Spy photos: Is this the 2010 Hyundai Tiburon?
These are the first spy photos of what looks like the 2010 Hyundai Tiburon. Expected to use Hyundai's new rear wheel drive platform, this redesigned coupe will take many of its styling cues from the
HCD8 concept shown several years ago.
Looking slightly bigger than the current Tiburon, this redesigned coupe will most likely move up a class when it goes on sale in 2009. Instead of playing in the mid-$20s segment, this Tiburon could easily move up to the high-$20s and even above $30K with the right engine.
Although this engine shot is clear, it's not obvious what this test mule is packing under the hood. Speculation on the
Hyundaiexchange forums points to an SAE paper written by several Hyundai engineers in which they tout the efficiencies of a new turbocharged, direct injection 2.0-liter. Although that makes for some interesting possibilities, the real question is whether this coupe will offer the same V8 slated for the upcoming Hyundai Genesis sedan.
This is clearly not your average Hyundai four-cylinder.
Thankfully, a true manual transmission will remain on the Tiburon's spec sheet. Interior design looks pretty sensible although they'll have to step it up a little if they really want to compete in the $30K range.
Dual exhaust on a four-cylinder? If Mitsubishi can do it, why not Hyundai?
If there's any doubt this is a prototype for an American coupe, these gauges should lay them to rest.
Does this camouflage
look familiar?
- Permalink | Comments (27)
- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 10, 2007, 5:03 AM
- Categories: Coupes, Future Vehicles, Hyundai, Spy Photos
Looks good. Right-wheel-drive. Seems to be priced well. My interest is piqued.
Let's hope they can cut down the bloated curb weight the last gen had....
Here's a rendering of it . Mostly I like it. :)
Looks promising. Hyundai seems to continue their uphill climb. This should give people even more reason to take notice. I like the rendering; should be a very handsome coupe. I can see some differences in the test mule. The headlights have been changed slightly and the grille has a more "v"-like angle (it's tapering inwards instead of the horizontal slats in the rendering). The profile looks very athletic; reminds me of the Eclipse towards the rear/hatch area. Seeing as a lot of Hyundai's designs of late have been pretty appealing, I can't see why this would be any different. I can't wait for the debut. Great job Hyundai!
The rendering is basically the HCD8 with new headlights grafted onto the spypic bodies. Hopefully it will not be as portly as it's predecessor, which was 3000 lbs, or will be more powerful to compensate.
In my opinion, looks aren't a problem for the Tiburon. The problem is its performance which seems lacking. However, I'm sure I'd be happy with a rally-spec Tiburon! :o)
If Hyundai can learn to make a stiff suspension and call Jenny Craig to drop a couple pounds, the 2.0L turbo would provide alot of motivation for the Tiburon. The engine being mounted that way makes me think they could possible shove something much bigger into this chassis. Hmmm.... :)
Front engine, rear drive. The rear wheel offset and tire section looks different from those in front, indicating wider rear rubber - and the diameter looks to be 19-inches. Expect the 3.8-liter V6 used in other Hyundai products to be available, perhaps more.
And in true prototype fashion, the interior plastic in the above photos isn't "grained". Expect things to look a lot better when the graining is applied to the production molds.
Looks good.
I agree they need to look carefully at the weight. They likely will, given their latest vans are lighter than the last gen even though they are a lot bigger.
This sounds very interesting. I can see it surrounding the 350Z from below (turbo 4) and above (V8). And why not? If anything Hyundai interiors at that price level beat Nissan hands down.
Compare an Azera to a Maxima, or an Entourage to a Quest. Or a Veracruz to a Pathfinder.
If the production car looks like anything close to the concept, I'm sold. The Tibby could definitely afford to lose some weight, but 3000lbs isn't too bad for today's market, especially if they have a high output turbo-4 or V6 under the hood. I'm still for slimming it down though. 2600-2800 sounds about right.
I can't believe it's going to be RWD. This is going to be the first affordable small RWD vehicle since... when?... the mid 80's?!? Kudo's to Hyundai for possibly being the first one to do so.
The steps Hyundai has been taking over the past 3 or 4 years is extraordinary. I don't care what kind of stigma or reputation they had in the past. Cars like the Sonata and Azera are proving that the company is serious about excelling in the market. The Genesis and the new Tibby are even better. I may be a true Hyundai fan in a couple years people! :-)
The SRT-4 and the S2000 each have dual exhaust. On a turbo 4, I'd say it would be warranted.
It looks pretty good. Like everyone else, I do hope the weight goes down. Even with a turbo, it wont exactly jump off the line. A V8 sounds wonderful, especially linked to a RWD platform.
The CX-7 and Mazdaspeed6 have dual exhaust as well.
Even at 3000 lbs, I think the turbo 4 will be sufficient. Output is speculated at around 230hp. RWD will make it much more adequate than FWD.
Flicmod, as much as I hate to say it Hyundai is going where I wish Honda would go! Hello Honda......hello?
I am still so bummed that Hyundai will build a V8 before Honda. I never thought it would happen. Honda desperately needs a V8 for the Pilot/MDX/Ridgeline crew, along with the TL and RL. Hopefully, they'll chop two cylinders from the V10 that they showed a while ago, and do it soon.
