The 2006 model year marks the 10th anniversary for the popular Tiburon model line. Introduced in 1996 as a sport coupe offering responsive performance and great value, the Tiburon has grown to become a powerful force in the sport-coupe segment.

2006 Hyundai Tiburon

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Hyundai Tiburon
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 172@6000
  • Torque: 181@3800
  • Transmission: 5-Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
After benefiting from freshened styling last year, for 2006 the Tiburon now has standard safety and security features that used to be extra cost options. Fog lamps, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and a new key fob with alarm now join the standard equipment list.

Now in its second generation, the Tiburon's energetic personality and edgy styling appeal to male and female customers alike. Thanks to distinctive trim levels, the Tiburon also appeals to a wide range of ages, from 18-year-olds looking for an exciting but affordable first car, to professionals in their 40s who want a spirited daily driver that doesn't stress the budget.

The Tiburon is offered in four trim levels for 2006, including the racy and affordable Tiburon GS, the refined performance Tiburon GT, the sophisticated GT Limited and the ultimate performance Tiburon SE. The GT Limited includes all the GT equipment plus an exclusive beige leather interior, European-style side marker repeater lights, a power glass tilt/slide sunroof with sunshade and a 440-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and subwoofer.

There are more positive changes for 2006. The power sunroof is now individually available as an option on the Tiburon GS, and a dramatic new color, Orange Crush, has been added exclusively for the SE model. Inside, the Tiburon gets an attractive new design for the center stack (the panel containing HVAC and audio systems), plus a larger digital clock.

Safety takes priority


At Hyundai, driving fun begins with safety. That's why the 2006 Tiburon includes a wide range of both accident-avoidance and passive safety features. For 2006 every Tiburon-regardless of trim level-gets the same high level of safety features. Standard accident-avoidance technologies begin with precise power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, combined with MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension for responsive handling. Also standard are fade-resistant four-wheel disc brakes, four-wheel/four-channel Anti-lock Braking System and Michelin tires-P205/55R16 MXV4 Plus on the Tiburon GS and wider P215/45R17 Pilot MXM4 rubber on the GT, SE and GT Limited.

In terms of passive safety, the Tiburon has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, body-side reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood includes buckling creases and safety stops.

Inside, you'll find driver and front passenger frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags. The front seatbelts have pre-tensioners and force limiters, and the outboard rear positions feature LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children), which make safely affixing child seats easier.

Dynamic exterior styling


When it comes to commanding respect in the sport-coupe segment, the 2006 Tiburon has all the qualifications it needs. Restyled for the 2005 model year, it marries aggressive, dynamic bodylines with classic coupe proportions to create an exciting personality all its own.

Up front are modern projector lens headlights, standard fog lights and a deeply set front fascia. Body-side style lines streak back from the front wheel openings, mimicking the rush of air past the car, while the sharply raked windshield blends seamlessly into a sleek roofline that flows elegantly back to the rear hatch. The long 99.6-inch wheelbase likewise connotes a sense of speed, as does the body colored low-profile rear spoiler (body colored high-profile spoiler on Tiburon SE), short rear overhang and bright dual exhausts.

Comfortable and stylish interior


Performance and value. These powerful terms describe the 2006 Tiburon as a whole-and its interior environment as well. As a sport coupe, the Tiburon is designed to provide an exciting driving experience. It begins with easy entry and exit through wide door openings, and front seats with large side bolsters offering excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full fabric on the Tiburon GS, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the GT and SE, to unique beige leather seating surfaces on the Tiburon GT Limited.

All of the cockpit features are ergonomically designed for easy operation, from the driver's controls to the new HVAC and audio system layout in the center stack, which is highlighted with an attractive metalgrain finish on V6 models. Easy-to-read analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access information. The three-spoke steering wheel in each trim level is unique; the GS wheel has a high-quality urethane covering, the Tiburon GT and SE wheel is leather wrapped, and the GT Limited wheel is wrapped in sporty beige and black leather.

Audio systems begin with an 80-watt AM/FM/CD unit in the Tiburon GS and an 80-watt AM/FM/CD/cassette system in the Tiburon GT. Both systems have six speakers; a 360-watt Infinity audio system with subwoofer is optional in the GT, as well as a monster 440-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer and subwoofer. The Tiburon SE has a powerful 200-watt Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 system with six speakers, while the Tiburon GT Limited has standard the monster 440-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash six-disc CD changer, cassette player and subwoofer.

