Edmunds.com just posted a great preview article on the 2003 Tiburon.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/preview/articles/48117/article.html
<b>A Killer Coupe from Korea</b>
By Ed Hellwig
Last updated: 2001-12-04
With record sales and a growing lineup, Hyundai is quickly becoming one of the hottest car companies on the planet. Much of its success can be attributed to improved quality and rock-bottom prices, but none of that would matter if the company didn't have attractive products.
The original Tiburon coupe featured dynamic design with swooping lines and a low-slung shape that set it apart from the swarm of Japanese competition. But without top-notch hardware under the hood, it faced an uphill battle against the better-equipped challengers.
Hyundai wasn't about to make the same mistake twice, so after nearly four years of development work, it has unwrapped a sleek new coupe that has all the goods necessary to compete with the best from Japan.
Although the 140-hp four-cylinder engine from the current model will still be available, the 2003 Tiburon will offer a major upgrade in the form of a 2.7-liter all-aluminum V6. Official horsepower numbers haven't been released yet, but the same engine in Hyundai's Santa Fe sport-ute makes 181 ponies, so figure at least that much will be on tap in the Tiburon.
To bolster the Tiburon's new emphasis on performance further, three different transmission choices will be available: a four-speed automatic, a revised version of last year's five-speed manual and an all-new six-speed gearbox for maximum fun. Top-of-the-line models will also get sharp-looking 17-inch wheels and tires and dual exhaust.
Inside, the Tiburon gets spruced up with metallic dash trim and heavily bolstered sport seats. A premium seven-speaker Infinity sound system will also grace the options sheet, giving the Tiburon plenty of unique hardware right off the showroom floor.
Further details will be released in 2002, but from what we've seen so far, the 2003 Tiburon could be the car that changes the way the public looks at Hyundai once and for all.
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http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/preview/articles/48117/article.html
<b>A Killer Coupe from Korea</b>
By Ed Hellwig
Last updated: 2001-12-04
With record sales and a growing lineup, Hyundai is quickly becoming one of the hottest car companies on the planet. Much of its success can be attributed to improved quality and rock-bottom prices, but none of that would matter if the company didn't have attractive products.
The original Tiburon coupe featured dynamic design with swooping lines and a low-slung shape that set it apart from the swarm of Japanese competition. But without top-notch hardware under the hood, it faced an uphill battle against the better-equipped challengers.
Hyundai wasn't about to make the same mistake twice, so after nearly four years of development work, it has unwrapped a sleek new coupe that has all the goods necessary to compete with the best from Japan.
Although the 140-hp four-cylinder engine from the current model will still be available, the 2003 Tiburon will offer a major upgrade in the form of a 2.7-liter all-aluminum V6. Official horsepower numbers haven't been released yet, but the same engine in Hyundai's Santa Fe sport-ute makes 181 ponies, so figure at least that much will be on tap in the Tiburon.
To bolster the Tiburon's new emphasis on performance further, three different transmission choices will be available: a four-speed automatic, a revised version of last year's five-speed manual and an all-new six-speed gearbox for maximum fun. Top-of-the-line models will also get sharp-looking 17-inch wheels and tires and dual exhaust.
Inside, the Tiburon gets spruced up with metallic dash trim and heavily bolstered sport seats. A premium seven-speaker Infinity sound system will also grace the options sheet, giving the Tiburon plenty of unique hardware right off the showroom floor.
Further details will be released in 2002, but from what we've seen so far, the 2003 Tiburon could be the car that changes the way the public looks at Hyundai once and for all.
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