Hyundai Tiburon

Lore & Background

The first generation (RD) began production in late 1996 as a 1997 model year, taking design cues from the HCD-II Epoch concept shown at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. It was available with 1.6L or 1.8L engines in some foreign markets; in the United States, base models used the Elantra's 1.8L 130 hp engine while the FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 140 hp. The MacPherson strut suspension was co-developed with Porsche. The RD Tiburon revived coke bottle styling popular in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1998 the 1.8L engine was dropped, leaving only the 2.0L. The RD2 facelift in 1999 altered front and rear bumpers and refreshed the interior dash; in South Korea it was marketed as the Tiburon Turbulence. The RD2 headlights featured separate enclosures for high and low beams, giving a four-headlight look similar to the third generation Honda/Acura Integra and sixth generation Toyota Celica.

In the UK, Hyundai's entry into the Formula 2 World Rally Championship prompted special editions. The F2 (1998) was available only in the UK in three colours, with 16-inch DTM-style alloy wheels, a deeper front spoiler, and an uprated Sony stereo. The F2 Evolution (1999) was a limited edition of 1500 units (1513 produced), designed by McLaren F1 stylist Peter Stevens in conjunction with Motor Sport Developments. It featured a larger front bumper, a modified rear spoiler with end-plates, a high-lift inlet camshaft from the 1997 1.8L Lantra engine, and a freeflow exhaust by Magnex. Power increased to 154 hp and torque to 140 lbft. Each car received a metal MSD badge with its build number.

Reader's Guide

The Hyundai Tiburon represents Hyundai's early effort in the sports coupe segment, notable for its long production run and the special editions tied to the company's involvement in the Formula 2 World Rally Championship. The F2 and F2 Evolution models, produced in limited numbers for the UK market, demonstrate the manufacturer's attempt to leverage motorsport credibility for road car appeal. The F2 Evolution's design involvement by Peter Stevens, known for his work on the McLaren F1, and the mechanical modifications by Motor Sport Developments, gave the car a tangible link to the rally program. The Tiburon's front-wheel-drive layout and Porsche-co-developed suspension were key engineering features. The model was eventually replaced by the Hyundai Veloster in 2008, ending a 12-year production cycle that saw two generations and multiple facelifts aimed at keeping the car current.

Did You Know?

• The MacPherson strut suspension on the RD Tiburon was co-developed with Porsche.
• The F2 Evolution's high-lift inlet camshaft was taken from the 1997 1.8-litre Lantra engine.