Automotive

The Genesis Coupe is a true performance car, with power and handling to meet the needs of the driving enthusiast. The base engine is a 16 valve DOHC 2.0 litre turbocharged intercooled 4-cylinder that delivers 210 hp and 223 lb/ft of torque at a low 2,000 rpm.

The appearance of the Genesis puts it in a different league. It’s wide body, powerful curves and tapered greenhouse are a nod to the more expensive Infinity G37 Coupe. One or the premium cars it was benchmarked against. It is easily the most attractive vehicle in the Hyundai lineup.

The base Coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission (add $1500 for the optional automatic), along with 18-inch alloys and a full suite of safety and handling technologies that include six airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control and traction control. The GT model enhances this capable coupe with such features as a Brembo braking package with red four piston calipers. 13.4 inch ventilated rotors in front and 13.0 inch in rear. GT calibrated suspension, front strut tower brace and big 19 inch aluminum alloys.

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John Goldsmith never planned to be an Aston specialist. He qualified as a submariner in the early ’70s and used to tear around in a Downton-modified MGB. Then, at a party, his friend Rhys Williams persuaded him to part with 2000 GBP for DB4 Series V Vantage, one of only six fitted with a 12-plug GT engine. “I was on my way to buy a V12 E-type, but I was hooked once I’d seen the Aston”, recalls Goldsmith.

The car required an engine rebuild, however, which Goldsmith did himself with the help of a mate. His hobby became a business and, as word spread, more Aston Martins in need of repair came through the workshop door. “In those early days”, he adds, “the cars didn’t have the value they now have and we saw some shocking welding and body repairs that we had to put right”.

Goldsmith also helped drivers to track-prepare their cars, all with the right safety mods, and knew how to get the best performance from their Astons. When parts became tricky to source, Goldsmith and Young started to remanufactured many of the most difficult to find: “Newport Pagnell would often wait until they had enough back orders before starting a production run of some parts. In the meantime, owners had to wait, which we felt was unacceptable. Right now, there is a shortage of new single-plug heads and we are able to support our customers from our second-hand parts stock that has been built up over many years”.

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