Hyundai Tiburon

Infobox Automobile
boxcolor = darkgreen
name = Hyundai Tiburon


manufacturer = Hyundai Motor Company
production = 1996–2008
class = Sport compact car
body_style = 2-door coupe
engines =
length =
width =
height =
weight =
predecessor = Hyundai Scoupe
successor =
aka = Hyundai Coupé (most markets)
Tuscani (South Korea and Singapore)
layout = FF layout

The Hyundai Tiburon (also known as Hyundai Coupe) is a compact coupe produced by Hyundai since 1996. The name itself means "Shark" in Spanish. Tiburon is the name given to the current North American, Australian, New Zealand, South African, and Austrian production of the vehicle, though it is called the Hyundai Coupe in other world markets. It has also been known by the moniker Turbulence and Tuscani in the South Korean market.

The model has been released in two generations (RD and GK) over its lifespan and in that time these generations have been subject to periodic facelifts. These facelifts have attempted to keep the car up to date with various safety improvements and a mixture of changes to exterior and interior styling. The RD Tiburon was in production for 5 years from 1996 to 2001. The GK Tiburon has been produced since 2002 and is still in production in its latest guise.

Hyundai officially announced that the 2008 model year will be the last for the Tiburon. While no replacement has been announced, Hyundai has officially stated that the 2010 Genesis Coupe is not a Tiburon replacement [ [http://www.autotropolis.com/cs/blogs/jro/archive/2008/04/18/Hyundai-Tiburon_3A00_-1997_2D00_2008.aspx www.autotropolis.com | Hyundai announces Tiburon phase out ] ] .

First generation (RC) (1996-2001)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=1996–2001
engine=1.6 L (114 hp), 1.8 L (130 hp), or 2.0 L I4 Beta I DOHC (140 hp)
length= Auto in|170.9|0.
wheelbase= Auto in|97.4|0.
width= Auto in|68.1|0.
assembly=Asan, South Korea
height= Auto in|51.7|0.
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
related=Hyundai Elantra
aka= Hyundai RD Tiburon

RC (1996-2001)

Tiburon first began production in late 1996. It was available in a few foreign markets with engine choices of either 1.6L or 1.8L. In the United States, the Tiburon was first offered in 1997 with base models using the Elantra's 1.8L Convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on engine while the upscale FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L was rated at Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on at the crankshaft (the car's manual specifies Convert|102|kW|hp|0|abbr=on at the flywheel). Base weight was around 2,550 lb (1,150 kg), giving the RC Tiburon a higher power to weight ratio than the newer GK 2.0L. The 2.0L produces a 0-60 mph time of ~7.9 seconds [ [http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1997&make=Hyundai&model=Tiburon&trimid=-1 1997 Hyundai Tiburon - Features & Specs - At a Glance - MSN Autos ] ] , with a 1/4 mile time of ~16 seconds. In 1998 the Tiburon lost its weaker 1.8L engine, giving both models the 2.0L. All versions of the Tiburon manufactured from 1996-2001 are known as "RC" Tiburons. There were various options, with or without ABS, 2 airbags, leather, and sunroof.

RC2 (2000-2001)

The RC2 Tiburon is an update on the original RC platform and was released for sale in 2000. The RC2 received a facelift that altered the front and rear bumpers and also provided a refreshed interior dash. In South Korea, the RC2 Tiburon was marketed as the "Tiburon Turbulence".

The RC2 headlights have separate enclosures for the high and low beams giving the four headlight look, similar to the third generation Acura Integra and the sixth generation Toyota Celica. The rear bumper is also reformed receiving larger tailights. The same Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 2.0L engine was carried over producing identical performance. ABS and sunroof were available in a package.

Engineering

* 1.6 L inline-4 cylinder "Alpha"Convert|115|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 5800 rpm and 143 N•m (106 ft•lbf) torque @ 4,500 rpm.

* 1.8 L inline 4 cylinder "Beta" (1997 Base)Convert|130|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 6000 rpm and 171 N•m (126 ft•lbf) torque @ 4200 rpm.

* 2.0 L inline 4 cylinder "Beta" (1997 FX, 1998-2002)Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 6000 rpm and 180 N•m (133 ft•lbf) torque @ 4800 rpm.

From 1997 to 1999 The Tiburon was offered with a 5-speed manual transmission standard while a 4 speed automatic w/ overdrive was optional.

Performance

* 1.6 litre:Acceleration 0-60 mph: 11.6 secondsTop speed: convert|101|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

* 1.8 litre:Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.0 secondsTop speed: convert|115|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

* 2.0 litre:Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.0 secondsTop Speed: convert|125|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

econd generation (GK) (MY 2003-2008)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


production=Late 2001-present
engine=1.6 L (105 hp)
2.0 L I4 Beta II CVVT I4 (141 hp)
2.7 L "Delta" V6,
length= Auto in|173.0|0
wheelbase= Auto in|99.6|0
assembly=Ulsan, South Korea
width= Auto in|69.3|0
height=Auto in|52.3|0 (2003-05)
Auto in|52.4|0 (2006-present)
transmission = 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
related=Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Spectra
Kia Sportage
aka= Hyundai Tiburon Classic
Hyundai GK Tiburon
Hyundai Tuscani
Hyundai Coupe SIII

The previous-generation Tiburon expired after 2001. Hyundai launched a revised Tiburon in 2002 for the 2003 model year, giving it new styling, larger dimensions, and an optional V6 engine. Tiburon's wheelbase and overall length grew slightly compared to the previous version, increasing curb weight by about 200 pounds. Base and GT V6 models were offered, both with standard front side airbags and optional anti-lock brakes. Base Tiburons retained a new Convert|138|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while GT V6 coupes got the new 2.7-liter Convert|172|hp|kW|0|abbr=on V6 from Hyundai's Sonata and Santa Fe. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was optional. The automatic unit had a manual shift gate. Also optional on the GT V6 was a six-speed manual gearbox. Base models and GT V6 automatics rode on 16-inch tires, versus 17-inch for the GT V6 manual models. Both had standard four-wheel disc brakes. Leather upholstery was standard in the GT V6, as well as a rear spoiler (high spoiler std. on 6-speed only). Aluminum pedals and a sunroof were optional.

In 2004, all GT V6's received the high spoiler, 17" wheels, and ABS as standard equipment. A "special edition" of the GT V6 was also released. It featured a "Special Edition" decal-style badge underneath "Tiburon", sport cloth upholstery, a Kenwood stereo, red painted front brake calipers, and multigauges above the radio. Only the 6-speed and automatic transmissions were available. The special edition was available in Jet Black, Rally Red, and Sunburst Yellow only. The new design received praise from many automotive journalists, most of which compared it to the Ferrari 456. [ [http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/19541/hyundai_coupe.html Hyundai Coupe | First Drives | Car Reviews | Auto Express ] ]

In 2005 Hyundai facelifted the Tiburon and reshuffled the model lineup; offering GS, GT, and SE models. The SE was now a separate trim from the GT models. Hyundai's four-cylinder engine went into the GS, while the other two held the 2.7-liter V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. A four-speed automatic with a manual shift was optional for GS and GT models, but the SE had exclusive use of a six-speed manual gearbox. Anti-lock brakes was standard on the SE and optional for the GT coupe, which could be equipped with leather upholstery. GS coupes rode on 16-inch wheels, versus 17-inch for other models. All-disc brakes and front side airbags were standard. Anti-lock brakes were made standard on all 2006 model Tiburons. [ [http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2003-to-2006-hyundai-tiburon.htm 2003-2007 Hyundai Tiburon - Consumer Guide Automotive ] ]

In the UK, three models were available before and after the 2005 facelift: the 1.6S, 2.0SE and V6. The 1.6S had a single exhaust and leather seats were optional, although following the 2005 facelift half-leather seats were standard. Both other models have twin exhausts and leather seats as standard. The six-speed gearbox was also standard on the V6 model.

A popular modification saw owners of the first GK model removing the air-filter resonator box. The resonator box was located directly in front of the front left hand side wheel, behind the fender. This allowed for a greater airflow to the air filter, gaining a minimal increase of brake horse power (bhp). Hyundai, seeking cost cuts, adopted this modification for 2004+ models. Hyundai also released a new color for their 2006 Tiburon called Regatta blue, between Tidal Wave blue and Midnight blue, which is Metallic. This color is also available for the 2007 Elantra and Tiburon.

Hyundai recently announced that following the 2008 model year, the Tiburon will end production. Since Hyundai has on more than one occasion said that the Genesis coupe is not a replacement for the Tiburon, this leaves the possibility open of a future front-wheel drive sports coupe.

GK F/L (2005 - 2006)

Hyundai conducted minor tweaks to the 'GK' model in 2005, for the outgoing named 2006. The vehicle incorporated reworked sleeker blackened "smoked" headlights, redesigned rear tail lights, more aggressive front air dam, a different range of alloy wheel designs, colored stitching on leather seats (half leather seats available for the 1.6 range).

GK F/L2 (2007 - 2008)

A more comprehensive facelift was launched in 2007, named the Coupe SIII in markets such as the UK, this time altering the appearance of the car enough to designate it the fourth generation or GK F/L reminiscent of the RC1 and RC2 denotations.

The headlights are thinner and angled more aggressively; somewhat similar to the original Tiburon headlights with more straight/sharp lines. The tail lights are similar to the RC2 and GK1 but are somewhat smaller and reflect an aftermarket styling. The fenders lose the "gill fins" and other small changes are seen.

