It may be one of the lesser exciting premieres of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show from a readers’ perspective as the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe was officially revealed in its home market last November, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important from a buyer’s point of view.

The mid-life facelift brings several significant updates for the Genesis Coupe including new powertrains and transmissions.

Starting with the four-cylinder model, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gains a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler boosting output to 274 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of peak torque on premium fuel, or 260-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm using regular fuel.

The update 3.8-liter V6 Lambda engine now makes use of direct-injection technology and gains 42 horsepower and 29 lb.-ft of torque for a total of 348HP at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. at 5,300 rpm on premium fuel.

Hyundai is still holding back on the performance figures for the 2.0-liter model but the company revealed that the V6 engine propels the Genesis Coupe from zero to 60 mph (96km/h) in the lower five-second range and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 149 mph.

Both models continue to be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox but Hyundai has introduced a new 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifts.

According to the automaker, the 2.0 Turbo returns 20mpg city and 31mpg highway with the 8-speed auto, and 21mpg/30mpg with the manual gearbox, while the V6 is rated at 18mpg/28mpg with the auto box and 18mpg/27mpg with the stick shift.

Other hardware changes include a recalibrated suspension to improve handling and ride comfort plus a faster steering system with better feedback.

On the styling front, the 2013 Genesis Coupe receives a new fascia with a different grille and bumper design, new headlamps and LED daytime running lights, hood with heat extractor cues, tweaked LED taillights and a new rear wing.

Interior enhancements include a redesigned center console featuring new controls for the audio and air-conditioning systems plus a multi-gauge cluster with instant mpg, torque level (3.8 models) or turbocharger boost pressure (2.0T models), and oil temperature readings, a telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, an electroluminescent gauge cluster in the instrument panels and revised trims.

In addition, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics is now available on the 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium models.

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