Hyundai Tiburon

Second generation
Second generation
Overview
Also called	Bimantara Hizyou; Hyundai RD Tiburon
Production	2000–2001
Assembly	Asan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Elantra
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L (114 hp), 1.8 L, or 2.0 L I4 Beta I (140 hp)
Transmission	4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in.
Length	Template:Auto in.
Width	Template:Auto in.
Height	Template:Auto in.

First generation
First generation
	Hyundai Tiburon
Overview
Also called	Hyundai RD Tiburon
Production	1996–1999
Assembly	Asan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Elantra
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L (114 hp), 1.8 L (130 hp), or 2.0 L I4 Beta I DOHC (140 hp)
Transmission	4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in.
Length	Template:Auto in.
Width	Template:Auto in.
Height	Template:Auto in.

Hyundai Tiburon
Hyundai Tiburon
Overview
Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Also called	Hyundai Coupé (most markets); Tuscani (South Korea and Singapore)
Production	1996–present.
Body and chassis
Class	compact car
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Hyundai Scoupe

The Hyundai Tiburon (a.k.a. Hyundai Coupé) 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 world markets. It has also been known by the moniker Turbulence and Tuscani in the South Korean market. Enthusiasts sometimes refer to it using the nickname 'Tib' or 'Tibby' in the markets in which it is called the Tiburon.

First generation (1996- 1999)

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 Template:Auto hp engine while the upscale FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L was rated at Template:Auto hp at the crankshaft (the car's manual specifies Template:Auto kW at the flywheel). Base weight was around 2,550 lb (1,150 kg), giving the RD Tiburon a higher power to weight ratio than the newer GK 2.0L. The 2.0L produces a 0-60 time of ~7.9s^[1], with a 1/4 mile time of ~16s. 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 "RD" Tiburons. There were various options, with or without ABS, 2 airbags, leather, and sunroof.

In Australia, the 1996–2000 Hyundai Coupe was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "worse than average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash, based only on statistics data.^[2]

Second generation (2000- 2001)

The 2000 and 2001 Tiburons manufactured from 1999 to 2001 are referred to as 2nd generation. Generation 2 Tiburons (RD2's) received a facelift that altered the front and rear bumpers and also provided a refreshed interior dash. In South Korea, the RD2 Tiburon was marketed as the "Tiburon Turbulence".

The RD2 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 Template:Auto hp 2.0L engine was carried over producing identical performance. ABS and sunroof were available in a package.

In 2001 the rear spoiler that was optional in 2000 became standard.

Third generation

Third generation

Overview
Also called	Hyundai Tiburon Classic Hyundai GK Tiburon
Production	2002-present
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Related	Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Tucson Kia Spectra Kia Sportage
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L (105 hp) 2.0 L I4 Beta II CVVT I4 (141 hp) 2.7 L Delta V6,
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in (2003-05) Template:Auto in (2006-present)

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 antilock braking. Base Tiburons retained a new Template:Auto HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while GT V6 coupes got the new 2.7-liter Template:Auto HP 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 rode on 16-inch tires, versus 17-inch for the GT V6. Both had standard four-wheel disc brakes. Leather upholstery was standard in the GT V6, which could also have a rear spoiler and aluminum pedals. A sunroof was optional.

In 2005 Hyundai facelifted the coupe and reshuffled the model lineup; offering GS, GT, and SE 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. Antilock braking 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. Antilock brakes were made standard on all 2006 model Tiburons.^[3]

Fourth generation

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 GK2 reminiscent of the RD1 and RD2 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 RD2 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 largely unchanged from the 2005 model, apart from redesigned seats.

Equipment and safety

The exact specification depends on model and the market where it is sold but these are some of 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
Traction Control
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.^[4] ^[5]^[6]^[7]

Face lifts

Hyundai conducted minor tweaks to the 'GK' model in 2005, for the outgoing named 2006. The vehicle incorporated reworked sleeker blackened 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).

A popular modification saw owners of the 2003 vehicle 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.

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 as 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 colours 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.

Engineering

Three engine choices are offered, although not in all markets.

RD Tiburons: 1996-2001^[8]

1.6 L inline-4 cylinder Alpha

Template:Auto hp @ 5800 rpm and 143 N·m (106 ft·lbf) torque @ 4,500 rpm.

1.8 L inline 4 cylinder Beta (1997 Base)

Template:Auto hp @ 6000 rpm and 171 N·m (126 ft·lbf) torque @ 4200 rpm.

2.0 L inline 4 cylinder Beta (1997 FX, 1998-2002)

Template:Auto hp @ 6000 rpm and 180 N·m (133 ft·lbf) torque @ 4800 rpm.

GK Tiburons: 2003-Present^[9]

2.0 L inline 4 cylinder Beta II CVVT 2004+ on the inlet valves (GK, GS)

Template:Auto hp @ 6000 rpm and 184 N·m (136 ft·lbf) torque @ 4500 rpm.

2.7 L V6 Delta (GT, SE)

Template:Auto hp @ 6000 rpm and 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) torque @ 3800 rpm.

Performance

These are manufacturers quoted figures:

RD Tiburons: 1996-2001^[10]

1.6 litre:

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 11.6 seconds Top speed: 121 mph (195 km/h)

1.8 litre:

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds Top speed: 128 mph (206 km/h)

2.0 litre:

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds Top Speed: 128 mph (206 km/h)

GK Tiburons: 2003-Present^[11]

2.0 litre:

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.2 seconds Top speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)

2.7 litre: (Automatic)

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds Top speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)

2.7 litre: (GT 5-speed)

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.7 seconds Top speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)

2.7 litre: (SE 6-speed)

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds Top speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)

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

Media

In series 2, episode 3 of Top Gear, co-host Richard Hammond reviewed the third-generation 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.^{[citation needed]}
In January 2005, Autocar magazine road tested the second facelift of the 3rd generation (in 2.0 Litre SE specification) ^[12]
The third-generation Hyundai Tiburon is a playable car in the videogames Need for Speed: Underground, Need for Speed: Underground 2, Gran Turismo 4, Forza Motorsport, Forza Motorsport 2, Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights, 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^[13].

References

External links

Official Sites

Fan Sites

The UK Hyundai Coupe Site

[1] ttp://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1997&make=Hyundai&model=Tiburon&trimid=-1

[2] ttp://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/_scripts/ucsr_search_result.php?IID=16963

[3] ttp://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2003-to-2006-hyundai-tiburon.htm

[4] ttp://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/2817.html

[5] ttp://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3342.html

[6] ttp://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3517.html

[7] ttp://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4231.html

[8] ttp://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1997&make=Hyundai&model=Tiburon&trimid=-1

[9] ttp://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2005-hyundai-tiburon-1.htm

[10] ttp://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1997&make=Hyundai&model=Tiburon&trimid=-1

[11] ttp://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2005-hyundai-tiburon-1.htm

[12] ttp://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Hyundai-Coup%c3%a9-2.0-SE/213131/

[13] ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBDAeO7_XTc

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