2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec: The OppositeLock Review

"Tim (Fractal Footwork)" (fractalfootwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:26 • Filed to: oppositelock review, jalopnik reviews, hyundai genesis 38 r-spec, hyundai genesis, r-spec, Readers rides

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is by far and away the best competitor to the Mustang since we figured out we could eat cow. Hyundai's power unit choices will now be shadowed by Ford for their new 2015 Mustang, so is the Genesis Coupe still relevant or calf needing to be put down?

[ Full Disclosure : Hyundai didn't want me to review the Genesis so bad, that I had to go and buy one from them. Though, they did try everything in their power to make me purchase one at full price, the folks over at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! had my back, and I ended up paying quite a bit less... ]

The R-Spec is the base model for the 3.8 liter engine and the 2nd lowest tier for the 2.0 liter turbo model; it comes as standard with a manual transmission (you'll have to upgrade if you want the auto/flappy paddle version), leather/cloth seats, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and some cool gauges you can't really look at while you're driving unless you want to crash into an alpaca.

Exterior 7/10

I'd like to think that the Genesis is a sleeper because it doesn't really look like a muscle car, sports car, or some sort of rocketship, but that simply isn't true because I've been complimented on it more times than I can count within my first week of ownership.

Before I spent time with this new Genesis, I also didn't really like the nose and just though they ruined the front end with the update, but it is truly growing on me. I don't appreciate the fake vents on the hood; it seems like a move out of the new Challenger's book, but the Challenger is !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to be able to pull something like that off.

Interior 6/10

For a base model sports car, the interior is quite voluptuous with its leather-wrapped steering wheel, half-cloth/half-leather seats, and folding rear seats.

There is some fake metal plastic on the steering wheel and center console that I don't really mind. The dashboard is plastic, but stitched to make it look like leather; I am not really sure what Hyundai was thinking there.

I particularly like the half-cloth/half-leather seats, keeping you positioned correctly along with the hugging construction, and probably being the best thing next to full-on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Recaro seats.

The temperature control system is quite basic; don't go looking for any crazy things like heated seats or blowing headrests with the R-Spec model.

Acceleration 8/10

Acceleration is great if you're in the right gear, but best of all is the pull in 6th at highway speeds; it doesn't kick you in the tuckus or anything, but you'll have no problem making a move if you need it.

I drove a V6 Mustang before I bought this, and the problem I had with the Mustang was that the throttle pedal went a long way before you actually felt anything; this is not so in the Genesis. The pedal is linear and gives exactly as much as you'd expect it to give.

0-60 mph is read at 5.2 seconds (if you can shift fast enough), 0.6 seconds better than the previous Hyundai Genesis; good for a NA V6, but not as good as the 'Stang's 5.0.

Braking 6/10

Braking is good, but I haven't seriously tested it enough to give my opinion. From what I've read, braking in the Genesis is slightly worse that in a Mustang, but not dramatically worse.

Let me go autocrossing and I'll get back to you...

Ride 10/10

The ride is excellent.

As good if not better than my parents' Sonata. Yes, you can still feel every bump and the ride is communicative, but you're not going though the roof after you mistake a pothole for a jelly doughnut, and I've never hit a bump that caused pain on me or one of my passengers.

Handling 8/10

Handling is great.

The steering is heavy and incredibly accurate, but not as precise as the BRZ/FRS. Camber changes in the road are communicated though the wheel well enough, and stepping out the rear is as easy as [your favorite] pie (granted you have the traction disabled); holding a slide is a different story and more down to your constituents.

Genesis Owners:

It took me a couple of days and a read of the manual to figure out, but there are 2 stages to fully turning off the traction control. Press the 'traction control off' button once and the power-cut is disabled; press and hold the button for 3+ seconds again (till you hear a beep and a display change on the dash) and the passive braking is disabled.

...don't put it in a tree.

Gearbox 5/10

The gearbox is clunky; there I said it.

Once you get a momentum going, the shifts are fine, but in traffic from 1st to 2nd you won't be imagining that you're using a scalpel to cut though lanes of traffic.

The old gearbox was worse, but for some reason I liked it's clunky nature and thought it felt more industrial. The new box, however, is improved which has somehow made it worse. All the way or nothing Hyundai boffins, all the way or nothing.

I was unsure about the nob, but I've grown into it. The leather squeaks in 6th gear as you drive along which is very annoying, but can be subdued with music or wind noise.

Toys 5/10

For the price, toys are pretty minimal, but I just tell everybody that its a 'driver's car' and I'm done with the argument.

iPod connectivity is located behind the panel above the gear nob, but the only place to put your iPod/iPhone is in the cup holder, as it doesn't fit in the compartment and even if it did, the cable would be in the way.

