want cruise control and a trip computer, for example.

So you buy this blank slate Genesis Coupe ready to tune – now what? Well, seeing as how the turbo is being described by Hyundai as “low pressure,” the first thing I would do is boost the PSI to the highest possible safe pressure. There’s also been a lot of talk about how the ECU will be tuned, which will be something I hope Hyundai thought about a lot. After that, you can likely start with the normal stuff – air intake, custom exhaust, etc. It already has great Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip diff, and a tuned suspension, so no need to worry about that at first. It will also be interesting to see what sorts of

body kits

show up for the Coupe, although I don’t think it needs one.

The real question is whether or not Hyundai themselves will provide these performance parts Scion-style, or if they’ll leave it all up to third-party companies. Providing their own would be more expensive for us but would give us reassurance with no voided warranties and the guarantee they’re installed correctly.

Regardless, I think Hyundai is doing a fantastic job with the Genesis Coupe, and pending a test drive; it might be my next car. Based on the numbers, specs, and looks alone, they’ve hit all the nails on the head here, and the R-Spec is a great idea despite the fact that they could have done it a better way. I wish they would offer the orange color shown on the Genesis Coupe Concept.

Look for a review of the Genesis Coupe here in the near future, I’m waiting desperately for it to show up on our review car schedule.

Update: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review