Hyundai Tiburon
The Hyundai Tiburon (Korean: 현대 티뷰론 ), known as the Hyundai Coupe (현대 쿠페) or Hyundai Tuscani (투스카니) in some markets, was a compact sports coupe that was produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from one thousand nine hundred ninety six to 2008.
Tuscani (South Korea and Singapore)
The name “Tiburon”, a slight variation of “tiburón”, the Spanish word for “shark”, is the name given to the North American, Australian, Fresh Zealand, South African, and Austrian production of the vehicle. It was known as the Hyundai Coupe in some European and Indonesian markets. [1] It had been branded as the Tuscani (투스카니) and Turbulence (터뷸런스) in the home South Korean market.
The model had 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 combination of switches to exterior and interior styling. The RD Tiburon was in production for five years from one thousand nine hundred ninety six to 2001. The GK Tiburon was introduced in two thousand two (as a two thousand three model) and ended production in 2008. The Hyundai Veloster later substituted the Tuscani. [Two]
In 2nd generation models of the Hyundai Tiburon, a top level trim package was released in some markets, named Tuscani (which has caused some confusion in the global community [ citation needed ] as this was also what the Hyundai Tiburon was named in South Korea) [ citation needed ] . It was a finish, all upgrades package with every option included [ citation needed ] . It was the elite version of the car originally only suggested in yellow [ citation needed ] . Lesser versions had colour options and were given the GT designation [ citation needed ] . Later years introduced optional coloring [ citation needed ] . In the UK market, the V6 was only available in utter upgrade specification and did not hold the name Tuscani [ citation needed ] .
Contents
Hyundai Tiburon Turbulence (KDM Facelift)
1999–2001: 171.0 in (Four,343 mm)
1999–2001: 70.Five in (1,791 mm)
RD (1996–1999) Edit
Tiburon very 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 very first suggested in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven with base models using the Elantra’s 1.8L one hundred thirty hp (97 kW) engine while the upscale FX received a Two.0L four-cylinder engine. The Two.0L was rated at one hundred forty hp (104 kW) at the crankshaft (the car’s manual specifies one hundred two kW (137 hp) at the flywheel). Base weight was around Two,550 lb (1,150 kg), providing the RD Tiburon a higher power-to-weight ratio than the newer GK Two.0L. The Two.0L produces a 0–60 mph time of
8.Trio, [Trio] with a 1/Four mile time of
16 seconds. In one thousand nine hundred ninety eight the Tiburon lost its weaker 1.8L engine, providing both models the Two.0L. All versions of the Tiburon manufactured from one thousand nine hundred ninety six to two thousand two are known as “RD” Tiburons.
Its appearance was a revival of “coke bottle styling”, popular during the 1960s and 1970s. There were various options, with or without Six pack, two airbags, leather, and sunroof. Auto Motor und Sport magazine exposed in one thousand nine hundred ninety six that Porsche contributed for the suspension system of the car. They used hi-pressure nitrogen shock absorbers. Additionally, at the front they used base wishbones and at the rear axle, dual transverse bars with MacPherson struts. The magazine described the result as “the best combination of convenience/grip and sport feeling, at this vehicle’s class”.
RD Special Editions (UK) – F2 and F2 Evolution Edit
Various special editions were also produced, focusing primarily on cosmetic modifications and improvements. In the UK, Hyundai’s entrance into the Formula two World Rally Championship spotted the release of the “F2” and “F2 Evolution” models in one thousand nine hundred ninety eight and one thousand nine hundred ninety nine respectively.
The “F2” (non Evolution) was released in July 1998. Only available in the UK, the “F2” model sold approximately one thousand one hundred units in total during one thousand nine hundred ninety eight and 1999, (making the “F2” a slightly rarer model than the “F2 Evolution” which followed). An enhanced version of the UK-spec Two.0 SE, the “F2” was available in a choice of three colours; Black (solid), Bright Silver (metallic), or Racing Blue (mica). (This latter colour, a vivid bright blue, was unique to the “F2”; no other Hyundai models were ever made available in Racing Blue (mica)). The “F2″ modifications included 16” diameter x 7.5J multi-spoke DTM-style alloy wheels. These wheels were fitted with carbon-fibre effect centre-caps incorporating the “F2” logo within. According to Hyundai’s “Coupe F2 Tyre Supplement Handbook”, (supplied with each fresh Coupe F2), these wheels were described as “Motorsport-style alloy wheels”. The wheels were actually Team Dynamics DTM, which were manufactured in England by Rimstock Plc. These wheels were high-quality for an OEM alloy wheel, weighing only 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) per corner and closely emulating the style of the TSW Hockenheim R.