Phreddkark - You can rest assured, someday Honda will make a V8. When they do, it will be the most efficient, fuel-sipping V8 every made.
It takes time to make something like that. ;-)
I'd invest in a new name, as this Tiburon couldn't have less in common with anything previously offered.
I guess they're tossing the value card out of the window, as the Mustang and 2009 Camaro will have V8s for the same, or less.
If they brought it out this year, they'd have a shot.
But once the '09 Camaro hits, NO ONE WILL NOTICE A NEW TIBURON, except the fact that they will notice it's not a value anymore.
Saying its competing with the G37 is wishful thinking, again.
Too bad, this car has potential, if timed and marketed right.
But Hyundai will drop the ball, on both accounts.
Somebody seems to think they're Toyota/Lexus, all wrapped up into one. For shame!
DrFill - It's still presumptuous to say the '09 Camaro will be priced alongside the Mustang. GM is still having difficulties cutting costs on the platform. When the Camaro comes out, I fear poor quality will ruin it. But yes, I am having a hard time imagining the Tiburon in the same class as the Detroit sports cars. I would view the Tib as being in the same class as the 350Z or RX-8. The Detroit offerings are cheap straightliners, but I imagine the Tiburon will have finesse.
Flicmod- what are the Solstice, Sky, and MX-5 if not "affordable small RWD vehicles"? ;-)
The Mustang only manages to get a V8 around $26k with a solid rear axle and no other options. Do you really think GM can manage to get anywhere near that with a 400hp V8 on a new chassis with independent rear suspension? I think not. I would be seriously surprised if the Tiburon starts anywhere above $24k with the V8 model going for near $29k. The only thing that concerns me is Hyundai propensity to package upper level engines with all kinds of other options. It would be nice to be able to get the V8 without anything else you didn't want.
jerrywimer - All of those have less than 5.3 cu. ft. of storage space. Some people like to travel in their toys. ;-)
jerry,
Ehhh... you have a point, but I personally think roadsters are in a different category than this. The definition of a roadster includes RWD. ;-)
hondacura,
I echo that sentiment! Honda better be stepping it up hard and fast if they want to stay ahead of Hyundai. They might lose a couple sales from me in the future..... but Honda will always have a special spot in my heart.
Also, my TSX has "dual exhaust". It's more for style than actual exhaust flow since it splits after the cat. I really doubt they need true dual exhaust (splits immediately after the headers) on a 4 cyl even if it is turbocharged.
For this car to be successful in the RWD GT coupe market, base trim will need to have at least 240-250HP. A turbocharged 4-cylinder could achieve this mark, but as most people would agree considering the speculated weight of this vehicle, we will more than likely see the Azera's torquey V6 in there.
Adding a V8 into the mix is a tantalizing possibility, with power levels above 300HP, RWD and styling that mimicks (dare I say it) a 612 Scaglietti, things will get interesting. I, for one, am very excited for this vehicle and the Genesis. However, I don't think they'll be a marketing success with a Hyundai badge on the trunk. As other sources have stated, we might only be a couple years away from Hyundai introducing a US only luxury nameplate and the Genesis and this new coupe could be the bridge to that brand. I've learned not to put anything past the industrial giant that is Hyundai....
Here's the info. There will be a new 2.0L Turbo-charged four with ~230hp. A Lambda II V6 with ~300hp will be optional. 6-speeds manuals available across the line. And of course, RWD. Oh, and look for the T4 to start around $20k and top off at a bit less than $30k for a loaded V6. Weight also SHOULD NOT be an issue. ;-)
jordan2,
What sources do you have? Links or anything?
Flicmod - I'm with you about roadsters. Despite that the performance of the Tib might be similar to the S2K, I don't think the same customers are going to be cross-shopping a Tib.
This turbo 4cyl is certainly the "global" engine spawned by DaimlerChrysler / Hyundai / Mitsubishi. Meaning that this is a longitudinal version of the 4B11T that will power the upcoming Evo X (and Dodge SRT-4).
Granted, it's open deck and aluminum block so it won't be nearly as overbuilt as the 4G63 currently in the Evo IX, but the 4B11T ought to have decent headroom. That is assuming Hyundai didn't down-spec the internals relative to the Evo X (rumored to generate 300-320 hp).
Look at the size of that intake, though!
And this car looks WAY too far along to be a 2010 model. I'm guessing it will be released in mid-'08 as a 2009 model.
Oh, and while I'm at it-- how is it that Hyundai is the only manufacturer to figure out that an inexpensive, RWD turbo coupe is something enthusiasts have been begging, pleading for? This formula has inexplicably eluded automakers since the Nissan 240SX (which wasn't even turbocharged in US guise).
Props to Hyundai on this one. If the driving dynamics are keen, they'll have a smash hit on their hands.
As much as I like to make fun of Hyundai, I found myself wondering last night if I should have bought an Elantra GT hatch rather than my car. 3 or 4 better highway mpg at a cost of only 7hp!
I will be watching this story unfold with much interest. Hyundai is breaking perceptions left and right!