5- 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
This car's lack of fluidity is what ultimately relegated it to this spot. The Genesis Coupe is a fantastic car on its own, but was outclassed by all in nearly every category save for one: braking. The R-Spec's Brembo setup provides reliable and powerful braking performance that is fade-free.
Beyond the red calipers, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec falls short. It's uncanny to think that such a well-sorted car could be defeated by seemingly lesser small cars. The "GT" disposition of the Genesis Coupe is the compromise that hurt it the most despite it being the hardest-core R-Spec version and, on paper, the most potent car of the lot.
The 2.0T engine's turbo lag was the element generally complained about the most. Consistency proved difficult with the car as the narrow powerband limited the driver's ability to charge ahead and make good time. The car required far more attention than the actual track.
Don't get us wrong: the car is fast, but it's not well balanced. As one tester put it, certain parts of the car seem to come from Hyundai's general application parts bin; the clutch slave cylinder was slow to release the left pedal, and the steering lacked bite, on-center feel and turn-in.
The weight and girth of the car also played against it in a field where the next heaviest car weighed in at 130kg (286lb) less. The lightest of the bunch tipped the scale at nearly 350kg (770lb) less than the Hyunda.
The all-important driving position and seats are excellent in the R-Spec; however, again, their GT character allows for wider bolstering, providing less lateral support than the others.
Had it not been for the lively nature of the other cars, the Genesis Coupe would have knocked our socks off. However, at this level of competition, there are no excuses.
This car's lack of fluidity is what ultimately relegated it to this spot. The Genesis Coupe is a fantastic car on its own, but was outclassed by all in nearly every category save for one: braking. The R-Spec's Brembo setup provides reliable and powerful braking performance that is fade-free.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
Beyond the red calipers, the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec falls short. It's uncanny to think that such a well-sorted car could be defeated by seemingly lesser small cars. The "GT" disposition of the Genesis Coupe is the compromise that hurt it the most despite it being the hardest-core R-Spec version and, on paper, the most potent car of the lot.
The 2.0T engine's turbo lag was the element generally complained about the most. Consistency proved difficult with the car as the narrow powerband limited the driver's ability to charge ahead and make good time. The car required far more attention than the actual track.
Don't get us wrong: the car is fast, but it's not well balanced. As one tester put it, certain parts of the car seem to come from Hyundai's general application parts bin; the clutch slave cylinder was slow to release the left pedal, and the steering lacked bite, on-center feel and turn-in.
The weight and girth of the car also played against it in a field where the next heaviest car weighed in at 130kg (286lb) less. The lightest of the bunch tipped the scale at nearly 350kg (770lb) less than the Hyunda.
The all-important driving position and seats are excellent in the R-Spec; however, again, their GT character allows for wider bolstering, providing less lateral support than the others.
Had it not been for the lively nature of the other cars, the Genesis Coupe would have knocked our socks off. However, at this level of competition, there are no excuses.
 |
| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |