Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Korean Spirra supercar runs with the big dogs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/video-korean-spirra-supercar-runs-with-the-big-dogs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/video-korean-spirra-supercar-runs-with-the-big-dogs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/video-korean-spirra-supercar-runs-with-the-big-dogs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Oullim Motors Spirra - click above image to watch the video

The big dogs in this case being a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and a pair of Ferrari F430s. And in case you're wondering, a Spirra is a Korean supercar built by Oullim Motors and sold through Proto Motors since 2007. Looking like a not half bad mashup of a late model Toyota MR2 and an Acura NSX, what counts of course is what's under the hood. The original Spirra (by Proto) had a mid-mounted 320 hp 4.6-liter Ford Modular V8 -- essentially a Mustang Cobra motor. However, once Oullim took over, the American muscle was dropped in favor of a force inducted Hyundai V6. Specifically the 2.7-liter Delta unit out of the Tiburon.

When hooked to a supercharger, the Spirra S makes 400 hp. Not bad at all. However, when a turbocharger gets involved the Spirra Turbo generates a whopping and impressive 500 hp. Looks like there is a replacement for displacement, no? A supercar needs this sort of thrust, especially when it's going to tangle with the aforementioned big dogs of the Italian persuasion. And here's the kicker -- the Spirra only weighs about 2,200 pounds. That's one fat guy more than a Lotus Elise. Meaning its power-to-weight ratio is on the deviant side of totally insane.

Top speed is well over 200 mph, especially with something called "Mission Tuning Offset" installed. We're not really sure what that is. Nor are we sure when watching the video if we're looking at the super'd or turbocharged car, though we'll err on the side of turbo. And with a price tag (about $130,000) that's about half that of the big dogs it's running with, we think we'd like to get our hands on a Spirra. Like, yesterday. Video of the hoonage, after the jump. Thanks to Austin for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Korean Spirra supercar runs with the big dogs

VIDEO: Korean Spirra supercar runs with the big dogs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HyundaiHyundai TiburonHyundaiTiburonOullimOullim MotorsOullim SpirraOullimMotorsOullimSpirraProtoProto MotorsProto SpirraProtoMotorsProtoSpirraSpirraSpirra SSpirra TurboSpirraSSpirraTurboTiburonMon, 24 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Multiple Hyundai recalls for brake lamps and rust issues affect nearly 1M units]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/multiple-hyundai-recalls-for-brake-lamps-and-rust-issues-affect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/multiple-hyundai-recalls-for-brake-lamps-and-rust-issues-affect/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/multiple-hyundai-recalls-for-brake-lamps-and-rust-issues-affect/#commentsFiled under: ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Hyundai have initiated recalls on 963,305 vehicles as part of four separate campaigns. The first recall, blanketing over one half million late-model vehicles, is nationwide. The other three recalls, all corrosion-related on older vehicles, are limited to the regions of the country where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winters.

The most widespread recall, affecting up to 531,894 2005-2008 Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson, and Veracruz models, is NHTSA Campaign 09V122000. It is focused on a malfunctioning stop lamp switch that may prevent brake lights from illuminating when the pedal is depressed (the same switch may also cause them to stay lit after the brakes are released).

The second recall, affecting up to 175,765 1999-2004 Sonata, XG300, and XG350 models, is NHTSA Campaign 09V124000. That recall, limited to America's so-called "Salt Belt" states, is centered around potentially excessive corrosion of the front sub-frame due to winter road salt applications. If unnoticed, the lower control arm may separate from its mount.

The third recall, affecting up to 170,610 2001-2003 Elantra and Tiburon models, is NHTSA Campaign 09V125000. Also limited to the salt-belt states, the affected component is a failed lower control arm due to excessive corrosion.

The fourth recall, affecting up to 85,036 2001-2003 Santa Fe models, is NHTSA Campaign 09V123000. Again limited to to the Salt Belt states, the recall is centered around the possible internal corrosion of the rear trailing arms in the vehicle's suspension.

In all four recalls, Hyundai dealers will inspect, repair, and replace defective or damaged parts at no cost to the owner. In some situations, rust-proofing material will be added to chassis areas to arrest the corrosion process. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151, call the NHTSA Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit SAFERCAR.GOV. Press releases after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Multiple Hyundai recalls for brake lamps and rust issues affect nearly 1M units

Multiple Hyundai recalls for brake lamps and rust issues affect nearly 1M units originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccentAzerabrake partBrakePartCorrosionDefectiveElantraEntourageHyundai RecallHyundaiRecallNHTSARecallroad saltRoadSaltsaltSanta FeSantaFeSonataTiburonTucsonXG300XG350Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[More details emerge about Hyundai's Veloster-like Tiburon replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/more-details-emerge-about-hyundais-veloster-like-tiburon-replac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/more-details-emerge-about-hyundais-veloster-like-tiburon-replac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/more-details-emerge-about-hyundais-veloster-like-tiburon-replac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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]

More details emerge about Hyundai's Veloster-like Tiburon replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 hyundai coupe2011 hyundai tiburon2011HyundaiCoupe2011HyundaiTiburon20122012 hyundai coupe2012 hyundai tiburon2012HyundaiCoupe2012HyundaiTiburoncoupefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhyundaitiburonvelosterTue, 31 Mar 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/coupe-scoop-scoupe-hyundais-veloster-concept-headed-for-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/coupe-scoop-scoupe-hyundais-veloster-concept-headed-for-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/11/coupe-scoop-scoupe-hyundais-veloster-concept-headed-for-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2007 Hyundai Veloster concept

Back at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show, Hyundai somewhat quietly unveiled a slick little coupe concept dubbed Veloster. The chunky, funky two-door then proceeded to make the rounds that show season, including stateside debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Thanks in part to good feedback, there was considerable speculation in 2007 that the front-drive showcar was being considered for production as a possible Scion tC fighter. In the intervening years since those rumors surfaced, however, Hyundai has gone on to roll out both concept and production versions of the Genesis Coupe, a development that seemingly extinguishing the Veloster's star. But all is not so - we have just learned from well-placed sources within Hyundai that the coupe (also known as the HND-3) has been given the green light. Furthermore, the car will not only reach production, it will find its way into U.S. dealerships, likely as a 2011 or 2012 model.

We expect the Veloster to keep its front-drive, two-plus-two layout, and it would make sense for the car to generate less power than the more performance-oriented 2.0T Genesis Coupe - a car that has 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. The Veloster showcar was powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter inline-four, and the production car figures to do the same. For reference, the corporate powerplant makes 141 hp in the new Elantra Touring, although a few more ponies would likely find its way into the barn for the sportier Veloster. If the Korean automaker can keep the concept's tidy packaging (it's nearly 21 inches shorter than the Genesis Coupe), performance should still be quite sprightly while returning attractive fuel-economy figures.

Interestingly, this news may also help explain why Hyundai chose to pass over branding the Genesis Coupe as a Tiburon. The Veloster's production name has reportedly not yet been decided upon, and as the shark moniker still has some brand equity - and the model itself has always been configured as a front-drive and four-cylinder - it's possible that the name could live on with this new model.

With the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai appears to have given disenfranchised import performance enthusiasts something of a successor to now-legendary rear-drive performance cars like the Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and the Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86). Could the Velostar be Korea's answer to a latter-day Honda CRX? Cross your fingers...

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Coupe Scoop (Scoupe?) - Hyundai's Veloster concept headed for production... and America! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>240SXAE86BREAKINGChicago Auto ShowChicagoAutoShowCivic CRXCivicCrxCRXGenesis CoupeGenesisCoupeHCD-3HondaKoreakorea carKoreaCarKorean carKoreanCarNissanTiburonVelostarWed, 11 Feb 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[New Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) coming to Frankfurt in '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-coming-to-frankfurt-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-coming-to-frankfurt-in-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-coming-to-frankfurt-in-09/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Velostar concept.

Hyundai's replacement for the Tiburon (aka the "Coupe" outside the U.S.) will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next September. As expected, the new Coupe will be inspired by the Velostar concept that debuted in Seoul last year and will be built atop the Hyundai i30/Kia Forte's front-wheel-drive platform. Hyundai insiders suggest that the Coupe will be approximately the size of the last generation Toyota Celica, smaller than the upcoming Genesis Coupe, and will feature a shooting-brake body style.

The new Coupe will go on sale abroad shortly after its unveiled in Frankfurt, and there's no word yet on when Hyundai will import the new two-door to the U.S. to replacing the aging Tiburon.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept


[Source: 4Car]

New Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) coming to Frankfurt in '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 hyundai coupe2010 hyundai tiburon2010HyundaiCoupe2010HyundaiTiburonhyundaihyundai coupeHyundaiCoupetiburonMon, 11 Aug 2008 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise! Hyundai to phase out Tiburon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/surprise-hyundai-to-phase-out-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/surprise-hyundai-to-phase-out-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/surprise-hyundai-to-phase-out-tiburon/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon.

The news came courtesy of John Krafcik, Hyundai's product development veep, who told Automotive News that the 2008 model year of the Tiburon would be its last. However, that doesn't mean the Tiburon is down for the count. Krafcik is insistent that the Genesis Coupe, which will be coming out about the same time the Tibby is euthanized, isn't a Tiburon replacement. "We are seriously looking at a small front-wheel-drive coupe to replace the Tiburon," Krafcik told AN, but he wouldn't give a time frame for its replacement. He did say that the Veloster coupe concept that debuted at the Seoul motor show last April would be the inspiration for Hyundai's new FWD, two-door offering. Hopefully, when the production version of the Veloster is unveiled, it'll carry the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot found in its RWD sibling.

Gallery: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon


Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept


Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe


[Source: Automotive News via Autoweek]

Surprise! Hyundai to phase out Tiburon originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesis coupeGenesisCoupehyundaihyundai tiburonhyundai velosterHyundaiTiburonHyundaiVelostertiburonvelosterFri, 18 Apr 2008 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai RWD coupe coming to London motor show in '08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/hyundai-rwd-coupe-coming-to-london-motor-show-in-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/hyundai-rwd-coupe-coming-to-london-motor-show-in-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/hyundai-rwd-coupe-coming-to-london-motor-show-in-08/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept

Hyundai RWD coupe coming to London motor show in '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupehyundaiinline fourInlineFourlondonlondon auto showlondon motor showLondonAutoShowLondonMotorShowrear wheel driverear-wheel driverear-wheel-driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriverwdtiburontony whitehornTonyWhitehornturbochargedv6v8velostarWed, 26 Sep 2007 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rotoscoped speculation: Hyundai's RWD Tiburon replacement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/rotoscoped-speculation-hyundais-rwd-tiburon-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/rotoscoped-speculation-hyundais-rwd-tiburon-replacement/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/13/rotoscoped-speculation-hyundais-rwd-tiburon-replacement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UPDATE: Images removed at request of original owner.

We've been cooing over the prospect of a RWD Hyundai coupe for sometime now, and although recent spy shots and a possible official rendering have given us a glimpse of what's to come, it still remains unconfirmed speculation. While a nicely done photochop might be a more conventional means of rendering sheet metal, one particularly creative individual decided to portray the new coupe in comic form. The rotoscope-style rendering overlaid atop a set of spy shots is a creative solution that we thought was worth a gallery. So check it below and tell us what you think.

