carcreditblog.co.uk

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.
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.
Enthusiasts sometimes refer to it using the nickname ‘Tib’ or ‘Tibby’ in the markets in which it is called the Tiburon.
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.
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 130 hp (97 kW) engine while the upscale FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. The 2.0L was rated at 140 hp (104 kW) at the crankshaft (the car’s manual specifies 102 kW (137 hp) 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 mph time of ~7.9 seconds, 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 “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.
The RD2 Tiburon is an update on the original RD platform and was released for sale in 2000. The RD2 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 140 hp (104 kW) 2.0L engine was carried over producing identical performance. ABS and sunroof were available in a package.
105 hp (78 kW) @ 5800 rpm and 143 N•m (106 ft•lbf) torque @ 4,500 rpm.
130 hp (97 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 171 N•m (126 ft•lbf) torque @ 4200 rpm.
140 hp (104 kW) @ 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.
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 11.6 seconds Top speed: 115 mph (185 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.0 seconds Top speed: 123 mph (198 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds Top Speed: 137 mph (220 km/h)
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 138 hp (103 kW) 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while GT V6 coupes got the new 2.7-liter 172 hp (128 kW) 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 Tiburon 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. Anti-lock brakes were made standard on all 2006 model Tiburons.
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. Both other models have twin exhausts and leather seats as standard. The six-speed gearbox was also standard on the V6 model.
Hyundai recently announced that following the 2008 model year, the Tiburon will end production. Since Hyundai has on more than one occassion 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.
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.
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 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 updated with brushed aluminum accents, new blue backlight scheme for gauges and instrumentation and new seats.
The exact specification depends on model and the market where it is sold but these are some of the features available:
The 2004–2007 models received a 4/5 star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA.
141 hp (105 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 184 N·m (136 ft·lbf) torque @ 4500 rpm.
172 hp (128 kW) @ 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.
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 9.2 seconds Top speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds Top speed: 132 mph (212 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.7 seconds Top speed: 137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds Top speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)
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.

The Hyundai Matrix (sold in South Korea as the Lavita and in Australia as the Elantra Lavita) is a MPV sold by the Hyundai Motor Company. The vehicle was designed by the Italian car designer company Pininfarina. Even though the car is likely to be used as a leisure activity vehicle rather than an MPV, Hyundai state it is a MPV based on the tall roofline.[citation needed]
The Matrix is a five-seater hatchback and is available in 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines. The 1.8 has a top speed of 114 mph (183 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of 11.3 seconds. In Europe there are versions also available with turbo diesel engines.
In Malaysia, the Matrix is locally assembled as the Inokom Matrix. The Inokom Matrix is available in both 1.6L & 1.8L petrol engine options.
For 2008, Hyundai unveiled a facelifted version of the Matrix at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2008. It has undergone major changes to the front fascia, similar in style to the Hyundai i30. New wheels are also part of the slew of changes. The C-pillar window kink has been eliminated. Minor changes have also been made to the interior.

Hyundai Terracan is a SUV produced by Hyundai Motor Company since 2002. It is based on the 1990s Mitsubishi Pajero.

The Hyundai Tucson is a compact crossover SUV launched in 2005 by the Korean automaker Hyundai. It shares its Elantra-based platform with the redesigned 2005 Kia Sportage. The Tucson is slotted below the Santa Fe in the lineup. Tucson is known as a worldwide success in most countries because of its balance between comfort, space, and price.
Powertrains are a 2.0 L I4 with a five-speed, front-wheel drive manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic transmission with “sport shift” manual shifting capability or a 2.7 L V6 available with the automatic only. Four wheel drive is optional with a Borg-Warner torque controller system. In some markets, the Tucson is also available with a 2.0 L diesel engine equipped with common rail technology. The earlier diesels had 113 bhp, and the later ones 140 bhp and a 6 speed manual gearbox. These later models are capable of returning over 45 mpg with almost the same performance as the 2.7L petrol engined models.
In the United States, the Tucson is offered in base GLS, mid-line SE, and top-tier Limited (formerly LX) trim levels for 2007 models. Earlier 2005 and 2006 models were offered as GL/GLS/Limited. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability control, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, and premium cloth seats. The SE adds to the roster with contrasting gray body cladding, a different alloy design, an AM/FM/Cassette/CD as well as fog lights and a front windshield wiper de-icing grid. The Limited adds leather seating surfaces, a 6-disc in dash CD changer, body-colored cladding, automatic climate control, and heated seats. The SE and Limited are only available with the 2.7-liter V6. The GLS comes only with the 2.0-liter four cylinder.
The Tucson offers modest cargo space but its easy-to-fold seats can expand this volume. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for extra-long cargo. All Tucsons come with this feature.
One major selling point of the Tucson is its safety feature content. There are dual-stage frontal impact airbags, torso side-impact airbags built into the front seats, and curtain airbags for side-impact protection for front and rear passengers. The front passenger airbag has a deactivation feature where if the seat is unoccupied, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a frontal collision, saving on repair costs.
The Tucson received accolades from Canadian Car of the Year Best New Crossover award for 2005.
Changes for 2006 were minimal. The LX became the Limited and got color-coded cladding, automatic climate control, and a high-performance sound system . The GLS retained the gray cladding but ‘HYUNDAI’ is no longer branded into the cladding on the front doors. The GLS also got improved cloth seats with the option of a heating element. Both GLS and Limited got redesigned alloy wheels. The base GL remains unchanged.
Changes for 2007 were also minimal. The GL and GLS trims were renamed to GLS and SE, respectively, to match the standard for all new Hyundai vehicles.