Review: Hyundai GK Tiburon (2002-10)

Review: Hyundai GK.I Tiburon (2002-04)

Overview

Released in March 2002, the Hyundai GK Series I (GK.I) Tiburon was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Tiburon was initially available with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 2.7-litre V6 unit. In April 2004, however, the 2.0-litre engine was withdrawn.

G4GC and G6BA engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.0-litre G4GC ‘Beta II’ engine had a cast iron engine block, aluminium cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, variable intake valve timing (CVVT), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
• The 2.7-litre G6BA ‘Delta’ V6 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, fracture-split connecting rods and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Both engines were available with four-speed automatic transmissions; while models with 2.0-litre engines were also available with a five-speed manual transmission, models with V6 engines were offered with a six-speed Aichi MFA60 close-ratio manual transmission.

Dimensions and body

Compared to its RD Coupe predecessor, the GK Tiburon was 50 mm longer (4395 mm), 30 mm wider (1760 mm), 27 mm taller (1330 mm) and had a 55 mm longer wheelbase (2530 mm). Furthermore, the chassis achieved a 20 per cent increase in torsional tiffness and a 60 per cent increase in bending stiffness.

Suspension

Based on a shortened XD Elantra platform, the Tiburon had MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension (with Sachs shock absorbers front and rear).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the GK.I Tiburon included dual front airbags, anti-submarining front seat pans and rear seat ramps and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The V6 models were also equipped with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.

Features

Standard features for the GK.I Tiburon included 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 205/55 tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, front fog lights, 50/50 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Tiburon V6 models added 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 tyres, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, auxiliary dashboard gauges, a luggage net and rear spoiler. From May 2004, the audio system featured MP3 compatibility.

Tiburon Luxury Pack

From March 2003, the Tiburon was offered with an optional Luxury Pack which included a power tilt/slide sunroof and leather interior trim for the seats, door trim and steering wheel (in either charcoal or light tan).

Review: Hyundai GK.II Tiburon (2005-07)

Overview

Released in February 2005, the GK Series II (GK.II) Tiburon introduced a subtle facelift. Visually, the GK.II Tiburon was distinguished by its deeper front air intake, black mesh grille and air intake inserts, black-bezelled headlights and clear-lens indicators. Standard features, however, were substantially unchanged.

2005 Tiburon TS variant

In October 2005, a limited-run TS variant was released; it was distinguished by its upgraded sound system, climate control air conditioning, power tilt/slide sunroof, black leather trim with red stitching, ‘hi-rise’ rear wing and ‘Tiger Orange’ paint finish.

Review: Hyundai GK.III Tiburon (2007-10)

Overview

Released in March 2007, the GK Series III (GK.III) Tiburon introduced improved safety equipment and updated styling. Furthermore, handling was improved through the introduction of new front suspension lower control arms and bushes. The 2.7-litre V6 was slightly detuned with peak power of 123 kW at 6000 rpm (down from 127 kW), though peak torque remained the same with 245 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Visually, the GK.III Tiburon could be identified by its smoother bonnet, ‘blistered’ headlight lenses, new front bumper with slimmer upper air intake and full-width lower grille, extended side crease, new tail lights, rear spoiler with integrated LED brake lights and new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, the GK.III Tiburon featured red leather seat bolsters, head restraints and door trim inserts, light grey roof lining and brushed alloy highlights. The instruments also featured blue-hue back lighting and an ‘Air Quality System’ was introduced for the air conditioner.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment was significantly improved with the introduction of front seat side (thorax) airbags and electronic stability control as standard.

Features

Standard features for the GK.III Tiburon were substantially the same as its predecessor, though there was a new audio system with an integrated auxiliary jack for iPods and MP3 players.

2007 Tiburon TS

To coincide with the release of the GK.III Tiburon, a limited-run TS variant was also introduced. The Tiburon TS was distinguished by its power tilt-slide sunroof, black leather interior trim, ‘TS’ badging, monogrammed carpet mats and Vivid Blue metallic paint finish.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai Tiburon (second generation)