About Hyundai R-Spec

Unlike Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and other exotic carmakers that charge you more when taking equipment off the vehicle to create a special lightweight version, Hyundai is taking out the weight, and associated features, while dropping the price of its upcoming Genesis Coupe R-Spec.

Aimed at "tuners" who are going to modify their cars anyway, the $23,750 US 2.0T R-Spec will delete “non-essential” features such as the Genesis Coupe’s trip computer, steering wheel-mounted audio buttons and cruise control, plus Bluetooth connectivity when it becomes available as a 2010 model, in an effort to save weight (it’s 30.8 kilos or 68 pounds lighter than the 2.0T Track model) and reduce cost, two details that weekend racers will no doubt appreciate.

Hyundai has even gone so far to delete the rear wing, noting that the R-Spec’s likely buyer will want to install their own anyway, either for show or go.

What the 2.0T R-Spec does include is a set of beautiful 19-inch alloy rims framing even more enticing Brembo brakes. A Torsen limited slip differential will be ideal for autocrossers and no doubt swapped out by those looking to prep a drifter or road course racer, while the 210hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder is ideal for tweaking beyond recognition.

As is often the case with the really cool cars, the 2.0T R-Spec won’t be traveling above the 49th for now, except when on vacation in the hands of an American owner. Rather, Canadian Genesis Coupe buyers can do something their American friends cannot, buy warranted aftermarket parts to hop up their stock model at www.hyundaiperformance.ca.That’s right, the site offers numerous well-priced upgrades to improve everything from aesthetics to full-on performance.