The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon follows up its 2007 redesign by building on its unique combination of styling, performance and value. Tiburon’s packaging remains unchanged for 2008: the stylish and affordable GS, the high-performance SE, and the refined GT and GT Limited.
All 2008 Tiburons come standard with an all-new 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/CD/MP3 audio system, which includes three months of free service. Tiburon is the first sports coupe to offer XM as standard equipment, following in the footsteps of Sonata, Santa Fe, Azera, Veracruz and Elantra, all of which received standard XM in 2007.
2008 NEW Equipment Highlights
· Standard XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service
· 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system
Tiburon’s packaging remains unchanged for 2008: the stylish and affordable GS, the high-performance SE, and the refined GT and GT Limited. The SE model features a unique track-tuned sport suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Brake Assist. The sport suspension includes stiffer springs and firmer damper control, providing an agile, responsive driving experience that belies its high-value price point.
TRACK-INSPIRED AND PASSIONATE DESIGN
Tiburon is defined by its dynamic and aggressive styling. Starting with classic coupe proportions, Hyundai’s designers added a long hood with muscular character lines, projector headlights and an aggressive front bumper fascia. A wedge-like silhouette extends back from the front wheel openings into the tail lights. The attention-grabbing side strake garnish provides design continuity with the body character line in the front valance. A track-inspired rear diffuser and bright dual exhausts further connote speed and power.
With its cross-drilled front brake rotors, high spoiler and wheel design, the Tiburon SE evokes motorsports performance capabilities as it accelerates out of view.
SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
At Hyundai, performance driving begins with safety and the 2008 Tiburon includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features.
In terms of passive safety, the Tiburon has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.
Inside, you’ll find driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags. The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.
All Tiburon models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. Larger front 12-inch cross-drilled rotors are standard on the SE.
The Tiburon SE has standard ESC, one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies show vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes. Tiburon SE’s ESC system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.
ENHANCED SUSPENSION TUNING FOR TIBURON SE CHASSIS, STEERING
Tiburon’s fun-to-drive natures starts with its capable MacPherson strut front and multi-link independent rear suspension. The front suspension uses fade-resistant gas-filled hydraulic struts and a stabilizer bar to control body roll. The multi-link rear system precisely controls chassis movement via gas-filled hydraulic shocks and a stabilizer bar. Advantages of the multi-link rear suspension include optimized rear suspension geometry for enhanced handling and braking stability.
Precise power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is tuned for responsive handling. Also standard are 205/55R16 performance tires on the Tiburon GS and wider 215/45R17 performance rubber on the GT, SE and GT Limited.
While all Tiburon models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Tiburon SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE’s track-tuned sport suspension features a 13 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate and unique strut valving. Tiburon SE delivers a 32 percent increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Tiburons.
SPORTY, YET ACCOMMODATING INTERIOR
In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, affordable sports coupe on the road, the Tiburon boasts a cockpit designed to be an integral part of the driving experience. It begins with easy entry and exit through wide door openings to front seats with large side bolsters, which offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving.
High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Tiburon GS, to black cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the GT, to black cloth inserts with red leather bolsters on the SE. The Tiburon GT Limited is available with full red leather seating surfaces for an even more distinctive look.
All cockpit features are ergonomically designed for ease of operation, from the driver’s controls to the HVAC and audio system layout in the center stack, the latter highlighted with a gunmetal trim finish. An ambient temperature display, cupholder, and center console storage complete the interior amenities.
Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue gauge illumination. The three-spoke steering wheel on the Tiburon GS has a high-quality urethane covering; the Tiburon GT, GT Limited and SE steering wheel is leather-wrapped.
TWO POTENT ENGINES, THREE TRANSMISSIONS
The 2008 Tiburon’s power trip starts with Hyundai’s advanced DOHC 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Standard equipment on the Tiburon GS, this engine technology includes four valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), which improves both horsepower at high rpm and torque at low rpm, while also reducing NOx emissions.
Matching transmissions include a fun-to-shift five-speed manual and an available four-speed automatic with Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC® control system – a distinct advantage in the Tiburon’s class. Both engines offers crisp acceleration coupled with excellent fuel economy. Fuel economy for 2008 is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway with manual transmission – 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway with the automatic.
Standard on the 2008 Tiburon GT, SE and GT Limited is a powerful all-aluminum 2.7-liter V6. This DOHC, 24-valve engine is rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lbs.-ft. of torque at a low 3,800 rpm. The generous torque at low engine speeds particularly benefits the driver in such daily driving challenges as initial acceleration, merging with freeway traffic, high-speed passing and hill climbing.
A standard five-speed manual transmission takes full advantage of the V6’s additional power, while a six-speed ZF manual underpins the Tiburon SE. A four-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC is available on the GT and GT Limited. Fuel economy estimates for 2008 are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for both the Tiburon GT and GT Limited, regardless of transmission. The new SE yields 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway.
THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS
A striking and stylish coupe, the Tiburon comes in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the sporty GT and GT Limited and the high-performance SE.
TIBURON GS
Under the hood, a 2.0L DOHC four-cylinder engine is mated with a standard, five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The GS comes packed with class-leading standard safety technologies including ABS, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and advanced front-and front side-impact air bags.
Interior features include power windows, door locks, heated mirrors, a remote keyless entry system with alarm and a 220-watt Kenwood AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system. The exterior incorporates 16-inch alloy wheels, a body-colored low spoiler, fog lights and an in-glass antenna. The GS offers all the comforts and features consumers expect in an entry-level sports coupe. The Premium Package adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and cruise control.
TIBURON GT
Loaded with everything found on the GS, the GT revs up Tiburon’s appeal with a 2.7L DOHC V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels and black leather seat bolsters with cloth inserts. Other standard interior features include a fully automatic temperature control with an air quality system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver adjustable lumbar support, cruise control, metalgrain interior trim and trip computer. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is also optional.
TIBURON GT LIMITED
The GT Limited offers a new take on sport-coupe sophistication, with red leather seating surfaces and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof.
TIBURON SE
Designed for drivers in search of the ultimate in affordable performance, the SE holds little back. Building off the GT, the SE adds a ZF six-speed manual transmission, a high spoiler, red aluminum front calipers, aluminum pedals, red leather bolster/black cloth insert seats, ESC with Traction Control System (TCS) and Brake Assist, a track-tuned sport suspension and larger, fade-resistant cross-drilled brake rotors. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is also available as an option.
RALLY TIBURON SE – NOW AN X GAME COMPETITOR
Rally racing is a sport that challenges some of the world’s best cars and drivers and attracts millions of fans every year. Whether on asphalt mountain passes or rough forest tracks, on ice and snow or desert sand, the rally-tuned award-winning Hyundai Tiburon has been making a name for itself on the rally racing circuit for over a decade.
Converted to four-wheel drive, the Hyundai rally Tiburon SE is equipped with a 298-hp, Garrett turbo-charged Hyundai Beta engine, mated to a Gemini close-ratio gearbox with special differential and Tilton carbon clutch. Compomotive wheels and BF Goodrich special rally tires complete the package.
Eight-time Sport Car Club of America (SCCA) National Rally Champion Paul Choiniere and co-driver Jeff Becker are the team behind the wheel of Hyundai’s rally race-tuned Tiburon SE. In 2006, the team competed in the Rally America series, as well as finishing fifth in X Games 12, the definitive annual action sports competition now featuring a rally racing competition. The team is looking forward to competing in X Games 13, where they’ll again compete against top international rally talent, including motocross superstar turned Pro Rally driver Travis Pastrana.
WARRANTY
The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Tiburon buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.