The interior is updated with brushed aluminum accents, new blue backlight scheme for gauges and instrumentation and new seats.

Equipment and safety

The exact specification depends on model and the market where it is sold but these are someof the features available:

* Anti-lock brakes, Dual Circuit with brake force distribution
* Front (variable rate) airbags and side airbags
* Side impact protection bars
* ESP Stability Control (2007)
* Traction Control (2007)
* Electric windows, sunroof
* Heated front seats
* Trip Computer
* Air Conditioning / Climate Control
* Leather / Half-leather / Cloth interior
* Sports seats
* Alloy wheels (normally 16" or 17")
* Infinity Sound system
* Additional gauges featuring torque, fuel burn rate and voltage

The 2004–2007 models received a 4/5 star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA. [ [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/2817.html 2004 Hyundai Tiburon 2-DR.w/SAB NHTSA NCAP ] ] [ [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3342.html 2005 Hyundai Tiburon 2-DR. w/SAB NHTSA NCAP ] ] [ [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3517.html 2006 Hyundai Tiburon 2-DR. w/SAB NHTSA NCAP ] ] [ [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4231.html 2007 Hyundai Tiburon 2-DR. w/SAB NHTSA NCAP ] ]

Engineering

* 2.0 L inline 4 cylinder "Beta II" CVVT (2004+) on the inlet valves (GK, GS)Convert|141|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 6000 rpm and 184 N·m (136 ft·lbf) torque @ 4500 rpm.

* 2.7 L V6 "Delta" (GT, SE)Convert|172|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 6000 rpm and 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) torque @ 3800 rpm.

In 2002 the 5-speed retained standard on the GS, GT, and GT Limited, while the upscale SE model came only with a six-speed manual. A four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic was available for all models.

Performance

* 2.0 litre:Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.2 secondsTop speed: convert|130|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

* 2.7 litre: (Automatic)Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.2 secondsTop speed: convert|132|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

* 2.7 litre: (GT 5-speed)Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.7 secondsTop speed: convert|137|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

* 2.7 litre: (SE 6-speed)Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.2 secondsTop speed: convert|145|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on

Marketing & Branding

In several markets the model is sold and branded as a Tuscani. The Tuscani wears a circular badge containing a smaller circle of black and grey horizontal bars which is overlaid with a letter 'T' painted gold on the left and silver on the right. Even in markets where the car is sold as a Hyundai Tiburon or Hyundai Coupe, the name Tuscani has become quite popular. Many cars have been modified aftermarket to be rebadged with Tuscani emblems. In Canada, a special edition of the Tiburon is sold as a "Tuscani edition". A rumour has started to circulate that Hyundai is considering a plan to branch off the Tuscani name as a complete sub brand for more exclusive, sporty, and upmarket models. The existence of the name is most likely to achieve greater sales where the Hyundai name has cloying associations with more budget products.

In some markets secondary badging may denote engine size and variations such as trim, wheel, and other options. These badges include GS, GT, SE and FX, although some use FX across the entire range available. In certain markets, certain exterior colors are not available and identification may require noticing subtle local differences such as alloy wheels, spoilers or dealer fit options such as in car entertainment systems. These can all change from year to year and from market to market, so the variation is quite significant. One notable difference is that the 1.6 engine always has a single exhaust on the right hand side, in all markets where it is sold.

In popular media

* In series 2, episode 3 of "Top Gear", co-host Richard Hammond reviewed the 2002 Coupe and talked about its remarkable design, performance and reasonable price, considering it to be an overall better ride than the Lexus SC430, which cost more than twice as much. It was the only Korean car to ever be posted on the "Cool" section of the show's Cool Wall.
* The 2002 Hyundai Tiburon is a playable car in the videogames ', ', "Gran Turismo 4", "Forza Motorsport", "Forza Motorsport 2", "", "Drift City", and "Auto Modellista".
*In the music video for the South African pop song Net die een vir my, it shows the main singer, Nicholis Louw, driving in a 1990s Hyundai Tiburon.
*In the music video for the song "All These Things I Hate" from Bullet For My Valentine the main character is driving a black RD1 Tiburon [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBDAeO7_XTc YouTube - Bullet For My Valentine-All These Things I Hate (Revolve Aro ] ] .
*in the music video for the song "Remember The Name" by Fort Minor a 2005-2006 silver tiburon can be seen for a few seconds.

References

External links

Official Sites

* [http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/tiburon/tiburon.aspx Official site at Hyundai USA]
* [http://www.hyundai.co.uk/choose/coupe/ Official site at Hyundai UK]

Fan Sites

* [http://www.hyundaicoupe.info The UK Hyundai Coupe Site]
* [http://www.jbcarpages.com/hyundai/tiburon/ JB car pages: Hyundai Tiburon]
* [http://www.newtiburon.com NewTiburon.com Tiburon community]