During an interview with BusinessCar, Hyundai UK's head Tony Whitehorn finally confirmed what's been rumored for going on a year: the automaker's new RWD coupe will replace the Tiburon. The coupe will take about 50- to 60-percent of the styling cues originally debuted on the Veloster concept and is set to make its world debut at the London Motor Show in July of 2008.
When the as-of-yet unnamed coupe goes on sale, expect power to be provided by the automaker's 260 HP 3.8-liter V6, with the possibility of a two-liter turbocharged mill finding its way underhood. Whitehorn goes on to eschew rumors of a V8 powerplant, as well as hybrid and diesel options. Doh!
[Source: BusinessCar via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Justin @ Sep 26th 2007 3:02PM
Delicious.
I used to bash Hyundai, and while I'm still not sure they'd be at the top of my list for my next purchase, it's quickly increasing its rating with me. his car looks like it could be quite the hit.
Larry @ Sep 26th 2007 3:11PM
Ashamedly, I, too, used to mock Hyundai, until i saw the restyled '03 Tiburon. Had it almost 5 years, cannot beat what I got for the price! One of the most reliable and enjoyable cars I have ever owned! Loaded, was $19,000.. The dealer is great also. Even better I don't see one on every corner...
Tyo @ Sep 26th 2007 3:04PM
Hyundai is quickly becoming my favorite Asian company.
Theyre doing what toyota, nissan, and honda have failed to do so far. Cheap, small, RWD, hopefully light, fun to drive, and that 100k mi warranty. Sign me up for my first foreign mustang eater. Too bad its not a GM
Bob-omb @ Sep 26th 2007 8:37PM
I love Hyundai and all, but this car will probably not be cheap, small, OR lightweight. This thing's gonna be G35 sized, possibly larger.
TAN @ Sep 26th 2007 3:39PM
i wonder what's the use of the two backseat...just remove them and i can have a 2-seater that at least useful on some freeway's carpool.
Menice @ Sep 26th 2007 3:49PM
i am really psyc'd about this as long as it dont look like that pic.
my current tiburon is possibly the best car i've driven in 20+ yrs of driving..nothing beats the value.
dave @ Sep 26th 2007 4:11PM
WOW! This car really looks sleek and edgy. Reminds me of the Renault Cleo a bit...and I LOVE that car. Surprisingly, and I'm not bashing Hyundai, but speaking for a majority of the automakers, this design is extremely original and I can't make out any copying from other manufacturers.
And those powerplants...WOW! Base engine of 260 HP...man, I seriously can't wait to see where Hyundai stands in 4 years.
Too bad I'm in the market for a rugged, go anywhere SUV, otherwise this would be my top pick.
Jens @ Sep 26th 2007 4:40PM
I'd love to keep my '05 tib's styling combined with 250+hp RWD. That would be awesome. I'm looking forward to London '08!
Brill @ Sep 26th 2007 5:13PM
I think Hyundai quality has gone up since i have been in one. an old girlfriends mom had one and it was crap, BUT i hear thats not the case anymore. sort of like the style and the RWD with some of the engines they are saying could make it a solid value.
the law @ Sep 26th 2007 5:21PM
WOW
now the Asians are taking American companies designs.
looks Volt like with a bit of Dodge and maybe some Saab from the top
naggs @ Sep 26th 2007 5:23PM
i didnt like that veloster concept, very fwd blah
not fitting for a sports car
Tony C @ Sep 26th 2007 6:19PM
Sleek from the front angles, but it shamelessly apes Mazda's current design themes and can you say NO REARWARD VISIBILITY WHATSOEVER?
Bob-omb @ Sep 26th 2007 8:38PM
First, it's a prototype. Second, no visibility is all the rage nowadays.
SPG @ Sep 26th 2007 6:56PM
The styling looks too econo car prototype then sports car.
Alan Thomas @ Sep 26th 2007 7:05PM
whatever word you meant, "eschew" is definitely not it. Car could take over where the first gen mitsubishi Eclipse/Talon/Plymouth whatever left off.
Raf @ Sep 26th 2007 9:08PM
Love the front, not the back. Since it's a concept, Hyundai will probably change it or tone it down.
Still, I would Love to have one
Verne Buntel @ Sep 26th 2007 10:49PM
I wish they would have stuck with what was being reported on the internet awhile back; Genesis based RWD sports car, and the Veloster as a possible FWD small car( 2 cars, 2 types of customers).
Too bad.
Guess I'll have to look @ the rumored 09 Corolla 3 door, with the 158, 2.4 L I-4 from the xB. We shall know about this in the next 5 weeks(after SEMA).
I like Hyundai, but they have no trucks, no real competitor to the Scion tC(and from the looks of it, won't),and are all over the place these days.
Will I buy from them? Maybe a Sonata, but that's it.
BBQ @ Sep 26th 2007 11:16PM
It looks like the top of the new Nissan GT-R had baby's with the bottom of some kinda Toyota, and the finder flares of of an RX-8. Good to see less bubbly cars from them.
Brian @ Sep 27th 2007 1:44AM
To all those living in the past: Hyundai is the shit!
g8or8de @ Sep 27th 2007 2:49AM
I think Hyundai can do better.
3.8L should be able to produce around 300-320 hp easily.