Being in the cup holder, the iPhone is still a bit of a pain during shifting if you don't have the cable circumnavigating the nob and the iPhone in its upright position at all times.

The best part of the toys that come with the R-Spec model is the trio of gauges measuring (from left to right) instantaneous fuel consumption, torque, and oil temperature. Problem is, I never am able to watch the torque gauge work its magic as I'm a bit more focused on what's happening though the windscreen.

Audio 7/10

The stereo is average, but not nearly good enough for an audiophile. Its sounds a bit thin all the time. Another quirk if you've never been in a Hyundai is that their stereos always play about 10-15 measurement (out of 35) louder using a CD over an iPod.

Let's skip to the engine note as that is the main concern between buying this V6 over an American V8 from Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge.

This V6 isn't the sound of excellence; it isn't the sound of bruteness, or tactfulness, or even opulence. You won't have to worry about losing yourself when you hear it rev.

The 3.8 liter engine is deep and throaty under 4k rpm and etches in to a screech above, still not losing its midrange roar. Its almost as if the Genesis' 3.8 want to be a V8 so badly, it intimidates its American friends as much as a foreigner with an accent can.

Mind you, the V6 isn't as bad as I have described it above. It sounded absolutely stellar down Wacker drive, and provides the perfect soundtrack to overtaking on an abandoned tree-banked backroad. My only tip: don't discount it till you drive it.

Value 7/10

It took me a long time to work out (almost a week), but the Genesis is what the V6 Mustang should have been, and maybe what the new 2015 version will be. The Genesis 3.8 is a V6 Mustang where every single piece is a little bit better (yes, I also watched the Top Gear DBS review recently).

I really struggled between the Genesis Coupe and a Subaru BRZ when the time got down to the wire, but opted for the Genesis with it's almost 150 horsepowers over the BRZ. The BRZ has satellite navigation as standard, but its a gimmick if I've ever seen one, and I won't personally opt for such a system until automakers get their UI and UX under control.

Comparing price to a V6 Mustang, you should probably choose the Mustang, but if you want a Muscle car that feels like a driver's car instead of a cruse-mobile, the Genesis Coupe will gladly get you all the way home.

Total 68/100

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DISCUSSION (57)

GhostZ > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:27

Just sum up your entire review with the question we're all wanting answered:

"Is it better than a 370z?"

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > GhostZ
07/27/2014 at 21:31

Haven't driven it...

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:33

So they went with the BMW shift pattern, interesting.

Milky > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:34

Good write up and that is a lot of power for a NA six.

But this bugs me with almost all 2+2 coupes. Added weight for not much usability.

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HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:39

Kinja'd!!!

I still love this window

heliochrome85 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/27/2014 at 21:39

interesting.

Tom McParland > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:39

man..those seats look awesome. That's too bad about the gearbox, I think in a few years Hyundai will get it right.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
07/27/2014 at 21:40

you mean the "every German car" shift pattern.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:40

Great review, Great choice.

This would be my choice if I was shopping in this category.

Kanaric > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:40

One thing I wonder, no site EVER compares it to the 370Z but it's the obvious car to compare it to. It's always Genesis vs V6 mustang or 370Z vs V8 mustang when everyone really wants to see Genesis vs 370z

Kanaric > Milky
07/27/2014 at 21:41

Same 0-60 and 1/4 mile as nismo 370z. People usually get the same times at autocross too. So keep that in mind.

Brian Silvestro > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:43

Great review! Very detailed. Nicely done. I have one question: Is the steering electrically or hydraulically assisted?

Kanaric > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/27/2014 at 21:44

Why this over a V8 Mustang?

Soloburrito > Kanaric
07/27/2014 at 21:46

Or why this over a 2015 mustang ecoboost for less money.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Tom McParland
07/27/2014 at 21:46

let's hope. They'll definitely have to if it goes upmarket, or ditch the manual entirely.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Brian Silvestro
07/27/2014 at 21:47

I think hydraulic

Kyle B > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:47

Raced one of these the other day with my 95' STi and one. I wasn't expecting the Genesis to win but the car looked it was being worked super hard, its hard to explain but other V6 N/A cars usually look more composed when they are accelerating hard.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Kanaric
07/27/2014 at 21:48

Don't like the Mustang.

Camaro would have to have the 1LE package, but I don't like the black hood

Challenger would have to be a Hellcat, and that's a bit expensive.

370z... meh.

If you meant to reply to me..

offroadkarter > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:49

it has a ....torque...gauge?

wat

Milky > Kanaric
07/27/2014 at 21:50

Dat quick wiki search says otherwise ….

The 0–60 mph acceleration times are as follows:

Nissan 370Z Coupe: 4.6 seconds [32]

Nissan 370Z Roadster: 4.9 seconds [33]

(plus its not that much lighter @ 3,232 lb)

thebigbossyboss > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:51

Kinja'd!!!

