Before Genesis became its own stand-alone brand in 2015, the name was used for a specific model within Hyundai's lineup. Available as a four-door sedan or as a two-door coupe, the Genesis model earned a solid reputation for itself, thereby justifying Hyundai's decision to transform the name into a full-fledged luxury automobile manufacturer.

Since then, enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the return of a Genesis Coupe. While they have technically delivered on these ambitions with the GV80 Coupe, it's a far cry from the original's traditional, two-door proportions. The closest thing we've seen so far has been the gloriously orange Genesis X Gran Berlinetta concept.

Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence, we take an imagined look at what a revived, true-to-its-roots Genesis Coupe could look like, incorporating current Genesis design language and imagining what currently-existing powertrains it could optimize. These images are for speculation purposes only and in no way depict any actual Genesis or Hyundai products.

What was the Genesis Coupe?

Offered in North America from 2010-2016, the Genesis Coupe was originally a model within Hyundai's lineup. Also available as a four-door sedan, the "Genesis" nameplate was used as a precursor for what would eventually become its own prestigious marque under the Hyundai Motor Company's umbrella.

The two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe significantly contributed to earning the Genesis name the honorable reputation it needed for Hyundai to justify creating its own spin-off brand. It was available with either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a more powerful, naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6. Both power plants came standard with 6-speed manual transmissions, but various automatic options were also available.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe competing in a Formula Drift event
Hyundai

Hyundai's Genesis Coupe also gave the brand an opportunity to earn itself some racing pedigree. The Genesis Coupe competed in various motorsport competitions, such as Formula Drift and the United States Touring Car Championship, which it won in 2014. In 2009, the Genesis Coupe set a new record for two-wheel drive production-based cars at Pikes Peak, a video of which is available on our site here.

What could a revived Genesis Coupe look like?

Employing the current Genesis design language, a revived Genesis coupe could feature signature double-stacked LED headlights and taillights, swooping lines, curvy haunches, and, of course, traditional two-door coupe proportions. Added styling elements such as an aggressive front bumper design, quad-exit tailpipes, and large-diameter wheels could further suggest its performance-oriented characteristics.

Pop the hood, and you'd likely find the same twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 used in the all-new GV80 Coupe, which produces a stout 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque–placing the Toyota GR Supra, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz CLE directly in its sights. We'd like to imagine it would come standard with a wobbly wiggly stick and rear-wheel drive, though an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive would likely be available as add-ons.

Perhaps a more potent, track-oriented model could employ the e-supercharged mild-hybrid variant of Genesis's twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. With a power figure in the mid-400 range, paired with all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, its performance would be right on par with the Mercedes-AMG CLE53. This could be the first production Genesis model to bear the "Magma" performance sub-brand badge, as only concept vehicles have worn the name thus far.

Although a more affordable, four-cylinder-powered variant could also exist, the relative failure of the Toyota GR Supra 2.0 presents a solid case for offering at least six cylinders beneath the bonnet of this beautiful beast. That's not to say that a sporty two-door coupe is a recipe for massive profits in the 2025 market climate, but a revived Genesis Coupe could certainly herald the brand's performance engineering capabilities and would benefit from the pedigree of its potent predecessor.

On the inside, the revived Genesis Coupe would benefit from a vastly superior cabin environment compared to its older sibling, thanks to the incredible progress made by Genesis in the past decade. Featuring superb upholstery materials and carbon fiber trim accents, the Coupe's cockpit would be more than ready to take on its German rivals.

Staying true to the original Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the revived model could see a 2+2 interior seating configuration, with snug second-row seating that's more suited to children rather than full-grown adults. Behind the cabin, the Coupe's trunk must be large enough to fit at least two sets of golf clubs or a broke roommate trying to sneak their way out of a twenty-dollar ferry toll.

Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept
Genesis

Final thoughts

The Genesis Coupe could give the brand a chance to earn some enthusiast brownie points, performance pedigree, and a generally exciting entry into its relatively sedate lineup. Updated rear-wheel drive chassis architecture is ready to go, and their parts bin includes more than capable powertrains, transmissions, and drive systems. So, what is Genesis waiting for?

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Could the 2025 Genesis Coupe mark the return of a cult classic?