Tyres were Pirelli 225/40/16 P7000 directional, their two hundred twenty five width and forty profile made these the most aggressive standard-fit tyre supplied with any RD (or RD2) Hyundai Coupe. The “F2” also featured a deeper and more aggressive front spoiler, incorporating an oval chrome mesh grille insert. There was also “F2” badging on the front wings and rear valance, an uprated CD/tuner stereo by Sony (CDX C5000R with RDS), “Coupe F2” monogrammed aluminium kick plates, a unique leather-and-aluminium gearstick and a discreet “Coupe F2” badge on the ash-stand fascia. The front carpet mats were inlaid with rectangular silver-coloured “Coupe F2” badges. According to the Hyundai Coupe F2 brochure, total on-the-road price was £17,999 (as of July 1998). [Four]
Two further items were available free to the very first five-hundred Hyundai Coupe F2 buyers. Firstly, there was a large aluminium-bound “F2” art book, (including various artistic photographs and designer pics of the Coupe F2). These books were signed inwards by rally driver Kenneth Eriksson, (one of Hyundai’s drivers in the F2 World Rally Championship at the time). Secondly, there was an aluminium key-fob, fitted with an LED light and supplied in a puny silver-coloured box labelled “Lexon Design Concept”. Both of these items were packaged together in a large silver cardboard box with “F2” printed onto the lid. These items were supplied by the dealer upon collection of the fresh car. During 1998, there was prominent press and billboard advertising in the UK to promote the fresh “Coupe F2”. These advertisements incorporated the tag-line, “On average, dudes think about the F2 every six seconds.”
The “F2 Evolution” became available on fourteen June 1999, almost one-year after the “F2” had appeared. The “F2” was discontinued and the fresh “F2 Evolution” effectively substituted it. The “F2 Evolution” was available with just two colour options, either Silver (metallic) or Cobalt Blue (metallic). It was intended as a limited edition of one thousand five hundred units, (however one thousand five hundred thirteen units were eventually produced). The design was led by McLaren F1 stylist Peter Stevens in conjunction with Hyundai World Rally Team’s support company Motor Sports Developments (MSD).
Standard Two.0 SE Coupes were delivered to MSD for mechanical and cosmetic modification. These modifications included a fatter front bumper/spoiler, a modified (larger and higher) rear spoiler with end-plates (these spoilers were designed by Stevens to create zero lift rather than ultimate downforce), a high-lift inlet camshaft (taken from the one thousand nine hundred ninety seven 1.8-litre Lantra engine) and a 6″x4″ freeflow harass by Magnex (suppliers to Aston Martin). Wheels were 16″ diameter x 7.0J 5-spoke alloys manufactured by TSW (with Yokohama 205/45/16 tyres). There were “F2 Evolution” badges on the front wings and rear valance. Vehicle security was provided by a Thatcham-approved Category one alarm/immobiliser system. Inwards, there was an uprated Sony stereo, “Coupe F2 Evolution” monogrammed aluminium kick plates, thicker lambswool carpets and juices instrument dials incorporating “F2 Evolution” logos. The front carpet mats were inlaid with silver-coloured circular “Coupe F2 Evolution” badges. The armrest lid inbetween the front seats was covered in stitched leather (rather than the molded plastic found on lesser models). The gear leaver gaiter was of slick leather, with a chrome trim surround at the base, manufactured by Richbrook. The gear-knob was of a unique design and had a chrome finish. Additionally, fresh brake pads were co-developed for the F2 Evolution by MSD and AP Racing, these fresh pads provided better “bite” and improved fade resistance.
The mechanical switches were limited to the camshaft and harass improvements. Together these modifications spotted an increase in power to one hundred fifty four hp (115 kW) and torque to one hundred forty lb·ft (190 N·m). [Five]
Each car was supplied with a metal MSD badge. This was fitted onto the bulkhead inwards the engine bay. This badge displayed the MSD build number of each particular conversion to “F2 Evolution” spec.
Unlike with the previous year’s “F2” model, this time no dealer-supplied art-book was supplied. However, a range of “F2 Evolution” lifestyle accessories were made available through Hyundai dealerships, such as “F2 Evolution” branded pens, chairs, clothing and umbrellas etc.
According to Hyundai’s product-launch literature, total on-the-road price for the “F2 Evolution” was £19,299 (as of June 1999).
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