The shark gets some new dental work - and a more slippery skin.
by Brenda Priddy
Hyundai is turning on the style with this Elantra-based Tiburon coupe, due for launch next summer and arriving in Europe and North America in early 2002. Company insiders say this coupe will prove every bit as good to drive, as it is to look at. And because the new Tiburon (Spanish for "shark") offers more interior space than its predecessor, interest and sales are expected to improve.
Underneath the disguise, the car's swooping bodywork is clear. Although the bold front lights, bumper and grille have been likened to Toyota's departed Supra, there is no doubt that this Tiburon has a more European flavor than the current car. Brake cooling vents, cut into the front wings, add to the Hyundai's sporting nature, while restyled rear lights look modern.
Initially the Tiburon will only be available as a hard top, but plans for a convertible are well advanced. The droptop is expected to break cover in late 2002. Until then the flagship of the range is to be a standard coupe powered by the 2.7-liter V-6 that will be used in the company's off-road Santa Fe. With a potential 200 hp on tap, the Korean firm hopes the new Tiburon will win admiration of even the fiercest critics of the marque.
At introduction, the V-6 will be joined by a fresh 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an all-new entry-level 1.6-liter four. Power will be fed to the front wheels via a sequential four-speed automatic gearbox, although a five-speed manual box will also be available. As with other Hyundais, standard equipment is expected to be very generous, with air conditioning, power windows and driver and passenger airbags all standard.
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