Rotoscoped speculation: Hyundai's RWD Tiburon replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundairwdtiburonMon, 13 Aug 2007 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #72]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/autoblog-podcast-72/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/autoblog-podcast-72/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/autoblog-podcast-72/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

We tried hard to get a podcast going last week, but it just wasn't good enough. This week, the internet gods smiled on us with solid connections that cleared the way for our incisor-sharp banter. Kicking off #72, we discuss the dual surprise from Ford and GM - profit! The US operations showed losses, but overseas branches pulled in the dough, and as Alex points out "money is money." Moving on to less dull subjects, the MINI Clubman was officially unveiled, and it seems like all of the growth is in its arse. There's more legroom in the back seat, and cargo space gets a boost, as well. In typical German fashion, they took the long way around to achieve what could have been a simple platform stretch. Speaking of Germans - Wolfgang Bernhard is officially in at Chrysler. That is, if Hades 3-headed guard dog can pull it together on the funding side. It's not much of a surprise, and we hope that he can right the good ship Chrysler.

Follow the jump for more or click a link below to download the show.

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #72

Autoblog Podcast #72 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogcerberuschryslerclubmanfordgmhyundaimininetworkpodcastprofitracingspeedtiburontoyotatvwolfgang bernhardWolfgangBernhardThu, 02 Aug 2007 16:03:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #72Dan Roth43:49<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/spy-shots-hyundais-rear-wheel-drive-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/spy-shots-hyundais-rear-wheel-drive-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/16/spy-shots-hyundais-rear-wheel-drive-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for more spy shots of the mysterious RWD coupe from Hyundai

The Veracruz, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis luxury sedan and various other new rear-wheel-drive offerings will take Hyundai into segments it's never been, but the one vehicle about which we're most excited is this, a rear-wheel-drive coupe from Hyundai.

These new spy pics, reportedly taken in Korea, show the new coupe out on public roads. It appears to be similar to the vehicle we saw in a previous set of spy shots, right down to the same type of wheels. The problem is that there's much more we don't know about this vehicle than what we do know. Will the rear-wheel-drive coupe be branded as the next-generation Tiburon or be sold alongside the automaker's front-wheel-drive coupe? Is it based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Genesis? Will it feature a supercharged or turbocharged V6, Hyundai's new Lambda V8, or both?

Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: NewTiburon.com]

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots II

Continue reading Spy Shots: Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive coupe

Spy Shots: Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupehyundairear-wheel-driveRWDtiburonMon, 16 Jul 2007 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Cruel, sick joke: Bentley Continental badged as a Hyundai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/cruel-sick-joke-bentley-continental-badged-as-a-hyundai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/cruel-sick-joke-bentley-continental-badged-as-a-hyundai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/05/cruel-sick-joke-bentley-continental-badged-as-a-hyundai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above image for high-res views of this abomination

Some rich people have too much time on their hands and a sick sense of humor. Witness this, a perfectly good Bentley Continental GT adorned with Hyundai badges - HYUNDAI badges!. It's not as if the owner just stuck them on with double-sided tape, either - the hood badge, logo on the trunk lid and in the center cap of each wheel look professionally applied, as if they were meant to be there all along. (We checked with Bentley, they're not ever supposed to be there.) But hey, if you're wealthy, you may as well do it right, you know? Actually, we're thinking this guy lost a bet with his Ferrari buddies and was forced to transform his six-figure Conti into a Tiburon wannabe. Sigh... check out the rest of the pics in our gallery below. They were shot and sent us to us by Autoblog reader Michael in L.A.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GT badged as Hyundai

Cruel, sick joke: Bentley Continental badged as a Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalBentleyContinentalbreakinghyundaitiburonThu, 05 Jul 2007 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai's new RWD coupe to get V6 power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/hyundais-new-rwd-coupe-to-get-v6-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/hyundais-new-rwd-coupe-to-get-v6-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/26/hyundais-new-rwd-coupe-to-get-v6-power/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Those rumors of a V8-powered, RWD coupe from Hyundai? Almost true. Winding Road talked with Hyundai Vice President John Krafcik who confirmed the RWD coupe part, but didn't stutter when he said "No V8." Winding Road's Reilly Brennan pressed Krafcik on the engine's setup, but the VP wouldn't give a straight answer on whether the coupe will be naturally aspirated or come with some kind of boost. But he did say the car's power to weight would be impressive.

