Don't laugh, this is a legitimate car. It's no secret that Hyundai targeted the Infiniti G35/37 coupe and not surprisingly they stole it's looks too. I don't care, I think it's an attractive car. There are essentially three models with two engine choices, a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder with 210 hp and a 3.8 liter V6 with 306 hp. Thankfully this is a rear wheel drive car. Both engines are available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed auto. Models vary from the base, annoyingly called "Premium," then the Grand Touring, then the Track version. The Track version gets Brembo brakes, a torsen LSD and stiffer suspension with larger sway bars.
I drove a 2.0T GT 6-speed manual first. In all respects I think the car is pretty impressive, especially when you consider this car starts at $22,000. I didn't think the 2.0T engine really matched the sportiness of the rest of the car. I have pretty high expectations from a 2-door sportscar when it comes to horsepower and torque and I felt 210 horses were not enough for this 3400 lb car. It is worth considering though, especially since it returns 31 mpg on the highway.
I found myself much more impressed with the 306 hp V6. The power was there when you need it. The engine sounds amazing and loves to run to its 6500 RPM redline. The 6-speed has a really nice feel, the Brembo brakes are strong and the handling is probably better than anything I have driven. The ride quality isn't bad at all either. I drove the 3.8 Track but I think it would be worthwhile to try the 3.8GT as well, it lacks the LSD and the Brembos but costs $25,000 rather than the Track version's $29,000 price tag. The ride is apparently more compliant too.
The interior won't match the quality of an Infiniti but it costs $10,000 less too. I thought it was fine and they do offer a really nice touchscreen navigation system for only $1,250. All other car companies charge $2,000+ for systems that don't work as well as Hyundai's. The seats are really comfortable and supportive. Backseat legroom is okay but headroom is pretty poor for anyone over 5'8" due to the sloping roof.
I had a field day in this car. After I built a little trust with the saleswoman she pretty much let me have at it...even told me to turn the traction control off and get it sideways. I didn't take her up on that offer on public streets but had a great time taking corners at moderate speed and doing full-throttle acceleration runs. The only complaint I have is the traction control is overly invasive. It's understandable that it would take control in first gear but 306 hp and 266 ft lbs of torque just isn't enough for it to intervene as heavily as it did when hitting second gear. There is a huge sag of power for 2-3 seconds after a change to second gear when accelerating hard. With the traction control off it let you have full power at all times.
Loved the car and would gladly drop $25k on it if I were looking for a new car. The 10yr 100,000 mile powertrain warranty is hard to beat too.
Ken
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