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The Hyundai Tiburon, also known as Hyundai Coupe or Tuscani in Korea, is a small coupe that was produced by Hyundai from 1996 up to the present. Tiburon is the Spanish word for shark. Cars produced and released for the North American, Australian, New Zealand, South African, and Austrian markets are called Tiburon. In other markets in the world it is called the Hyundai Coupé. In the South Korean market, which is the home base of Hyundai, it was initially called Turbulence and now more popularly known as Tuscani.
When Hyundai introduced the Tiburon to the North American market in 1997, it showed Hyundai’s commitment to offering more than ordinary economy cars. The Tiburon’s coupe-style, two-door hatchback, was unexpectedly reasonably priced. This also proved that Hyundai was serious about redefining its brand. The Tiburon further developed in both looks and performance as years went by.
The Tiburon model has already undergone two generations, the RD and GK. In these model generations, there have been noticeable changes in the design of the face, general parts of the car body and engine and safety features of the car. These changes were done to keep the model current with various safety requirements and changes to exterior and interior styling that keep the model in competition with other brands in its class. The RD Tiburon was produced from 1996 to 2001 and the GK Tiburon since 2002 up to 2008.
Although there were rumors that the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the replacement for the Tiburon, Hyundai officials have denied this. Sources say that Hyundai has a new Tiburon model coming out with a 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter turbocharged engine.
Even if the Hyundai Tiburon never really made a dent in the upper ranks of performance coupes and hatchbacks, it still made good sales with its affordable price. A new front-drive Tiburon is coming out soon, but those who cannot wait for the new model to come out can settle with the rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe.
The initial Hyundai Tiburon introduced in 1997 came in two models, a base model and the FX. The Tiburon was projected as a replacement for the Hyundai Scoupe, the coupe version of the Hyundai Excel. The base Tiburon had a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 130 hp. The Tiburon FX had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 140-hp. Both models came with either a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
The Tiburon was Hyundai’s highly regarded first attempt at producing sexy cars. Hyundai outfitted it with various standard features, especially in the interior. The Tiburon FX came with leather seats and had cruise control, although it barely ran like a sports coupe. In many initial reviews and tests, critics complained it had too much understeer. The FX laso had a loud exhaust system, which made it sound faster than what it really was going. Hyundai Tiburon models got stronger engines starting in 1998.
The Tiburon came out in only one model in 2000. The base model had 15-inch alloy wheels and power windows, mirrors and locks as standard features. Hyundai also redesigned the car body, with the front fascia featuring 4 projector-beam headlights. The rear end, taillights and front fenders were also changed to go with the new front. There were no major changes done mechanically, and this model continued until 2001 and 2002.
The 2003 model is considered the second generation of the Tiburon. It had front-wheel-drive and was only available as a two-door hatchback. In the 2005 and 2007 releases of the second generation Tiburon, changes were limited to exterior and interior revisions, as well as additional models and featured equipment.
The base model or Tiburon GS had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 hp and 136 lb/ft of torque. A five speed manual transmission was standard, but a four speed automatic transmission was optional.
The Tiburon GT came with a 172-hp 2.7-liter V6 engine and a number of performance features, like a modified suspension with firmer spring rates and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other features in the GT were automatic climate control, cruise control, a digital trip computer and a spectacular rear spoiler. In 2006, Hyundai released the GT Limited which had leather seats, a 440-watt Infinity audio system and a sunroof.
The highest trim of the Tiburon was the SE, which had a six-speed manual gearbox to match the V6 engine. Intended for a more performance oriented market, it had red front brake calipers, foglamps and a high-mounted rear spoiler which gave the SE a sportier form. It also came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a top of the line Kenwood audio system, aluminum pedals and auxiliary gauges.
hyundai+coupe+f2 / hyundai-coupe-f2
The Hyundai Coupe is a value for money choice for those who want smooth curves and sharp. If one is after a well known badge in front, or outright performance, the Hyundai Coupe may initially not catch their attention. A Hyundai Coupe stands out among other similar class cars. As they say, beauty is indeed more than skin deep.
