I noticed Hyundai is really getting into luxury lately. The Azera just came out in the states, and they are hoping to bring the Equus out here Fall 2006. That car is definitely coming to the states, but it's a matter of release time-frame. That car is even more luxurious than the Azera. All of the other concepts coming out are geared more towards the Audi/Lexus/Infiniti style than the traditional Hyundai style. Call it evolution... but I just call it trying to keep up with the competition.

 

I'd be sad if the Tiburon name goes away, but any sporty car they make that replaces it will get a following for sure.

 

well.. when Hyundai bought Kia.. wasn't it their thoughts to make Hyundai the Luxury brand and Kia the sporty?

 

Yup.

Not to mention, to further that idea, Kia has that Mojave Pickup Truck concept.

 

Kia... Sporty? I don't think so. Not here anyway.

Speaking of Kia, did you guys get that pseudo-WRX Rio (Not sure what it's called in the States)? It had zero performance mods but instead had gold rims & a massive STi-style wing straight from the factory. Now that's sporty fing02.gif

 

Most of the Japanese cars come like this as well. They release a chassis, make a change 2 years later and sell it as the "after change" model, then they scrap the chassis. So for sure they're done with the chassis from the GK, as its already had 2 years, then an upaded look, and two more years. So I'm suprised they'll keep it for 07 at all. But they'll be selling 07's soon anyway right?

I think if they did go RWD they'd want to scrap the name. If not I'll get one.

 

it's not true. but if they do drop the tiburon, they have mentioned a sports coupe based on the sonata.

it's not true though. they already stated they are coming out with a 2008 tiburon and a convertible in 2009. all that info is bogus, i've already heard it and it's just a lousy rumor. the truth is i'm waiting for the 2008 because it will be sleek, stylish, sporty, and it'll be a mix of the hcd 8 along with the first RD. i can't wait.

 

Isn't Hyundai the 3rd biggest import car now? They have to tread lightly here, I mean Honda dropped the Prelude and Toyota seems to not sell a lot of Celicas. Maybe making a new Elantra that is "sporty" is smarter. Just offer it the same way Honda does the Civic, with the basic version for 90% of buyers and the ones who would have bought the Tiburon will look at the "Si" model. A coupe or hatch version with a bigger engine and other nice bits. I think that is the logical sales view. But then again, Hyundai hasn't grown so much with dumb desicions, so I doubt they will make a huge mistake.

 

With Toyota/scion killing the import scene with the Tc... Hyundai will not drop a cheap to buy coupe'. Unfortunatly, there are not many choices any more in that scene. The Tc, RSX, and the Tib are the only three I can think of. The rest are built on larger hatchback proportions... the Golf, SI, and the like

 

Actually to add to the "who knows" I have heard numerous reports from Kia that with them taking over beta stuff as ground entry what Hyundai didn't use up the Kia will become the Cheap Sportster/eco car and Hyundai will go luxury and have a more expensive sports coupe. So enjoy driving a Kia. The Tib may be a few more years in transition but it will not remain a Hyundai badged car for long.

Along with the RSX and TC you mentioned, Ford, Toyota and Honda have announced trying to create a whole new class of car I think between compact and sedan, can't recall and Mazda and Nissan are producing the Neon idea of cheap cars with all small 4 banger turbo's to run in the import scene. With the Cobalt, GTI and possible 4wd but at5 least Turbo Hatch Corolla and the Dodge replacement of the Neon with the what I call "Mini Magnum" with it's high HP output. There seems to be either buy economic compact or buy a turbo. Or go v-6 or bigger(gag). That I think will be the dividing lines. There will be no need to buy a car then add a turbo if your top end of that car already comes turbo for speed freaks.