They're billing it as the benchmark for affordable 300-horsepower sports coupes, but its official name is the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, unveiled at the New York Motor Show.

The rear-wheel drive new model hits the US with one of two performance-focused engines — a 158kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminium 228kW, DOHC 3.8-litre V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in early 2009.

Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sports sedan, the coupe is billed as Hyundai's most dynamic performance car ever, using the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture that was originally developed for the Genesis sports sedan.

The new arrival employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t (2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo) offers an optional five-speed automatic with Shiftronic while the 3.8-litre V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic to handle the additional torque.

"We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sports coupes," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America.

"The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes things to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like Infiniti G37."

Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact. Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The curves, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports coupe. Genesis Coupe's roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasise the car's wide stance. Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels — for emphasising the stance and providing more aggressive handling.

So too the cockpit was designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading, audio system information and HVAC settings. Analogue gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer, while the instrument cluster features Hyundai's signature blue gauge illumination.

Standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5mm mini-jack and USB input) accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods. Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system, sport bucket seats and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers a proximity key and push button starter.

Standard safety equipment includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains, active front head restraints, four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).