Despite wild rumors and innuendo surrounding a substantial 2012 redesign and the possible inclusion of the 5.0-liter V8 utilized in the Genesis sedan, it looks like the Coupe will coast into dealerships with only one small change this year. Thankfully, it’s a small change with a big result – 27 extra horses under the hood for the V6. Direct injection is responsible for the bump, and it should mean a significant improvement in performance, especially with the low weight and RWD design of the Genesis Coupe’s architecture.

This should provide further ammunition in the I4 vs. V6 debate, where the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine has many people saying less is more. No word yet on how the extra power will affect fuel economy, but given Hyundai’s commitment to efficiency of late – the turbo 4 still manages 30 mpg on the highway with either the 6-speed manual or the 5-speed automatic – we can assume the penalties won’t be too harsh.

The V6 is more proactive here, with 6 speeds regardless of manual or automatic choice, and this should help its efficiency as well. But a car like the Genesis Coupe isn’t all about efficiency, especially with trim designations like 2.0T Premium or R-Spec and 3.8 Grand Touring, Track or R-Spec. While even the base 2.0T trim is well-equipped with standard features like stability and traction control, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, satellite radio and automatic headlights, the Premium offers notable advantages like automatic climate controls, navigation, an Infinity sound system and a power sunroof. The Grand Touring holds all the cards, however, with leather upholstery, heated seats and mirrors, fog lights and a rear-obstacle detection system. While the R-Spec trims are performance-oriented versions of the base trim, adding a sport suspension, limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes, the Track trim actually puts some of the comfort and convenience features back, offering all the performance options along with heated leather seats, navigation, automatic climate controls, the Infinity sound system and more. You’ll be able to have all the advantages of the stripper trims and still enjoy a full power package including sunroof, xenon headlights and a garage-door opener.

Hyundai recently released pictures of the upcoming 2013 Genesis Coupe, and it has obviously taken direction from its Veloster. While a handsome offering, many are criticizing it as too similar to its stablemates and therefore not unique enough to warrant approval. As is, this last year of the current Genesis Coupe styling will be the most powerful yet. Now about those V8 rumors…