In 1996, Korean "Hyundai Motor Company" introduced a new sport compact coupe. The Car received a name "Tiburon" for North America, Australia and some other countries, "Coupe" for Europe, and "Tuscani" for it's native Korea. The name "Tiburon" translates from as a Shark. So if we go back to the car, it shared a platform with the Hyundai Elantra, and was designed to fill the spot of low-priced coupe in Hyundai's lineup.

RD Tiburon (1996-2002)

Base models offered 130 horsepower and 1.8 liter engine while an upgraded FX version received a  more powerful 2.0-liter V4 that produced 140 horsepower. These vehicles were equipped with ABS, airbags and leather seats.

In 1998 Hyundai changed 1.8-liter engines to 2.0 liters on Tiburon base models.

Hyundai Tiburon received styling upgrades in 2000, changing headlight look, interior dash and taillights and was available with a sunroof.

In 2002 production of this version was discontinued. These models produced from 1996 to 2002 received its name as "RD Tiburon".

GK Tiburon (2003-2008)

In 2002 Hyundai launched a new version of Tiburon selling it as 2003 model year and improving styling and enlarging dimensions of the vehicle. This time Base and GT models were offered. Base models had the same 2.0 liter V4 engine and 138 horsepower, while GT received it's 2.7 liter V6 and 172 horsepower from it's sister Sonata.

In 2004 a 'Special Edition' of Tiburon GT was launched with a special decal underneath the "Tiburon". It featured sport cloth upholstery, a Kenwood stereo and red painted front brake calibers.

Styling changes continued in 2005, when Hyundai facelifted the Tiburon and a new model line. Hyundai introduced new Tiburon SE, GS and already beloved by sports enthusiasts Hyundai Tiburon GT. While Hyundai Tiburon GS had 2.0 V4 engine with Tiburon SE and a sports GT were powered by a 172-horsepower V6 and received sport-tuning and a number of upgraded standard features. All versions were available with a five-speed manual system; however the GS and GT offered a coupe model with a four-speed automatic transmission system. The GS model was equipped with 16 inch tires, while the other two versions came equipped with 17 inch tires.

Anti-lock brakes became standard equipment for all models in 2006, when the lineup was expanded to its present configuration, consisting of four trim packages: the entry-level GS, the mid-level GT, the high-end GT Limited, and the sport-tuned SE.

For 2007, the Tiburon again received a facelift, with a new look for the front and rear end as well as new bumpers, hood, headlights, taillights, and chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes, all of which gave the Tiburon a sleeker, more contemporary look.

The entry-level 2007 Tiburon GS was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 138 horsepower, while the other three trims received a 2.7-liter, double-overhead-cam V6 that produced 172 horsepower.

Standard features for the 2007 Tiburon included air conditioning, power windows and door locks, heated exterior mirrors, a remote keyless entry system, fog lights, dual front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rear spoiler. The GS came with 16-inch wheels, while the other trims were equipped with 17-inch wheels.