2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe November 2009 AUTORIVALS.NET
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In a lot of ways, the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe has no competitors. People compare it to the Nissan 370Z, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and the Infiniti G37. None of these competitors fit in the exact same category. The Camaro and Mustang are muscle car oriented while the 370Z and G37 are import sports cars but well above the price of the Genesis. Someone shopping for any of the aforementioned cars wouldn't necessarily cross-shop a Genesis. The next closest competitor would be a Honda Civic Si but that's a front wheel drive layout and can't match the Genesis's engines. So what are we left with? I suppose with the Genesis sedan competing against the G37 sedan, the G37 coupe will have to be able to compete against the Genesis coupe.
2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe vs 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe
The Genesis coupe looks nothing like its sedan counterpart. Hyundai aimed straight for the now nonexistent (cheap) import car category with the Genesis's design. Where there used to be great cars that could've battled it (like the Nissan 240SX), the Genesis now stands alone.
The Genesis's front fascia might be the only thing holding back the design. The upper grille is too narrow and the lower grille is poorly designed. It gives it sort of a mouse look. I'm sure a lot of buyers won't care much as they'll be swapping out the fronts for body kits anyways. The G37's grille and air intakes are better proportioned.
Unique to the Genesis is the dip in the rear quarter window. Hyundai might be trying too hard to give the Genesis a different look from every other sports car/coupe as it would've looked fine without it. The creases in the side body panels would have been enough to make it look good and different. There's nothing unique about the G37 but it looks good with a beautifully proportioned side profile.
Everything about the Genesis is more aggressive than the G37 (but not more than a 370Z). The G37 keeps everything clean and smooth without extra creases or dips like the Genesis. These two cars are obviously appealing to separate buyers.
The Genesis's taillight design is confusing. The profile mimics the headlights but the clear center piece makes them look like eyes with a pupil in the center. The rest of the rear fascia looks good with integrated exhausts and a nice profile unlike the G37. The G37 gives the illusion of having a rectangular rear which doesn't match the curvature of the taillights.
The G37 might be the luxury car but the layout is no better than the Genesis's. Neither is outstanding but the Genesis actually is more aesthetically appealing. Both look somewhat cheap but the Genesis is cheap. What's Infiniti's excuse?
SPECIFICATIONS
PRICE: $22,000 - $32,000
HORSEPOWER: 210 - 306 hp
TORQUE: 223 - 266 lb-ft
WEIGHT: 3294 - 3397 lbs
0-60 MPH: 5.5 - 6.4 sec
1/4 MILE: 14.0 sec @ 101 mph -
15.2 sec @ 90 mph
FUEL (CITY/HWY): 17-21 / 26-30 mpg
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SPECIFICATIONS
PRICE: $35,900 - $38,700
HORSEPOWER: 330 hp
TORQUE: 270 lb-ft
WEIGHT: 3633 - 3847 lbs
0-60 MPH: 5.0 sec
1/4 MILE: 13.5 sec @ 105 mph
FUEL (CITY/HWY): 17-18 / 25-26 mpg
RECAP RECAP

PROS
+Stands in a class of its own
+Unique design cues

CONS
-Upper grille is too narrow
-Eyeball taillights

PROS
+Beautiful side silhouette

CONS
-Design doesn't all mesh well
-Cheap looking interior
Video Source: YouTube via Motor Trend
NOTES
The Genesis won't be lonely for too long as Toyota is releasing the beautiful FT-86 concept in 2012. Hyundai might need a redesign to catch up.
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