The Hyundai Coupe was the first fully sought-after Korean made car. Its smooth lines and styles suggest something far more expensive. The Hyundai Coupe was once rated as one of Britain’s sexiest cars. Priced competitively with rival models such as the Ford Puma and Renault Megane Coupe, the Hyundai Coupe had hard competition. But, just like many other things in, looks matter. The facelift that the car underwent in 1999 was not taken well by consumers. Previous owners of a Hyundai Coupe will confirm its fine and gentle handling.
The Hyundai Coupe was first introduced in 1997 and was immediately commended by motoring critics. Although its predecessor, the Scoupe, was generally bland in comparison, the newer Coupe was a sort of shock to the system. Designed by Hyundai’s studio in California, the Coupe was new but evoked styling cues from many of Italian exotic cars. It was originally available with a 2.0 liter fuel injected engine that came either with a manual or automatic transmission. There were two trims available, the Coupe i base model, or the superior SE trim. A 1.6 liter engine was offered later in June that year. They also had manual or automatic transmission, but the SE variants with this engine did not come out until January 1999.
A Hyundai Coupe F2 edition was introduced in the summer of 1998. The F2 Coupe was released in July to honor Hyundai’s start into the Formula 2 World Rally Championships. The Hyundai Coupe F2 was based on the Hyundai SE with a number of interior and exterior modifications. The body has been given a more rally-like appearance, with the addition of a front lip spoiler, chrome mesh grill, 16″ DTM mesh style alloy wheels that were equipped with Pirelli P7000 rubber tires.
Hyundai F2 Coupe owners also had to enjoy a Sony CD player, a flashy gear knob and F2 badges. The F2 had no performance changes from the 2.0 SE and the engine still produced 137hp and had a 0-60mph run in 8.6 seconds.
In June 1990, Hyundai importers launched another F2 model. This Hyundai Coupe F2, called the F2 Evolution, had a body kit designed by Peter Stevens, a McLaren F1 stylist, who worked closely with Hyundai’s World Rally Team support company, Motor Sports Developments or MSD. It was to be a limited release model with around 1500 models released in the market.
F2 Evolution modifications incorporated a bigger front bumper and lip spoiler, customized rear spoiler, high-lift camshaft, 6″x4″ Magnex freeflow exhaust, 16″ 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped with Yokohama tires. The F2 evolution also featured cream instrument dials, Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm and immobilizer, advanced Sony stereo system, custom-made sill plates, and lamb wool carpets.
The F2 Evolution’s camshaft and exhaust upgrades produced a noticeable increase in power to 154 hp and torque to 140 lb-ft.
Hyundai Coupe F2 has a reputation for being reliable and stylish, even though they came at reasonable prices. This is in line with Hyundai’s initial promise of producing reliable and well styled cars to meet the demands of a very critical market. Few owners have really subjugated the active handling and capabilities of the Coupe F2 and so most cars that are being sold as used or second hand may be in generally good form.
The Hyundai CoupeF2 is actually a skilled driver’s car. The Hyundai Coupe F2 got a somewhat feminine image that contradicted its real potential probably due to its gorgeous shape and cheap price. Unlike early Coupe models where the steering was slightly imprecise, the Coupe F2 could take corners fast and hard, with minimum body roll. The chassis also gave enough feedback to let the driver know what was happening to the car. The 1.6 liter engine of the Hyundai Coupe SE is already surprisingly fast engine, and the 2.0 liter of the Coupe F2 is clearly the choice for those who have speed in their priorities. The larger engine of the Hyundai Coupe F2, which can reach 60 in 8.6 seconds, is quick and capable enough to handle the demands of performance driving or those just who want sheer fun. Average fuel consumption for the Hyundai Coupe F2’s 2.9 liter engine is at around 31mpg.
Photo source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hyundai_Coupe_F2_Evolution.jpg