Winding Road also said the Hyundai executive had a good chuckle at the illustration on the right, commissioned by WR. Krafcik said the design isn't anything like the actual car's looks, but that buyers would find it to be even better. Krafcik gave a few hints that the final design could end up looking less like an Audified Tiburon and more like the Veloster concept, which is just fine with us.

[Source: Winding Road]

Hyundai's new RWD coupe to get V6 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HyundaiHyundai coupeHyundaiCoupeTiburonTue, 26 Jun 2007 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Hyundai's RWD Coupe!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-hyundais-rwd-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-hyundais-rwd-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/10/spy-shots-hyundais-rwd-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above image to view more spy pics of Hyundai's RWD coupe!

Hyundai is about to be a very hot brand, and the biggest log on the fire will be its upcoming rear-wheel-drive BH platform that will spawn the Genesis luxury sedan, a long-wheelbase Genesis model, a Kia version of the Genesis, a possible pickup, and a groundbreaking (for Hyundai) rear-wheel-drive coupe that we previewed with a rendering last month. Like all the BH variants, the RWD coupe from Hyundai will be available with Hyundai's new Tau V8 that's capable of producing well over 300 horsepower. Well kiss our grits, but somebody actually found a development mule of the rear-wheel-drive coupe being loaded (or unloaded) at port somewhere in the world.

We've found countless people out there referring to this car as the 2009 Tiburon. It certainly well could be, but we know of no hard evidence that Hyundai will actually move the Tib upmarket by transferring the name to this RWD coupe. In fact, we don't think it's a smart idea at all, as the Tiburon name doesn't have the upmarket cachet to go up against the likes of other entry-level luxury sport coupes like the Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i coupe (Wow, did we just say that?). Plus, we doubt Hyundai's myopic desire to one day be a full-line automaker would allow it to abandon the front-wheel drive coupe segment altogether.

We're actually surprised how similar this development looks to the rendering produced for Winding Road. Of course, the covering obscures the view, but one can definitely see similarities, especially in the car's C-pillar. The gallery also includes some interior shots, which reveal a snug cockpit that's definitely driver oriented in the layout of its controls.

Armed with these images, we have to ask, how is Hyundai's coupe shaping up? If it arrives on our shores as a true G37 competitor for the price of a Mustang, then Hyundai could have a big hit on its hands.

Thanks for the tip, Jung!

[Source: Bobaedream.com]

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots

Spy Shots: Hyundai's RWD Coupe! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundairwdthe car bloggerTheCarBloggertiburonv6Thu, 10 May 2007 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/could-the-hyundai-genesis-lead-to-a-rear-wheel-drive-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/could-the-hyundai-genesis-lead-to-a-rear-wheel-drive-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/28/could-the-hyundai-genesis-lead-to-a-rear-wheel-drive-tiburon/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view 15 high-res pics of the Hyundai Genesis concept

Hyundai "officially" unveiled the rear-wheel drive Genesis concept on Tuesday by issuing a press release and high-res versions of the pics that were already floating around. The release got us thinking that Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive platform underpinning the production version of the Genesis when it arrives Stateside in 2008 would make a killer chassis on which to build the next Hyundai Tiburon. The Tiburon has more than run its course as a value-based, front-wheel-drive sport compact coupe with an eensy-weensy V6. We have no idea when a Tiburon replacement will surface, but the arrival of Hyundai's first rear-driver gives us hope that the South Korean automaker may decide to grab a gun and stand to post in the upcoming pony car wars. Even if the intended target turns out not to be the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger, Hyundai could easily aim at the Infiniti G37 Coupe, BMW 335i and upcoming Audi A5 with a coupe powered by a 300-horsepower 4.6L V8 driving the back wheels. The mind reels at the possibility, and we hope Hyundai has the foresight to let the chassis flourish under models other than the new Genesis luxury sedan.