Choice of powertrains


Tiburon's power trip starts with Hyundai's advanced DOHC 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. Standard equipment on the Tiburon GS, the engine technologies include four valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), which improves horsepower at high rpm and torque at low rpm, while also reducing NOx emissions.

Matching transmissions include a fun-to-shift five-speed manual and an available four-speed automatic with Hyundai's SHIFTRONIC® control system-a distinct advantage in the Tiburon's class. Estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg City/30 mpg Highway with manual transmission, 22 mpg City/30 mpg Highway with automatic.

Standard on the 2006 Tiburon GT, SE and GT Limited is a powerful all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6. The DOHC, 24-valve engine is rated at 172 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3800 rpm. The big torque numbers particularly benefit drivers in daily driving challenges such as initial acceleration, entering freeway on-ramps, passing and hill climbing.

A standard five-speed manual transmission takes full advantage of the V6's additional power-while a six-speed manual takes charge in the Tiburon SE. A four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® is available on the GT and SE. Estimated fuel economy is 19-mpg City/26 mpg Highway for the Tiburon GT and GT Limited, regardless of transmission. The SE yields an estimated 18 mpg City/26 mpg Highway.

Advanced independent suspension


For excellent dynamic performance as well as efficient packaging, the Tiburon features MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension. The front suspension uses fade-resistant gas-filled hydraulic struts and a stabilizer bar to control body roll. The multi-link rear system utilizes gas-filled hydraulic shocks and another stabilizer bar to precisely tune the chassis. Advantages of the multi-link rear suspension include optimized rear suspension geometry for handling and braking stability, plus its compact packaging helps expand rear-seat and trunk dimensions.

Tiburon GS


Priced at $16,095, this refined and affordable Hyundai coupe offers a wide array of features at a price that's competitive with the Scion tC and Saturn ION. Some of the impressive standard exterior features of the GS include fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, remote keyless entry system with alarm, power windows, power door locks and heated mirrors. Inside you'll find manual air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system and front- and front side-impact air bags. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, but the optional automatic transmission is expected to be Tiburon's best seller. There's a stand-alone sunroof option and a Premium-Sport Package that includes sunroof, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

Tiburon GT


The Tiburon GT offers more refined performance and styling by adding a broad array of comfort and luxury items. At $18,495, it includes all the standard Tiburon GS features, plus a 172-horsepower DOHC V6 engine and P215/45R17 tires mounted on 17 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels. Inside are standard leather seat bolsters and steering-wheel cover, fully automatic temperature controls with outside temperature display, trip computer, AM/FM/CD/cassette with six speakers, metalgrain interior trim, cruise control, carpeted floor mats and a luggage net. Optional is a Deluxe Package with a sunroof and 360-watt Infinity audio system with subwoofer. Also optional is a Premium Package with a sunroof and the 440-watt Infinity audio system from the GT Limited.

Tiburon GT LIMITED


New for 2006, at $20,495, the Tiburon GT Limited offers the ultimate in affordable sport-coupe performance and refinement. Available in limited numbers, the Tiburon GT Limited adds a sunroof, side repeater lights, beige leather interior, and a 440-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash six-disc compact disc changer and subwoofer-all as standard equipment.

Tiburon SE


With a retail price of $20,995 the Tiburon SE is designed to fill a growing need for attainable sporty performance. Outfitted with the 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine and close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, it's made for enthusiast drivers interested in sport-compact performance. In fact, all of its unique appointments-above and beyond the Tiburon GT equipment level-are aimed at pure usability and performance. The exterior features include red aluminum front brake calipers, a high-profile rear spoiler and a standard sunroof. Inside, you'll find trick racing-style aluminum pedals, manual air conditioning, six-speaker Kenwood audio system, and a multi-gauge instrument cluster including a voltmeter, torque meter and fuel consumption gauge. An exclusive new color, Orange Crush, is available for the 2006 Tiburon SE.

Making it personal


The Tiburon can be easily customized to the individual owner's taste. Specially engineered Hyundai exterior accessories include mudguards, decorative badges (Tiburon SE, GT V6 and SE V6), wheel locks and a sunroof wind deflector. Interior accessories include floor mats and the same 200-watt Kenwood audio system that's standard in the Tiburon SE.