Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

It’s hard to tell whether consumers are clamoring for sportier cars or if the advancement in technology and safety are driving the trend. Perhaps it is the pop culture of today’s generation that seems to be calling for the resurgence of sex appeal. It reminds me of the Aretha Franklin song, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who.”

Many may think a sports car is a two-door coupe or convertible, but many car companies have been offering their audience something sporty that also has functionality — four doors. These sporty sedans, like our recent 2014 Mazda6, are redefining what it means to be able to carry passengers while still experiencing the passion of driving a sports car. On the other hand, the more traditional view is the seemingly fleeting two-door sports coupe. The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is placed squarely in this category, yet you might find it difficult to name a competitor other than the Nissan 370Z and Scion FR-S.

So who’s being fooled here? Do we really enjoy sports sedans or are these vehicles only trying to fill the yearning for a sports coupe? To answer this we first look at the all-new Mazda6. The original Mazda6 took a good, reliable four-door sedan and gave it sportier personality. By the second generation, the outgoing 2013, it had bloated and become more reserved. For 2014, the sport sedan or the true “Zoom-Zoom” seems to be back with aggressive KODO “Soul of Motion” design and what Mazda calls “spunk.”

Indeed, the Mazda6 styling is an improvement in my opinion over the second generation. Add the performance and technology of the SKYACTIV body, chassis, engine and transmission and what you have is a real dynamic driving experience. With the value of a price tag just under $31,000 and you will find it loaded up with TomTom navigation, satellite radio, leather, memory driver seat, heated front seats, sunroof and more.

If the 4-door is quite the coupe, then where does the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Track fit in? I wondered this too since the selection of traditionally designed two-door coupes is not as plentiful as sports inspired sedans. However, you do have competitors to the Genesis Coupe such as the Nissan 370Z, Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. If you wanted to push it you could even include the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro—but truly those aren’t in the same spirit in my opinion.

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis Track answers the call of the true sports car enthusiasts. It has a track-tuned suspension, upgraded antiroll bars and a six speed manual transmission with aluminum pedals. Under the hood you will find a 3.8-liter V6 engine that puts out an impressive 348-hp and will still achieve and EPA combined rating of 21 mpg. A far cry different from the Mazda6’s 184-hp and 30 mpg combined rating.

In the end the Genesis Coupe Track will set you back closer to $34,000 and will be limiting you to carrying four people, but only if they are under 5 feet, 2 inches.