[5] Hyundai USA acting president and CEO John Krafcik described the Genesis Coupe as being designed "...to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like the Infiniti G37.

[6] Photos of a heavily camouflaged Genesis Coupe prototype appeared on the internet as early as May 2007, fueling anticipation and speculation.

Speculation on potential engines for the new coupe ranged from the turbocharged four-cylinder pictured to the Tau V8 that Hyundai had developed for the luxury-oriented Genesis.

[9] The production Genesis Coupe was unveiled at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, showcasing a red and a silver model.

The 2.0T Premium and 3.8 Grand Touring add a touch screen infotainment system with navigation, keyless entry with push-button start, power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats (3.8L US only), leather interior, 360 watt 10 speaker system, automatic headlights, sunroof/moonroof, and electrochromic dimming mirror with compass.

For enthusiasts, the R-spec models come with 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a Torsen Limited slip differential, a stiffer suspension, summer-only Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, and factory supplied front camber bolts (need to be installed).

While the Genesis Coupe that is released in North America will look the same as the Korean version, the suspension setup is stiffer according to American demographic.

[14] The R-spec 2.0T is a version of the Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track with fewer factory options, resulting in it being 68 pounds lighter than the 2.0T Base/Premium models.

The numerous modifications are: an increased compression ratio to 11.0:1, engine management system by AEM, Mendeola five-speed sequential transmission, original MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension, with a KW coilover component; HRE 560 Series 20-inch wheels with Toyo T1R tires, StopTech brakes, RMR Signature Edition kit, a carbon fiber spoiler and custom carbon fiber rear hatch, custom RM ONYX HD paint from BASF, Sparco Chrono sports seats, Sparco Alcantara and carbon fiber interior panels, Infinity Kappa Perfect Speakers and power amplifier.

[17] The Hyundai Genesis Coupe competed at the Formula Drift Professional Drifting Championship, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and select Redline Time Attack Series events in 2009 – thanks to a joint venture between Hyundai and racing champion Rhys Millen, who will drive the Red Bull-sponsored race car on those events.

[21] In July 2009, Millen and the Genesis Coupe set a new record for two-wheel drive production-based cars at Pikes Peak.

The front bumper and hood received a styling revision that incorporates Hyundai's fluidic corporate design language a la Veloster.

[29] Motor Trend was critical of the revised 2.0T R-Spec, placing it last in a comparison test between it, a Ford Mustang V6, a Volkswagen Golf GTI, a Scion FR-S, a Subaru BRZ, and a Mazda MX-5 Miata.

[30] When Car and Driver took a 2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec to Virginia International Raceway for its yearly Lightning Lap time trial, they posted a time of 3:13.9 around VIR's Grand West configuration, 0.1 second slower than the 306-hp 2011 Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec and slower than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Mustang V6, Chevrolet Cobalt SS and Nissan NISMO 370Z.

[31] It is a version of the Genesis Coupe Lambda 3.8 V6 GDi developed in association with Cosworth, with engine power increased to 389 hp at 6400 rpm and 325 lb ft of torque at 5100 rpm, achieved through improved thermal management, optimization of induction and exhaust systems, enhanced engine control parameters, and a Cosworth intake and high-flow exhaust.

[33] It is a version of the Genesis Coupe Lambda 3.8 V6 GDi developed in association with Bisimoto Engineering, with increased engine power to 1022 horsepower, steel connecting rods, intake gasket, injectors, level 2.4 camshafts, twin Bisimoto/Turbonetics BTX6162 turbochargers, Godzilla blow-off valve, dual RG45 wastegate, Arias forged pistons, Golden Eagle sleeves, WPC metal surface treatment, Supertech valvetrain, Vibrant VanJen clamps and stainless hardware, Magnafuel 750 fuel pump, ARP head, main, and wheel studs; Portflow custom headwork, AEM Infinity EMS, custom smart ignition coils, NGK Iridium spark plugs, Puröl Elite synthetic oil, Spearco intercooler, Griffin radiator, Kinsler fuel filters, Bisimoto-spec Action Ironman clutch, Bisimoto roll cage, ST coilover suspension and anti-roll bars, Drive Shaft Shop 5.9 Axles and driveshaft, Incurve 20x9.5 and 20x11 aluminum wheels, Toyo Tires R888 R-Compound tires, Buddy Club racing seats and Takata Race harness, Bisimoto reservoir socks, Racepack IQ3 dash, Bisimoto oil cap, Odyssey dry cell battery, Rywire mil-spec harness, G&J braided lines.

[citation needed] A 6-speed Magna Powertrains-derived M6VR-series manual transmission is standard equipment, with an optional 5- or ZF 6-speed automatic (depending on engine choice).

For the facelift models, both engines got upgraded, the new 2.0T now produces 275–279 PS (202–205 kW; 271–275 hp) and 38 kg⋅m (373 N⋅m; 275 lbf⋅ft) torque on premium fuel due to a bigger twinscroll turbo, while the 3.8 L (3,778 cc) now produces 348–353 PS (256–260 kW; 343–348 hp) and 40.8 kg⋅m (400 N⋅m; 295 lbf⋅ft) torque on premium fuel thanks to the Gasoline direct injection (GDI).

Hyundai Genesis (coupe and the four-door saloon version) have appeared in the TV series Leverage, driven by the main characters.

The song FOL from The Smashing Pumpkins, used in Genesis Coupe Super Bowl ad, was freely available by supplying e-mail address to Hyundai.

[42] A 30-second Genesis Coupe R-Spec ad titled "Think Fast", was premiered during fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.