I dont fit in the older tiburons through what, 2002? But the 2003+ Style we have now I fit into just fine and dandy at 6' 200lb. 6'3" might be tight, I see that complaint.

I've heard the 265hp rumors as well as the v8, as Hyundai is looking to start moving some of its "top end" sedans to RWD/AWD to compete. A RWD V8 Tiburon would honestly make my head turn toward Hyundai. They're honestly doing a great job...

But its a scary thought to think HOW Hyundai will design it in the end. Does it come off more like a 350Z with portions as such, does it take the current style and streamline it? Does it take the current design and lengthen the hood and otherwise keep the same portions?

Should be interesting to watch.

 

It's a Korean car brand


I hope this lights a fire under the @sses of some GM executives. Hyundia is coming out with a Camaro before Chevrolet

 

Come on now thats not even close to true. This is more an Eclipse fighter then an American Pony car fighter.

 

RWD coupe, 2+2, possible LT1 levels of power, low price. Looks to follow the Mustang/Camaro formula perfect. The '06 Eclipse is a FWD pig. and the 2nd gen were AWD turbo cars.

 

Looking at power, maybe. But look at the style of the vehicle itself. Put that next to a pony car and it loooks out of place. Put it next to an Eclipse and it look right. Not to mention that v6 pony car buyers really dont care about power. Its the v8 buyers that want that. V8 pony car buyers would not be likely to cross shop this car.

 

Even though it's a Hyundai, I would not automatically assume "low price." The Asians have historically charged a whopping premium for their performance-oriented cars.

 

So what exactly makes it pony car "style" or not?
Did the 4th Gen fit that "style"?
Why couldn't this RWD Tiburon be considered a Pony car?

V6 pony car buyers are interested in power levels! Any one who cross shoppes v6 pony cars will take into consideration: Power levels, fit and finish, interior layout and quality, style, and even chassis/suspension types and components (have you seen the Honda Ridgeline commercials that talk about its' IRS). Not everyone will know the difference between IRS or a solid rear axle or DOHC/SOHC or pushrods but it is all used as selling points. How many V6 sedan commercials do you hear that talk about HP levels? A lot of them do, I'd even say it is the lions share that use HP as a selling point.

I own a V6 Camaro and will most likely be buying another V6 Pony Car and I want my V6 to be more powerful that the other guys V6.

The HP Wars cover all segments and engine types 4 cyl, V6 and V8...

*Rant over*

 

Oh yeah, it is the sales from the V6 models that fund and keep alive the V8 pony cars. They are the Bread and butter.

 

All too true. Hence why the 300ZX Twin Turbo, Rx7 Twin Turbo, 3000GT Twin Turbo, and Toyota Supra Twin Turbo are all dead. Even in Japan, the Skyline GTR Twin Turbo died cause it was too expensive.

I notice a common Twin Turbo theme....

However, noting that Hyundai's name of the game is low balling the competition, that might make sense here as well.

Knowing that the 3.8L 265hp engine is about to start use in the Hyundai Azera (note that I think the interior looks very nice and the standard airbag systems on that car are impressive!) swapping from the 2.7L to the 3.8L and getting up to speed in the HP market probably wouldnt add much to cost to a new model in a redesign. Swap the Tucson 2.7L for the 3.3L and then the Tiburon to the 3.8L. 2.7L is now obsolete.

Now lighter than the Eclipse and with the same HP. Cheaper too.

Could it be done? I think so. I think a lighter RWD 265hp Tiburon could easily be cheaper than an equal optioned FWD 3.8L Eclipse.

Also I wouldnt rule out a RWD Tiburon stealing Mustang sales. Dont forget some people like a car that looks "cute" or something like that (how we lost the Camaro dont forget) and arent as concerned with all-out performance. Also as much as you want to keep customers and the number of Accents on the road... Upgrading someone from a used Accent to a new Tiburon might be possible as well. Those that owned an Accent as a cheap car and looking to upgrade to a nice sporty car might look at a 350z, an eclipse, a mustang, or a tiburon.

Are they "true" competition? No. Will they compete in many consumer's eyes? Yes. Will it hurt the mustang's sales? Not really. The Mustang's "gotta have" will make a RWD Tiburon nothing more than an annoying thorn in their side. But it still might do suprisingly well. If GM wont give me a new Camaro with a V8, and Hyundai will give me a RWD Tiburon with a V8.....

...I'll take the Hyundai. Why? Cause I've known friends now with 4 accents, 2 Sonatas, a Tucson, 2 Santa Fe's, and 2 Tiburons (one is a 2003 6sp v6) and all have been super happy with customer service, price, quality, etc. I agree. Hyundai's these days are better than they used to be.

 

Impressive.

Throw a high revving OHC V8 in it and who knows what'll happen.

 

I think it looks good, but I can already seen the production version ending up with bloated fenders, tiny wheels, and a much lower beltline. If not, then nice job.