At Paris Motor Show Hyundai unveiled the 2007/2008 Tiburon coupe. Details about the car haven't been released yet, but mechanical upgraded are likely to be minor.

hyundai-tiburon

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: hyundai-tiburon

2007 Hyundai Tiburon

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Hyundai Tiburon
  • Engine/Motor: 3.5 liter V6
  • Horsepower: 250@6250
  • Torque: 4500
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Upscale touches for the GT include automatic temperature control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and six-speed manual transmission.

Exterior

Styled in South Korea, the Tiburon coupe blends straight and curved lines in what Hyundai calls an effort to "emphasize vitality and strength." The body features a high belt line and a short greenhouse, with a steeply raked windshield and back window. Tiburons are equipped with all-disc brakes, which feature larger, cross-drilled rotors on the SE model. A fully independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars is standard on all Tiburons.

Built on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, the Tiburon is 173 inches long overall. A deck-lid spoiler is mounted on the GT coupe, which has 17-inch alloy wheels. The SE model gets a high deck spoiler. The GS has standard 16-inch wheels, but 17-inch wheels are available.

Interior

Up to four people can fit inside the Tiburon. Air conditioning, keyless entry, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors are standard in all Tiburons. Automatic temperature control and cloth upholstery with leather bolsters are installed in the GT model. The seats in the GT feature red stitching, which complements the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Leather seating surfaces are available in the GT. The SE coupe has aluminum pedals, metal-grain trim, a trio of auxiliary gauges and a Kenwood CD/MP3 audio system. Cargo volume totals 14.7 cubic feet.

Under the Hood

Rated at an estimated 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, the 2.7-liter V-6 teams with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission in GT models or a six-speed manual in the SE. The GS carries a 138-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that mates with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual.

Safety

Seat-mounted side-impact airbags and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard. For 2007, the SE adds an electronic stability system, a rarity among cars in this price range.

Driving Impressions

The Tiburon's shapely lines don't quite translate to the sporty driving experience one might expect. In performance-oriented models, the ride is bouncy on rough pavement. Even though the car stays properly on course, it doesn't impart a full sense of security.

Handling is good; the GT coupe steers easily and maneuvers with some nimbleness in corners. Stable on the highway, the Tiburon takes curves reasonably well, but it falls short of some rivals. Road and tire noise is prominent, but the engine — if anything — is too quiet for easy manual gear shifting. Hyundai's six-speed gearbox is notchy and somewhat stiff, but the clutch engages smoothly.

The Tiburon's seats are supportive. Legroom and elbow space are good, but headroom is meager.