Hyundai's RWD replacement for the '08/'09 Tiburon will not only come in coupe but also convertible. The coupe was discussed here several months ago.

It is also reported that Kia will get a version of this car. At this point, it's unclear if it will be a conventional coupe/convertible like the Tiburon replacement or if it will be a sporty RWD crossover like the Kia Slice concept.http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...e.prof.500.jpg

Expect these cars to have really modern proportions, with their wheels pushed to the corners. They will probably have a wheelbase several inches longer than Mustang and yet be 8"-10" shorter in overall length.

Two different V6's will be available. But Hyundai will also have a new V8 ready (right now for other products), in that time frame.

Things are going to get interesting.......

 

It's still very hard to take Hyundai (or Kia) as a serious threat in this segment, no matter what the car is like.

Hyundai and Kia are not exactly drooled over brands from muscle car fans, and even the import crowd really doesn't get into either brand.

We'll see how it goes, I guess... but, right or wrong, I'm not all that concerned about it.... and I don't care about it at all as far as considering one for myself.

 

Oh, and here's a shot of Hyundai's 2007 RWD, luxury sedan.

http://www.carspyshots.net/zerothread?id=16038

It will have an optional V8, rumored to be in the 300-350hp range.

 

Don't underestimate them Darth.

 

As I was typing in my reply... I thought about all the underestimating the domestics did of the Japanese imports in the 70's and the result of that.

Even still, I can't help but feel that way... it's just how I honestly feel.

Look at the truck market... Toyota, Honda and Nissan have been trying to gain a "real" presence in that market for a loooong time... and we are talking about, IMO, and even MORE loyal group in muscle car enthusiasts... and we aren't even talking about Toyota, Nissan, or Honda... it's Hyundai and Kia!

To me, it's not even a blip on the radar screen.


EDIT: FWIW.. Nissan's 350Z hasn't exactly revolutionaized the RWD sporty car segment by selling a billion units... and I'd feel a LOT more threatened by Nissan than Hyundai.

 

The Japanese were able to make significant inroads into the car market because the domestics at that time had pretty crappy products. However when it comes to trucks, the Big 2 now have pretty solid entries so there's less reason for consumers to switch. Plus as you mention truck buyers tend to more loyal, and more rural (where there's fewer import dealerships).

It's interesting you mention the 350Z. I think that's the car that will suffer most if the Hyundai is a good product. They'll both be aiming at roughly the same target market of young import-intenders. But it's still a great strategy for Hyundai to try to get their foot in the door of RWD performance coupes. The Gen-Y kids who have no built-in bias towards Camaros or Mustangs will probably welcome it, and it will help to establish Hyundai in the performance market.

 

Thing with Hyundai - they will probably be one of hte Lower cost V8's in the market.

 

It'll be interesting to see what they come up with. Good point on affordability of a V8.

 

They should call it the Hyundai SS Type R ;-)

 

I don't underestimate Hyundai at all. I just wish GM would get off their dumbass and match their warranty. Think about it...if you offered a 5/60 B to B and a powertrain 10 yr 100k warranty, will $2k in things break? Not likely. So if you offered a $1k rebate and a 10 yr warranty, GM makes more $$, resale is higher and the buyer would probably be just as happy.

Think about it...the warranty program is really what got Hyundai to where it is now. Until the new Sonata, the cars were never all that competitive!

 

Hmmm...so if the next Camaro lives up to Charlie's worst nightmares in regards to length and girth, could a new Hyundai be parked in his garage?

 

Red = Nissan
Trexx = Toyota/Lexus
? Charlie = Hyundai ?

 

I've only looked at and driven the Sportage/Tucson twins and found them to be very competent in their segment. I'd think there is a very good possibility that if they put the same effort into their coupes they will steal sales from the domestics.

 

The only thing that will make it interesting is I don't know how the "Tuner" market will support a V8 that they are currently totally against...

They've always been about getting more power out of their 4 and 6cylinders and hated V8's with a passion. Will they evolve? Or will these sit on the lots? Time will tell.

 

That's a bit unfair. There actually are some "Tuners"/import kids who respect and appreciate higher displacement, V8 performance. The board at clubsi.com had been buzzing for a while after the introduction of the new Z06 and the LS7 (uhh, I was just curious what the "other side" had to say about it, I'm not a member or frequent visitor, trust me. )