Check out Hyundai's official press release on the Genesis Concept after the jump, as it reveals many details that could easily apply to a coupe. Also check out the gallery of desktop wallpaper-sized pics.

[Source: Hyundai]

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis

Continue reading Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon?

Could the Hyundai Genesis lead to a rear-wheel drive Tiburon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisGenesis conceptGenesisConceptrear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveTiburonWed, 28 Mar 2007 15:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Losing your Accent: Hyundai's production woes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/losing-your-accent-hyundais-production-woes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/losing-your-accent-hyundais-production-woes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/losing-your-accent-hyundais-production-woes/#commentsFiled under: ,



Everyone experiences growing pains at some point in their life. Some are more debilitating than others. As it enter its 21st year in the US, Hyundai is feeling a few of its own. In a market dominated by overproduction and a seemingly insurmountable glut of models, Hyundai has a good problem to resolve... maybe. A labor strike in Korea coupled with strong worldwide demand means U.S. dealers can't get enough of the popular Korean-built cars like the three-door Accent -- an issue that may also extend to the new Elantra and the forthcoming reskinned Tiburon.

Before you can build cars, you have to have engines, right? The first issue to work on is improving the currently limited capacity to build four-cylinder engines. The inventory of these engines, which power both the Elantra and Accent, is now and will continue to be a huge problem until something changes. As a result, Hyundai has informed dealers that the automaker is likely to miss its '06 sales target here in the US. Even at full capacity, the plants may fall short of meeting global demand next year as well, prompting concerns that the '07 sales target could be jeopardized, as well.

Undercapacity and overwhelming demand for your products is an enviable position to be in for a short time. Once the issue begins to affect long-term profitability, however, somebody had better deal with it quickly.

[Source: Kathy Jackson, Automotive News via AutoWeek]

Losing your Accent: Hyundai's production woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccentdemandElantraenginesHyundaiproductionTiburonThu, 02 Nov 2006 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Hyundai Tiburon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/video-hyundai-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/video-hyundai-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/31/video-hyundai-tiburon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Hyundai Tiburon has won a lot of fans that want a stylish sports coupe at a bargain price. Having unveiled its latest revised version at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China and then in Paris, the Korean carmaker has hit us with this promotional video.

The clip features some artful cinematography, placing the new Coupe (as it's plainly called in overseas markets) in dramatic settings to highlight its styling. Some of the car's features, like the blue LED instruments, six-speed shifter and air intake hole (yes, "air intake hole" is considered a feature now) are underscored in the promo video, which ends with the question, "What do you worship?" While we doubt many people would testify "a Hyundai" in response to that question, the video's still worth watching.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

VIDEO: Hyundai Tiburon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coupehyundaipromopromotionaltiburonvideoTue, 31 Oct 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris Motor Show: Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/01/paris-motor-show-hyundai-coupe-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/01/paris-motor-show-hyundai-coupe-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/01/paris-motor-show-hyundai-coupe-tiburon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Hyundai Coupe (otherwise known as the Tiburon in the U.S. and Asia) may have launched officially at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China earlier this year, but that didn't stop Hyundai from putting it on its stand at the Paris Motor Show to show off Hyundai's 2007 front-wheel drive sports coupe.

John grabbed these pictures from the peanut gallery of Hyundai's stand, and according to him, the Coupe wasn't even out at the show until the second day of press preview. Earlier in the year as spy shots of the vehicle surfaced, this was initially thought to be the 2008 model, but Hyundai has since corrected us with publicity information indicating that it's the 2007 model.

Fans of earlier models will note that the body style hasn't changed much, with the exception of harder angles on the hood and sides, new headlights, a fatter and flatter nose and cool vender vents. Under the body panels, the vehicle has changed even less -- Hyundai is still offering the same 1.6 and 2.0 liter four-cylinders and 2.7L V6 under the hood, the first of which will likely not be available in the U.S.

