During Hyundai's webcasted press conference for the Genesis Coupe, product chief John Krafcik was asked whether or not there was still a replacement for the Tiburon in the works. In response, he basically reiterated a statement he's made in the past.
There is still another coupe to come from Hyundai and it will be a smaller, front-wheel drive model based on the Elantra platform. The Veloster concept was a clue to the styling direction, but Hyundai is still up in the air whether or not it will be called Tiburon. In fact, Krafcik openly asked for input on the name, so if you like Tiburon let Hyundai know.
dougtheeng says:
09:40 AM, 03/25/09
Nothing wrong with the Tiburon name. It seems to be a decent seller for Hyundai, especially the more recent models. The old curvey ones were hideous, mind you.
ctpax says:
09:41 AM, 03/25/09
What the hell for?
stovt001 says:
12:40 PM, 03/25/09
ctpax, I dunno, but dougtheeng is right, I've seen a fairly decent amount of the newer models on the road.
redliner says:
12:41 PM, 03/25/09
Nice, they will have a low priced 180hp front wheel drive for around 20k and a rear wheel drive from 22k. This is good for people who live in a snowy climate, and are only mildly sporty.
rick8365 says:
01:33 PM, 03/25/09
One of the best sounding cars (IMO) I have heard recently was a V6 Tiburon with an after market exhaust....a great R32 type sound - memorable. I too think the car has gotten a lot better looking and much is more respected.
jyym says:
02:08 PM, 03/25/09
The Tib got to be a rather decent sports coupe w/ regard to its handling.
The only thing missing was a good powerplant (the V6 was rather anemic).
albook says:
04:45 PM, 03/25/09
I don't like the name, but they should keep it for name recognition. It better look a whole lot better, or it will lose tremendous sales to the Genesis coupe- which looks better than the G37.
cwc1 says:
06:45 PM, 03/25/09
It seemed to me that the Genesis coupe replaced the Tiburon anyway, as the Genesis is priced similarly to the last Tiburon - isn't it?
With the Genesis, Hyundai has an edge over its competition that uses mostly front-drive coupes. So, why also have a Tiburon? I think it would have to be enough of a lower cost than the Genesis to even be a consideration.
stovt001 says:
11:03 PM, 03/25/09
albook, you're right. No matter how good the new name is, Ford and Volkswagen can tell Hyundai just how important a recognized name is, no matter what negative baggage you think it carries. Learn from others, keep the name Tiburon.
tlc0118 says:
10:38 AM, 03/13/11
As far as the Genesis being a comparably priced replacement for the Tiburon -- not so much!! It came in quite a lot higher. I have a 2001 Tib and a 2008 also. I tried to 'replace' my '01 with the '08 but couldn't make myself let the '01 go!! I never keep a car more than 2 years and got very attached!! The '01 turned 100K this winter and is still running great, never had any mechanical problems in the 10 years I've owned and driven it.
I like the styling of the new Veloster (or whatever they decide to call it, Tib would be nice!!) The Hyundai name means affordability, reliability and decent value for the $$$ to me... I may have to go back to my 2 year trading with this model... When I look at it, I think of a combo of the Crossfire rear end and a bit of a Nissan Z or Mazda front end all kinda morphed together... I, for one, really like the unique result and the passenger rear door is appealing, too!! Just waiting to see the price!!