Hyundai mounts dynamic launch for 2013 Genesis Coupe

LLAVE makes a drift demo run on his very own custom-built Genesis Coupe.

It’s not every day that a carmaker launches its latest model not at a swanky hotel but on a full-blown track event. Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) did just that when it launched the 2013 Genesis Coupe at Round 3 of the Lateral Drift Championship, in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Rather than mount a static display, Hyundai put on a show as the new Coupes swept around the track in true drift fashion under the skilled hands and feet of drivers like Atoy Llave of Atoy Customs.

The Genesis Coupe expanded the appeal of the Hyundai brand, which before this car was known mainly for utilitarian vans and sedans. The coupe is a world-class sports car platform, with rear-wheel drive and a choice of sufficiently powerful engines.

LLAVE after his stunt. Photos by Alvin Uy

The most significant upgrade to the 2013 model is the powertrain. The four-cylinder variant gets a new 2.0-liter Theta engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger. Compared with the previous turbo, the twin-scroll design is able to recover more energy from the engine’s exhaust gases, resulting in more power. The new engine outputs 257 hp, a nearly 50-hp increase from the previous model. Theoretically, a twin-scroll design is also more efficient than a single-scroll turbo. The top Genesis Coupe still gets a 3.8-liter V6 engine good for 300 hp. Sporty drivers will choose the six-speed manual, while those opting for comfort will enjoy the new 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps put the power down to the road by limiting wheelspin on loose surfaces. Thanks to the front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, weight distribution is a near-ideal 55:45 percent ratio front to rear. Manual-transmission cars also get Brembo brakes as standard. Active headrests combine with six supplemental-restraint airbags, including side and curtain bags.

PROFESSIONAL drifters Atoy Llave (left) and Gio Rodriguez, Hari chairman Edward S. Go, Hari president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, 2012 Miss World-Philippines and Hyundai Brand Ambassador Queneerich Rehman, and Hari chairman emeritus Richard L. Lee

No upgrade is complete without a facelift, and the new coupe gets a prettier face, courtesy of new headlamps integrated into a new fascia. The new face gets a look that is more similar to Hyundai’s new corporate face, as seen on the likes of the Sonata and Veloster. The grille is now the standard hexagon, with twin hood nostrils. The headlamp main beams feature HID technology, and LED strips around the foglights lend a more modern look. The taillights also use LED lighting. 19-inch alloy wheels are standard.

Inside, the Genesis Coupe gets a 5.6-inch display with an Infinity audio system. The Audio system has Bluetooth capability, and is iPod compatible. It can also swallow six CDs for those who can’t part with them. A new triple-gauge cluster shows acceleration, torque, and oil temperature, while a trip computer provides more information. The dashboard features hand stitching to give a more upscale feel to the interior. And the new seatbelt extension guide saves your shoulder, and perhaps your wristwatch too, from aggravation.

The Genesis Coupes were the star of the Lateral Drift round, as a pair of yellow and blue Coupes did their drift dance on the track. The Genesis Coupe showed its precision handling capabilities by allowing pinpoint maneuvers on the track, with the customary human speed cones acting as the markers. Drift racers Alex Perez, Gio Rodriguez, and Llave put the Coupes through their paces.

THE GENESIS Coupes were the star of the Lateral Drift round, as a pair of yellow and blue coupes did their drift dance on the track.

On hand to witness the power of the Genesis Coupe were Hari chairman Edward S. Go, Hari president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo and chairman emeritus Richard L. Lee.

The Genesis Coupe is available in a choice of eye-catching colors: yellow, red, white, two shades of blue, silver, gray, black and copper.