Why is the radio so big? embiggen all the things?

Brian Silvestro > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:52

Interesting. Will you be writing about the buying experience? (or did you already do that and I just forgot about it)

gabbo241 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:54

What's the difference between accurate steering and precise steering?

thebigbossyboss > Milky
07/27/2014 at 21:55

Usability enough though. 2+2 is usually means 3 ppl. The passenger can sit with his legs a bit up but the driver has to put the seat all the way back. Although my family did manage to go for chinese food ONCE (exactly once) in the Mini cooper convertible, and we are respectively 6 ft, 5'11, 6'3", and 6'1".

thebigbossyboss > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 21:56

Interesting. Call me old school but I never would have considered a Hyundai a competitor to the Mustang. Must be those Ford marketing guru's at work!

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Brian Silvestro
07/27/2014 at 22:02

I didn't, and I don't think I will

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > gabbo241
07/27/2014 at 22:03

http://www.mathsisfun.com/accuracy-preci…

Brian Silvestro > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 22:04

Fine with me! Glad you're happy with your car. I expect many updates and AutoX videos.

Milky > thebigbossyboss
07/27/2014 at 22:09

Personally I went from a SC400 to a Crossfire and haven't lost any practicality, but lost about 700lbs. No one actually likes sitting in the back of coupes anyways.

Also I'd rather be in the back of a cabrio mini than a coupe! more headroom.

gabbo241 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 22:11

Accuracy vs. precision in math I understand. But I'm wondering what you mean when you are comparing two different cars' steering.

But overall kudos on an honest review and not being one of those "My car is a 10/10 BEST CAR EVER everything else sucks" type of reviewer, like that you see on the Edmunds consumer reviews of any remotely enthusiast-oriented car.

PS9 > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 22:22

MSRP for MSRP it doesn't beat a stripper 5.0, but I've seen these go as low as $24k. Same thing with the Z (kinda, a few grand more) Competition is really cutting down the on-the-lot prices for these.

Wouldn't take it over a 5.0 but below that magic $30k makes it a great alternative to the Mustang, what with the extra 50 ponies.

LongTravel > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/27/2014 at 23:13

16/24/19? That's appalling. There are full size V8 trucks (and V8 Mustangs) that get that mileage.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > gabbo241
07/27/2014 at 23:50

I guess I mean that precise is that you can place the car exactly where you want it, while accurate means quite close all of the time and then you can readjust from there

biturboism, the cult > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 05:09

Kinja'd!!!

Sometimes it's better to leave an area blank or at least have simpler gauge design, instead of tacking on fake plastic garbage that's not fooling anyone (I'm looking at you too, Toyobaro "bolt" climate control knobs)

Kinja'd!!!

Seriously, what's with the Asian manufacturers and their "sport" interiors? At least the rest seems fine here.

Kinja'd!!!

Otherwise, I'm pleasantly surprised how this car matured in something I'd still get over the new Mustang.

Great buy, man!

Pictured: Classy as fuck!

spanfucker retire bitch > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 07:31

Kinja'd!!!

I couldn't remember if the R-spec came with the stupid spoiler or not. This car looks so much cleaner without the wing on the back. It really has some good lines.

Slow4o > Milky
07/28/2014 at 08:08

That is one thing I like about Mustangs. Unlike a lot of 2+2's, I have fit fully grown adults in the back seat in multiple body style Mustangs.

ChickenMcBooty > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 10:37

My brother has a 2013 Genesis V6 coupe with 6 speed. It's a great car with a beautiful modern interior, fun to drive and gets stares all the time. Now mind you, I'd never swap my 335i twin turbo 6-speed coupe for one, that'd just be fucking crazy; but it's still a nice ride.

Kanaric > Milky
07/28/2014 at 11:02

Talking Genesis vs Z not coupe vs roadster and going by sites like car and driver and motortrend.

Kanaric > Soloburrito
07/28/2014 at 11:05

I bought the V8 2014 because it was the best value for the money. I don't think asian GTs are on the same level anymore. It's like in the 90s when cars like the Mustang and Camaro had 200hp and the 300zx had 300 except the other way around now. The gap used to also be handling and weight, which neither is the case anymore either.

Milky > Kanaric
07/28/2014 at 11:24

I'm not trying to be pedantic but from C&D ….

The regular Z has less HP, is faster to 60 & more importantly (IMO) pulls a better g load.

Arrivederci > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 11:55

Damn - didn't know those things came with nearly 350hp! Sweet!

JEM > offroadkarter
07/28/2014 at 15:14

Yeah, my '05 Tiburon had the same exact gauge cluster addition except it was MPG, torque, and voltage. The oil temp gauge makes sense at least. The torque one is stupid/cheap and the MPG one is pointless since there's an MPG readout in the dash. They should just give oil temp/pressure and voltage.

mrmocha > Arrivederci
07/28/2014 at 15:52

It's 350 "Hyundai Horsepower" though... They're notorious for overrating their horsepower.