Hyundai has freshened up the interior, however, with blue LED instrumentation, extendable sun visors and other goodies.

More pics and press information after the jump.

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Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon)

Paris Motor Show: Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Oct 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundai coupehyundai tiburonHyundaiCoupeHyundaiTiburonparis auto showParisAutoShowtiburonSun, 01 Oct 2006 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawyers give Hyundai a clutch job]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/lawyers-give-hyundai-a-clutch-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/lawyers-give-hyundai-a-clutch-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/lawyers-give-hyundai-a-clutch-job/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hyundai Motor North America, for the past three years highly-ranked in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study, could get its quality halo tarnished by a class-action lawsuit filed in California.

The legal action stems from disputes between Hyundai and Tiburon owners over warranty claims that were denied for clutch repairs in low-mileage Tiburons. The original suit covered 2003 Tiburon GTs with six-speed manual transmissions and the 2.7-liter engine, but may be expanded to include 2004 versions as well.

Despite the automaker's highly touted 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, owners with premature clutch failures say they were told that the clutch is considered a "regular wear item" not covered by the warranty, and that premature failure was likely due to driver error, leaving them with a hefty repair bill (in the neighborhood of $2,000).

Owners point to multiple service bulletins for the offending vehicles identifying "deformed parts," and much lower failure rates for later models with a redesigned clutch and flywheel as evidence that the design of their units was faulty. Hyundai says it's evaluating clutch claims on a case-by-case basis, which leaves clutchless Tiburon owners at the mercy of the service tech who inspects their car.

You can sample a few Tiburon clutch horror stories here and here. One unlucky 2004 Tibbie owner lost his first clutch at 16,000 miles, followed by the aftermarket replacement unit 4,000 miles later.

via Automotive News

Lawyers give Hyundai a clutch job originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tiburontiburon clutchtiburon gt 2003tiburon six-speedMon, 07 Aug 2006 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[New Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) debuts in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-debuts-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-debuts-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/new-hyundai-coupe-tiburon-debuts-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Spy shots of an updated 2008 Tiburon surfaced a couple of weeks ago, but the heavy covering obscured the visual tweaks Hyundai is planning for its front-wheel drive coupe. Today, however, Hyundai unveiled an updated version of the Coupe, known as the Tiburon in the U.S., at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China. Not much information is available, but we can see the modified front end sports new headlamps, a wide lower grille and small slit right above the license plate. From some angles it looks similar to a Mazda MX-3. The rear has also been updated with a wide expanse of black housing a pair of exhaust tips at the bottom and new taillights that are smaller than the current model's. There are reportedly no mechanical changes involved with this update, so the Tiburon will likely soldier on with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 2.7-liter V6. We can't say whether or not this is what the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon destined for the North American market will look like, but chances are it is.

(Check out more pics including live shots from the show and more official Hyundai pics after the jump)

[Source: autoblog.nl]

Continue reading New Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) debuts in China

New Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon) debuts in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guangzhou Motor ShowGuangzhouMotorShowHyundai CoupeHyundaiCoupeTiburonMon, 24 Jul 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/spy-shots-2008-hyundai-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/spy-shots-2008-hyundai-tiburon/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/spy-shots-2008-hyundai-tiburon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With Hyundai's recent string of successful redesigns, we're patiently awaiting to learn what the next incarnation of its Tiburon coupe will be like when it debuts in 2008... make that 2009... actually, make that never, as Motor Trend is reporting the Tiburon will be phased out then to make room for a new rear-wheel drive "poor man's BMW" sport sedan arriving in 2008. The sport sedan will spawn a coupe and convertible in 2009 that will replace the current Tiburon that's been on the market since 2003. These spy shots show that the 2008 Tiburon will receive minor front and rear fascia upgrades before it retires in 2009.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: 2008 Hyundai Tiburon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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