2007 Hyundai Tiburon SE - Just Driven

2007 Hyundai Tiburon
Though known in the US as the maker of the insanely cheap Excel econobox, Hyundai's lineup has doubled to 10 models in the last 10 years and the company ranks behind only Porsche and Lexus in JD Power's 2006 Initial Quality Survey. The Tiburon, Hyundai's shark-like coupe (since Tiburon is Spanish for shark, it couldn't look like a guppy, could it?), is a marked departure from the standard budget-friendly grocery-getters.

For 2007, the Tiburon's trademark wedge shape remains intact, with only a mild update to the headlights and jeweled taillights. Side strakes accent the profile and a tasteful spoiler complements the rear. Nothing earth-shattering, but this is the most aggressive-looking Tiburon to date. It is available in three trims: the GS base model, the GT which adds some more creature comforts, and the sporty SE.

Hyundai's engineers wanted their shark to hunt down the Civic Si, Scion tC, Eclipse GT, and Cobalt SS. This may be hard to swallow, but the Tiburon is a capable predator, especially when configured with the 2.7-liter V6 that puts out 172hp at 6,800 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at only 3,800 rpm. These figures put the Tiburon high up the food chain, just below the Civic Si. With an estimated price somewhere just below $20,000, it is pretty good value, and there's a cheaper four-cylinder version.

Hyundai claims the Tiburon has more torsional rigidity than an E46 M3. It also notes that the SE model comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension calibrated by Hyundai's European team that has a 13 percent stiffer spring rate up front and 10 percent stiffer spring rate in the rear (compared to last year's model).

All well and good, but the true test of any car is how it behaves on the road. Where the Tiburon excels (no pun intended) is in its surprising ability to carve up apex after apex. The SE's 215/45R17 tires transfer power to the tarmac with aplomb, while braking is consistent and reasonably fade-free-despite aggressive driving-thanks to 12-inch cross-drilled rotors (the first cross-drilled production rotors for Hyundai) up front and 10.2-inch rotors in the rear. The Euro-tuned suspension gives the car a neutral feel and makes for a confident driving experience. Shifting through all six gears is crisp.

The interior is yet another example of Hyundai's value-for-money approach. The driver-friendly cockpit features red bolstered seats (in the V6 SE model), gunmetal accents, and blue-lit gauges.

The Tiburon has grown more capable over the years and we anticipate more tuners embracing it as a viable enthusiast platform. However, no car can succeed in the sport compact market without extensive aftermarket support. While the Tiburon has had some success in this regard, Hyundai realizes it can do more to reach out and cultivate relationships with tuning companies. Hyundai has shared with SCC that it is in talks with some leading aftermarket companies (both US- and Japan-based) in the hope of generating more interest for the Tiburon in the enthusiast community. Bottom line, the Hyundai Tiburon continues to be a good car at a great price.