2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai knows 210 horsepower in a 3380-pound car won't astound anyone. It imagines the base Genesis coupe with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four as a blank canvas for tuners and speed-widget makers chasing the young buyers who will be hooked by the turbo's $22,750 starting price.

One thing is certain: There will be lots of zoom parts available. The 1998cc four is the same basic engine as in the 291-hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, both engines being byproducts of the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance, a joint venture among Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler.

Similarities outweigh the differences, we're told, between the Evo's motor and Hyundai's all-aluminum Theta four with its twin-cam variable valve timing and Mitsubishi TD04H turbo making 15.0 psi. Core components such as pistons and rods should move freely between them, for example. Hyundai's engine uses a different computer, from Siemens. The software wasn't intentionally made easy to crack, "but it's not very tough," says one Hyundai exec with a wink. That means up to 300 horsepower should be possible without major surgery.

Leave it alone, and the 2.0T with a six-speed manual makes 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and turns the quarter-mile in 15.3 at 92 mph. The throttle calibrations were still rough during our brief drive, so Hyundai decided to withhold full testing until later. The turbo trails the V-6 into the market by a month. Eventually, it's expected to represent half of coupe sales.

Three trim levels include base, Premium, and Track. All are well equipped, though Premium brings a power driver's seat, an Infinity stereo, a sunroof, and keyless start. As with the V-6 Track, the 2.0T Track version features a stiffer suspension, 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip diff, aluminum pedals, xenon headlamps, fog lights, and rear spoiler. One item available only on the 2.0T Track: red cloth inserts for the black seats.

Performance Data
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.0 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 39.5 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.3 sec @ 92 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 161 ft
Roadholding, 200-ft-dia skidpad: 0.88 g

FUEL ECONOMY (MFR'S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 21 / 30 mpg

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