Hyundai To Phase Out Tiburon

This year is the last for the Tiburon two-door hatch as it won't be produced for the 2009 model year. But the rear-wheel drive Genesis is not a replacement for the long-serving (since 1997) Tiburon coupe is what Hyundai points out. New Genesis coupe is due to hit dealerships in early 2009 as 2010 model, a time when Tiburon won't be around.

John Krafcik, product development vice president for Hyundai Motor America said,“We are seriously looking at a small front-wheel-drive coupe to replace the Tiburon, but I can’t say when that will happen,”. Adding further, Krafcik said the replacement likely would be similar to the Veloster coupe concept first shown at the Seoul auto show in April 2007. Bearing a bit of a resemblance to Kia’s Cee’d the fwd Veloster coupe was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission.

So now it can be safely concluded that the new Veloster-based car would be the spiritual heir to the Tiburon legacy.

Hyundai Tiburon & Veloster Coupe Concept Photos & pictures