2004 Hyundai Tiburon Sports Coupe - V6 Power, 6-Speed Transmission Available

December 30, 2003 -- Fountain Valley, CA -- Three words describe the exciting 2004 Hyundai Tiburon - Styling, Performance and Value. The second-generation Tiburon was all new for 2003 and went on sale during the first quarter of 2002. Changes For 2004

When you already have a powerful, high-styled vehicle you stay with the winning combination so the changes for 2004 are relatively minor -- they include simplified packages and revised interior trim.

There are two models for 2004 - Tiburon and Tiburon GTV6. The base Tiburon is fitted with Hyundai's well-proven 2.0-liter engine. For 2004, Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) has been added for even more precise control of engine emissions.

The CVVT unit is mounted on the front of the exhaust camshaft but controls the intake valve timing by advancing or retarding the intake camshaft in relation to the exhaust camshaft.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the amount of timing advance up to 40 degrees of crank angle (20 degrees of cam angle). The CVVT system delivers improved performance at high RPM and increased torque at low RPM through increased volumetric and thermodynamic efficiencies.

By optimizing valve overlap the NOx emissions are reduced due to the EGR effect. For 2004, the 2.0-liter CVVT engine is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and delivers 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM.

The Tiburon is fitted with a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission; a 4-speed automatic is available. The automatic features Hyundai's Shiftronic manual control.

The Tiburon's sound system is an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers. The optional sound system is an Infinity AM/FM/Cassette/CD with seven speakers (six speaker plus a woofer). All Tiburon models are fitted with 16-inch all-weather tires mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels.

The surround for the center stack and the window switch panel is changed from black to metal grain.

The Tiburon GTV6 model is fitted with Hyundai's all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6 engine. Due to exhaust tuning, the exhaust note is a bit more sporty (but legal) and the change added two horsepower. The V6 is now rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 RPM (two more than last year) and 181 lb-ft of torque (same as last year) at 4,000 RPM.

There are three transmission choices available for the Tiburon GTV6; 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 4-speed Shiftronic automatic. All GTV6 models are fitted with a high rear decklid spoiler and 17-inch Michelin all-weather tires mounted on handsome 17 x 7.0-in alloy wheels. In addition leather seats are available for the GTV6.

Tiburon GTV6 buyers who opt for the 6-speed manual transmission also get aluminum pedals to complete the sporty look.

Both Tiburon models get new interior trim pieces for 2004 - the center stack surround trim and the door switch panel surround trim now have a metal grain finish in place of the black finish used in 2003. In addition the design of the floormats (standard equipment) has been upgraded.

Tiburon Timeline

Hyundai's first generation Tiburon was a direct descendent of the HCD-I and HCD-II concept cars with flowing lines and lots of curves. The revised first generation

Tiburon, introduced in 2000, brought a harder edge to the original lines. The second-generation Tiburon was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001 and made its North American debut at the South Florida International Auto Show in October that same year. It went on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2002 as a 2003 model.

World-Class Styling

A vehicle's exterior styling is key to the all-important first impression and the 2004 Tiburon makes a memorable first impression with it's clean, bold design. The Tiburon, styled in Korea, features both straight lines and curved lines to emphasize vitality and strength.

Large, low profile high-performance tires mounted on alloy wheels fill the wheelwells, and give the Tiburon an aggressive stance, while both the windshield angle and the backlight angle are steeply raked. Those features, combined with the vehicle's high beltline and "chopped" greenhouse, make the new Tiburon look fast even when it's parked.

Transmission Choices

The Hyundai Tiburon is equipped with a revised, smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Hyundai's sporty 4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift is available as an option.

The Tiburon GT V6 is also fitted with the revised 5-speed manual transmission and the 4-speed Shiftronic is also available. Drivers who demand the best and love the "snick-snick" sound and feel of a precise 6-speed transmission will appreciate this option on the GTV6.

An Exclusive Chassis

The previous version of the Tiburon was built on the same platform as the Elantra, but the new Tiburon has its own chassis, dubbed the GK.

The new platform features a slightly longer wheelbase (99.6-in. vs. 97.4-in.) and is slightly longer (173-in. vs. 170.9-in) than the previous version. As a result there is more room inside for the driver and passengers - and the extra room provides extra comfort. Headroom, legroom and shoulder room have all been increased to make the new Tiburon even more comfortable.

The new Tiburon chassis is also stiffer and more refined. A front subframe has been added for improved strength and revised, third-generation hydraulic engine mounts help isolate engine vibration from the cabin.

Independent Suspension

The Tiburon features independent suspension both front and rear. In front, MacPherson struts are used with offset coil springs, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. A major suspension change for the new Tiburon has the anti-roll bar mounted directly to the strut for more efficient operation. At the rear the Tiburon is fitted with a strut-type multi-link rear suspension, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

A Roomy, Comfortable Cockpit

From the start, each generation of Tiburon has provided the driver and front seat passenger with a comfortable cockpit environment from which to enjoy the driving experience. The new Tiburon carries on this tradition of driving control and comfort with a spacious, ergonomic cockpit and the protection of driver and passenger front and side impact air bags.

The seating position is designed with the driver in mind. The seats offer ample side support for enthusiastic driving, but also allow for easy entry and exit. The controls are intuitive; in the place the driver expects them to be and easy to use. The instrument panel features two large, easy-to-read analog gauges; speedometer and tachometer placed directly in front of the driver. Leather seating surfaces are optional on the Tiburon GT V6.

Recognizing that enjoying a quality stereo system is part of a fun driving experience, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo is standard on the Tiburon. There is an Infinity AM/FM/CD stereo sound system with seven speakers (six speakers and a woofer) available. With either system the controls are placed at the top of the center stack for easy access.

The Hyundai Value Story Continues

The standard equipment list includes many features that are either not available or available only as options on other sport coupes. Key items on the standard equipment list include: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD Stereo with 6 speakers, keyless remote entry system, cruise control, fog lamps, power windows and door locks, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, P205/55-16 Michelin tires mounted on 16 x 6.5-in alloy wheels and tilt steering column.

The Tiburon GT V6 includes all of the equipment from the Tiburon plus the 172-horsepower V6 engine, body colored rear spoiler and 215/45-17 Michelin tires mounted on 17.0 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels. Options include anti-lock brakes, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob and power operated moonroof.

Safety Features

The Tiburon carries a full complement of safety features, starting with the car's strong unibody construction, integrated crumple zones, high-strength steel side impact beams and front and rear five-mile per hour energy absorbing bumpers. Driver and passenger front and side impact airbags are standard.

America's Best Warranty

Tiburon buyers also benefit from the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty that includes 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage as well.

In addition, Tiburon buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for five full years (no mileage limit). The warranty also includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. Anti-perforation is provided for five years or 100,000 miles. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Styling, Quality, Value and the protection of America's Best Warranty are all reasons why Hyundai sales in the U.S. have more than tripled since 1999. The 2004 Tiburon is sure to keep Hyundai's sales accelerating.