A WELL-PLACED source within Hyundai has told British outlet Autocar that the carmaker will be tooling up its production facilities to build the upcoming Tiburon replacement in right-hand-drive, with Australia a likely market to receive the sharply styled coupe.
The new coupe is expected to be based heavily on the Veloster concept that first appeared at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show and be powered by a 105kW 1.6 litre direct-injected petrol four driving the front wheels. A 125kW turbocharged version of the same motor has also been mooted.
A production version has yet to surface, but current speculation says a showroom-ready Tiburon successor will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
Hyundai’s head of product planning, John Krafcik, has previously stated that the new coupe will be built atop a modified version of the i30’s platform, meaning a right-hand-drive version will be relatively easy to produce.
The coupe is also expected to make use of an innovative three-door system (not unlike the MINI Clubman), which will facilitate access to the rear of the cabin.
However, while RHD production looks likely, an Australian release is still far from locked in. Hyundai Australia won’t be drawn on any specifics regarding the Tiburon’s replacement, and we’ll probably have to wait until the production car bows at Frankfurt before any firm information on local deliveries surfaces.
With the RWD Hyundai Genesis Coupe forever destined to be LHD-only, the next-gen Tiburon will likely become the only sports Korean car to be sold on Australian soil.
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Once again, Australia is going to be behind in bringing in a great competitive car, such as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I’m all up for Hyundai and always have when they brought in their Tiburon V6. Genesis Coupe will do very well amongst the car enthusists in Australia. I’m sick of seeing the same competition on the roads and wish Hyundai Australia to get out of their comfort zone, and push for a RHD. Its time for Hyundai to rattle some cages and not keep being scoffed at. I heard speculation that “IF” the Genesis Coupe were ever to make it out to Australia, it will be post 2010. That will be too late and make its image look a little out of date. Don’t be behind the times Hyundai Australia, its very important to get things right. People like me can’t forever keep backing up Hyundai that they achieve well in the car industry. More convincing needs to be done with strong, fresh models!
Regards,
Oliver