Hyundai Tiburon/Tuscani/Turbulence Coupe

[Yeahone]

A shark for the streets with multiple names and a lot of specs


In 2002 Hyundai launched the second generation of their frontwheeldrive compact coupe (coded GK).
The car is known in home South Korean market as "Tuscani" or "Turbulence".
North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Austria call it "Tiburon" while it is sold in the Rest of Europe simply as "Coupe".
"Tiburon" means shark in spanish and the design reflects this image pretty well.

When it was first presented in 2001, the audience was astonished. the car is drawn in a modern, unique shape, less rounded than its predessessor in 1996 using nice little details like the filler cap or the fake scoops in the front fender parts.

2 engine specs were available from launch date:

1. 2.0 L inline 4 cylinder Beta II CVVT on the inlet valves (GK, GS)

138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 184 N·m (136 ft·lbf) torque @ 4500 rpm

Acceleration 0–60 mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

2. 2.7 L V6 Delta (GT, SE)

173 hp (129 kW; 175 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) torque @ 3800 rpm.

Acceleration 0–60 mph: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 137 mph (220 km/h) [both 5-speed manual]

Measurements were increased slightly compared to the last version of the first generation Tiburon Coupe (RD2).
All 2nd gen Tiburon featured front-side airbags and for-wheel dic brakes as standart.
The V6 specs had anti-lock brakes, larger rims (17" instead of 18") and a colour coded trunk spoiler and leather upholstery.
Optional available were aluminium pedals and a sunroof, additional gauges on the dashboard, heated frontseats, clima-autromatic, aluminium rims in 17" and 18" diameter and ESP. (additional equipment varies through the specs on all markets)
Besides the 5-speed manual there was also a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual as transmission option. Last one was only available for V6 models. It shorted the standard accelaration time about a half second and increased topspeed about 8 mph (13 km/h). Exclusive to this spec was also a higher reaching trunk spoiler.

[Yeahone]

In 2004, Hyundai relaunched the second generation in all markets. They changed front-fascia, head- and taillights, offered different rims and added the higher spoiler to the V6.
The facelift has the factory code GK F/L.

[Yeahone]

Personally I like this style best at all factory Tiburons/Tuscani Coupes

[Yeahone]

Another set.

[Yeahone]

In 2007, Hyundai relaunched the GK the 2nd time.
Almost everything on the body no consisting of metal was redesigned, including head- and taillights, front-fender panels, exhaust endpipes and rims.
Hyundai called it SIII, because it is the third style of the 2nd gen Tiburon.
The strange looking notation could have been chosen to prevent customers referring it to Audi's S3 compact hatchback.

The interior got restyled with other seats, a blue backlight scheme for gauges and brushed aluminium applications.

The 4-cylinder got upgraded to deliver now 142 hp.

The SIII is factory coded as GK F/L2

[Yeahone]

Next six belonging to this set.

[Yeahone]

Now the US-spec.

Notice the higher spoiler and the missing side indicator in the fake fender-scoop.

[Yeahone]

Next ones.

[Yeahone]

In 2009, Hyundai released a limited TSIII called spec available only for the UK-market.
Apart from the visual changes it is technically a SIII V6.

Production of all GK F/L2 ended in 2009. Hyundai official mentioned that the Genisis Coupe is not the successor of this car.

[Yeahone]

Last 3 of a TSIII in motion.

[Ferrer]

Early second gens are best in my opinion. A very underrated car.

[Yeahone]

Do you mean this one, Ferrer?

Well, obviously someone wanted to put the shark where it belongs...

Just a little joke. Found some more. But only the GK F/L2

[NSXType-R]

True story- I saw one in NY with a Tuscani badge on it, and I nearly couldn't recognize it. The badge threw me completely off. I feel embarrassed.

[Yeahone]

Saw the same stuff with an Audi TT a while ago on top of a magazin

Well, as I said I just wanted to make a joke. Stumbled over this pic while searching for Hi-res material. Should I erase it?

As long as you don't own a Rinspeed Splash you should keep your car away from waters even when its name says it likes to be in fluids.

[Sledgehammer]

So what do you think of the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe Yeahone?