The Genesis has been a really exciting model for Hyundai, and the launch of a coupe under the Genesis name is really exciting, as Hyundai now offers a faster, more compact offering (with the season just around the corner, that sounds like a good idea for baseball, too).

The Genesis Coupe showed up at the Patrick Hyundai Chicago Hyundai dealership earlier this month, and I decided to stop in and get up close and personal with the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe:

The all new Hyundai Genesis Coupe

From the picture you can tell that I’m sold on the design of the Genesis Coupe.  And I’m not the only one taking note of this car’s entry into the coupe segment.   The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is turning a lot of enthusiasts’ heads.  With a base 2.0-liter turbo V-6, the coupe gets to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.  The V6 version comes with leather interior standard, which is impressive for a car priced at $25,000.  Achieving 5.7 seconds for $25,000 makes the Genesis Coupe the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe in the world.  Moreover, the coupe is being certified to run on premium or regular unleaded gasoline while losing a mere four horsepower in the process.  The base V6 comes standard with a six-speed manual and sports fog lights, chrome fascia accents, and premium door sill plates.

Just as exciting is the overall Genesis Coupe base model, which comes in at $22,750 with a turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder base engine. It has been a while since we’ve seen a rear-drive four-cylinder coupe emerge for several years in the U.S.

Then there is the R-Spec model, which offers tuners a chance at a clean slate.  With a low $23,750 price tag it leaves those tuners with plenty in their pockets for their own choices of aftermarket upgrades.

Hyundai has jumped into the coupe fray the right way.  By offering such a wide range of options and appealing to enthusiasts, Genesis Coupe shoppers will appreciate how much they will be able to customize their model choices.

All in all, the Genesis Coupe offers five trim levels, three transmissions, and two engine choices — making the model quite versatile, appealing to enthusiasts and more-casual drivers equally.  Not only that, the Genesis Coupe surprises car buyers by offering the lowest prices of any sports coupe out there with every bit as much attitude.