See: 370Z will (and does) smoke the doors off a Genesis Coupe for the same exact price and 8 less "claimed horsepower"

WINGZERO > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 16:26

Everyone talking about Mustangs blah blah blah. I would love to see more of these on the road really. There are a fuckton of mustangs around my part of Georgia and I'm sure its like that elsewhere in the south, literally every other car is one... that or a camaro . eww

PardonMyFlemish16 > GhostZ
07/28/2014 at 18:47

Well, lets look at it. Z is lighter, nimbler, has better build quality, and has a not much less useful back seat, and more usable trunk. If you can get over never having a back seat, seems like the better choice.

I am missing having a back seat, so I'm gonna dump my Z for a 135i/M235i in a few years. Outside of that and the tire noise (o god the tire noise) the 370Z is pretty damn nice.

GhostZ > PardonMyFlemish16
07/28/2014 at 18:55

I'm on the 370z side too, but when the Genesis coupe came out, some people remarked that the driver feedback and handling was much better.

I hope they offer a 2+2 version of the upcoming Z for that very reason. Great car, but needs a back seat if you're going to use it as your primary driver.

doug > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/28/2014 at 20:34

I very nearly had a 2013 V6 R-Spec, but the system still used the old Hyundai iPod cable, which wouldn't work for my 5. Also, even as a Hyundai salesman, the deal wasn't that great. Somehow I bought a pickup, so perhaps a used 2014 Genesis in a couple years..

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > doug
07/28/2014 at 21:25

yeah I'm surprised they didn't update the cable

Mr. Sinister > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
07/29/2014 at 09:57

Very good, and very fair review. I agree almost completely. This car gets a lot of unfair criticism from the "it's still a Hyundai" bunch, and others who never have, and have no intention of ever driving one. It should be noted that the 2.0T is no slouch either, and easily competes with the current V6 Mustang. It might just be a better bargain, especially if you're not afraid of a few small mods (a tune and catback will net 300RWHP from the 2.0T) I've enjoyed every minute of ownership of my 2013 2.0T.

RoadHead -- Armand > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
09/01/2014 at 18:21

Whoa....a torque gauge? Holy shit....I think I'm jealous of a Hyundai. What a world.

Unbearable Pain > Milky
12/10/2014 at 02:24

After riding in my friend's, it's my new favorite car. I used to liek the Audi S5 the most but I now like this little Hyundai. I'll probably buy one right after college since it's cheap enough.

PRBot II > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
01/23/2015 at 10:56

the folks over at Carbuying.Jalopnik.com had my back, and I ended up paying quite a bit less

Hey Fractal, I'm thinking about buying a Genesis Coupe and I'm wondering what you did to score a lower price.

I've been reading Car Buying, but now my head is spinning from seeing Tom and Tavarish going back and forth over buying vs. leasing... or whether I should buy a Ferrari for the price of a Camry.

Anyway, what was the trick to paying less?

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > PRBot II
01/23/2015 at 15:51

I bought new, so I can only really comment on that.

I found a cheaper price on the exact model online that I wanted on Cars.com (just pick new and sort by cheapest), then I just called up another dealership (that had the color I wanted and was a lot closer) and asked if I could buy their car at this price.

Do this over the phone and it will save you a ton of headaches.

Good Luck! I love my Genesis and really do think it's the best car for the price. Let me know how it goes.

You can also email me or Tom directly if you have any questions

PRBot II > Tim (Fractal Footwork)
01/24/2015 at 09:58

Thanks man! I'm looking at buying new as well. I was originally planning to pull the trigger today... the dealership just called, and I rescheduled for Monday because I keep thinking "what if", etc.

What's your email? I don't believe I have that. Or Tom's for that matter.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > PRBot II
01/24/2015 at 10:24

go to my website and email me from there: www.fractalfootwork.com

poan > GhostZ
02/16/2015 at 16:04

Very different cars. 370z is a more all-the-way-2-seater-sports-car. Genesis coupe is more practical with groceries and being able to do road trips for 2. You'd be hard pressed to find space to stuff 2 large sized carryon's on a 370z.

But, the 370z is more planted, fabulously balanced and significantly faster. Oh, and it's $10K more too.

DriftAuto > PRBot II
01/27/2017 at 12:12

All v6 3.8L 2013-2016 models. Prices are slightly negotiable.

1) http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5958832302.html

2) http://athensga.craigslist.org/ctd/5970843587.html

3) http://athensga.craigslist.org/ctd/5943303731.html

4) http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/ctd/5944069631.html

5) 2013 Track black 23k miles

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/ctd/5970794944.html