Three words describe the exciting 2005 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 2005
When you already have a powerful, high-styled vehicle you stay with the winning combination. The changes for 2005 include design enhancements and packaging adjustments. There is a new, entry-level version of the Tiburon called the GS. There is a new ultimate performance edition of the Tiburon called the SE, which builds on the Special Edition package introduced last year. And there is the value-packed high-performance GT model.
The exterior of every Tiburon has been revised for 2005. The front end features a new grille and lower fascia, new headlamp and foglamp design. In addition the side garnish has been changed from the original gill design to a horizontal slot style. The side mirrors have been redesigned to improve aerodynamics and provide even better vision for the driver. There is also a new taillight treatment and new badging that reflects the three trim levels.
There are three Tiburon models offered for 2005 - the stylish and affordable GS, the refined performance Tiburon GT and the ultimate performance Tiburon SE.
Tiburon GS
The Tiburon GS is fitted with Hyundai's high-tech 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC, four-cylinder engine. For 2005, 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. 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 GS is fitted with a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission and the available 4-speed automatic is fitted with Hyundai's Shiftronic manumatic control.
The Tiburon GS sound system is an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers.
Tiburon GS is fitted with restyled 16-inch alloy wheels and 16-inch Michelin tires. A handsome 17-inch wheel and tire package is available for the first time with the four-cylinder powertrain for 2005.
Tiburon GT
The Tiburon GT model is fitted with Hyundai's all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The DOHC V6 engine is rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM.
The Tiburon GT is fitted with the standard 5-speed manual transmission; the 4-speed Shiftronic automatic is available. All GT models are fitted with a rear decklid spoiler and 17-inch Michelin all-season tires mounted on handsome 17 x 7.0-in alloy wheels. In addition, the sporty GT is fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped transmission gear selector knob and leather door inserts. New for 2005 is the efficient HVAC unit features air conditioning with automatic temperature control.
The Tiburon GT is also fitted with new seats that feature leather bolsters with cloth inserts that help the driver stay in place while exploring Tiburon's performance envelope. Leather door inserts are also part of the interior upgrade for model year 2005. All of the trim is highlighted with contrasting red stitching on the seats, door inserts and the leather-wrapped steering wheel for high performance styling.
Tiburon GT is fitted with an AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system with six speakers. However, Tiburon buyers who want even higher fidelity can take their choice of two available sound systems: a 360-watt Infinity AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer; or a 440-watt Infinity AM/FM/6-disc CD changer/cassette with six speakers and a subwoofer.
Tiburon SE
The Tiburon SE is the sportiest Tiburon. It is fitted with the 2.7-liter DOHC V6 engine matched to the smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Drivers who demand the best and love the "snick-snick" sound and precise feel of a precision 6-speed transmission will appreciate the transmission fitted to the Tiburon SE.
The SE also comes with a high rear deck spoiler, sport red front brake calipers, ABS, fog lights, aluminum pedals, manual air conditioning, Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, and an auxiliary instrumentation unit with torque meter, fuel consumption gauge and voltmeter.
The new Tiburon SE model will be available later in the 2005 model year.
Tiburon timeline
Hyundai's first generation Tiburon, introduced in 1996 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 all-new 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 2005 Tiburon makes a memorable first impression with it's clean, bold design.
The design enhancements incorporated in the 2005 Tiburon build on the original theme.
The exterior of every Tiburon for 2005 is updated with a new grille, new lower fascia with new fog lamp design, new headlamps, new side view mirrors that are slightly larger to provide a larger viewing area, new horizontal-design side trim, new rear tail lamps, new 16-inch wheel design for the GS model, new badging, new GS seat cloth, new SE and GT seat cloth with leather bolsters and contrasting red stitching. Optional GT leather seating features black leather seating surfaces with contrasting red stitching.
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 Tiburon look fast even when it's parked.
An exclusive chassis
The previous version of the Tiburon was built on the same platform as the Elantra, but the current Tiburon has its own chassis, dubbed the GK.
The 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 Tiburon even more comfortable.
The Tiburon chassis is also stiffer and more refined than the previous generation. A front subframe was 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. 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 2005 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 with the speedometer and tachometer placed directly in front of the driver. Leather seating surfaces are optional on the Tiburon GT.
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 for the Tiburon GS include: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers, body- color rear decklid spoiler, keyless remote entry system with alarm, power windows and door locks, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, P205/55-16 Michelin all-season tires mounted on 16 x 6.5-in alloy wheels and tilt steering column.
The Tiburon GT includes all of the equipment from the Tiburon plus the 172-horsepower V6 engine, P215/45-17 Michelin tires mounted on 17.0 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, metal-grain interior trim, AM/FM/CD/cassette with six speakers, leather door inserts and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever knob. Options include anti-lock brakes, power-operated moonroof, leather seating surfaces and a choice of two outstanding premium audio systems.
The Tiburon SE, scheduled to debut later in the model year, is fitted with the 2.7-liter V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, red front brake calipers, ABS, manual air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift lever, high rear decklid spoiler, aluminum pedals, cruise control, fog lights, Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and subwoofer and special instrumentation package with voltmeter, torque meter and fuel consumption gauge, leather door inserts and metal-grain interior trim.
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 seat-mounted side impact airbags are standard.
Source: Hyundai
