Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-spec
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-spec represents the track-focused variant of Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive sports coupe produced from 2010-2016. The 3.8 R-spec features Hyundai's Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 348 horsepower (in later models) and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (preferred by enthusiasts) or 8-speed automatic driving the rear wheels through a Torsen limited-slip differential (standard on R-spec). The R-spec trim emphasizes performance over comfort with deleted features reducing weight and cost.
Weighing approximately 3,433 pounds, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-spec achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 5.0-5.2 seconds, offering accessible rear-drive performance at competitive pricing. The R-spec includes track-oriented equipment: stiffer suspension springs and dampers, larger Brembo front brakes, 19-inch lightweight wheels, limited-slip differential, and deletion of navigation, sunroof, and automatic headlights to reduce weight and complexity. The Genesis Coupe provided affordable entry into rear-wheel-drive sports coupe ownership during an era when traditional RWD coupes became increasingly expensive or discontinued. The combination of V6 power, rear-drive dynamics, manual transmission availability, and strong value proposition made the Genesis Coupe popular among enthusiasts, particularly for drift, autocross, and track day use. While criticized for lacking the refinement and heritage of Japanese or European competitors, the Genesis Coupe offered genuine performance capability at significant value. The model's discontinuation in 2016 (replaced by Genesis brand luxury models) has increased collector interest, particularly for R-spec manual transmission examples representing Hyundai's brief foray into affordable rear-drive sports cars before transitioning to luxury brand focus.