More details emerge about Hyundai's Veloster-like Tiburon replacement
by Damon Lavrinc on Mar 31st 2009 at 5:40PM 
Hyundai Veloster Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery
With the Genesis Coupe coming into its own, the handwriting has been on the wall for Hyundai's front-drive Tiburon. Confirming what we first reported back in February around the Chicago Auto Show, the Korean automaker has now told AutoWeek that it plans to introduce a new model based on the 2007 Veloster coupe concept – a model that it hopes will capture a different demographic than the outgoing Tiburon.
John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's CEO, has let slip that the car probably won't be badged Tiburon, and it will be at once smaller and less expensive than that car, occupying what the company is describing as an "eco-sport" marketing position.
The Tiburon's replacement will be based off the same front-wheel drive architecture that underpins the Accent and Elantra, packing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and taking its design cues from the Veloster concept shown at the Seoul Motor Show in 2007. The Scion tC fighter is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and could find its way to U.S. shores in 2011 as a 2012 model.
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ben lee 5:45PM (3/31/2009)
They should've put that front end on the Genesis.
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Rich 6:03PM (3/31/2009)
They should've put that back end on the Genesis as well! This is actually quite a good looking car, which the Genesis is anything but.
laser 11:21AM (4/01/2009)
Well, you asked for it and here it is. The current Genesis Coupe with the new front end - plus I cleaned up that c-pillar window which doesn't make the car look very good.
http://www.greatsite4you.com/hyundaigenesissporta.jpg
atlasfugged 4:58AM (4/01/2009)
@laser: Nice work! I think it may actually be an improvement.
Cardbored 5:45PM (3/31/2009)
front=sex
back=not so much... lol
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the_MVP_X 5:57PM (3/31/2009)
Umm...the koreans are up to big things.
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the_MVP_X 6:02PM (3/31/2009)
They should re design the rear end.
gravityfrog 6:00PM (3/31/2009)
the handwriting has been on the wall for Hyundai's front-drive Tiburon
thought the tiburon was RWD?
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P.V. 6:37PM (3/31/2009)
Nope. It's FWD. It's a common misconception because Hyundai doesn't feature the drive wheels very prominently (in advertising) for the Tiburon, and the engine is longitudinal (which is very common in Audis and non-FWD vehicles).
Anyway, I very much like the look of this.
Kumail 6:00PM (3/31/2009)
Can you seriously not like Hyundai?
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P.V. 6:38PM (3/31/2009)
I think even JDMlover is changing his/her tune on this. THAT is SAYING SOMETHING about Hyundai/KIA.
abbas350 4:13AM (4/02/2009)
*raises hand* "I still don't like them"
+grille treatment looks awfully similar to somthing aston has been working on...
Mazda FTW! 6:01PM (3/31/2009)
Anything can fight the Scion tC.
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J.Crew 6:07PM (3/31/2009)
I am thinking they saw the old CRX and said, yeah, we can do that! I think this will be a good niche for them to get into.
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Nuieve 6:20PM (3/31/2009)
Love it. Rear is very cool too. Maybe not really functional, but definitely cool and with lots of character.
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Sektor 6:39PM (3/31/2009)
What's with the interior?
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neutralgear 6:52PM (3/31/2009)
yeah, those seats look like something you'd find at a pinkberry yogurt shop.
chicagovet 7:23PM (3/31/2009)
To me it looks kind of un-friendly & claustrophobic--and a little bit like one of those "autoblox" wooden cars.
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Nick 7:24PM (3/31/2009)
That front end looks like they had a gander at the Aston 0ne77.
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BlackEmblem 7:25PM (3/31/2009)
I really want them to badge this as a Kia. 'nuff said.
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