The Hyundai Tiburon has long been somewhat of a lackluster sports car, especially when compared with competition from Japanese automakers. Upon the release of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the current Tiburon appears even more outdated, and even less refined than its larger and more powerful stalemate.
With Hyundai’s renewed presence following the Genesis release, Albany Hyundai dealers say the Korean automaker is now focusing its efforts on the next generation Tiburon, which is due in 2011. It has been confirmed that the Tiburon will retain its current size and price, which will make it competitive amid fewer sporty, affordable, compact coupes on the market.
The successor to the Hyundai Tiburon will likely be more performance-oriented than the existing model, but will also offer buyers fuel efficiency. Best of all, the next Tiburon is said to offer more style than the existing model, which Hyundai Boston believes will make it the perfect sibling to the sexy Genesis coupe.
Unlike the rear wheel drive platform found in the Genesis, the next Hyundai Tiburon will share the Hyundai Accent’s front wheel drive configuration. It will also feature a standard 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but it is unknown what other engines will be offered. According to Portland ME Hyundai dealers, the styling of the coupe promises to be quite sleek as the Veloster 2+2 concept from the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show is said to be the inspiration.
Needless to say, the insights into the next-gen Tiburon are not surprising. In the shadow of the Genesis Coupe, the Tiburon had to become more stylish and sportier than the current model, even as a down-market option.
* * *
On the heel of the Hyundai Genesis coupe, Hyundai may have another hot coupe on its hands shortly.
You must log in to post a comment.