Hyundai Coupé RD. Red version
RD (1996–1999)
Tiburon first began production in late 1996. This generation took several design cues from the “HCD-II Epoch” concept that debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. It was available in a few foreign markets with engine choices of either 1.6L or 1.8L. In the United States, the Tiburon was first offered in 1997 with base models using the Elantra’s 1.8L 130 hp (97 kW) engine while the upscale FX received a 2.0L four-cylinder engine.
The 2.0L was rated at 140 hp (104 kW) at the crankshaft (the car’s manual specifies 102 kW (137 hp) at the flywheel). Base weight was around 2,550 lb (1,150 kg), giving the RD Tiburon a higher power-to-weight ratio than the newer GK 2.0L. The 2.0L produces a 0–60 mph time of ~8.3,[6] with a 1/4 mile time of ~16 seconds.
In 1998 the Tiburon lost its weaker 1.8L engine, giving both models the 2.0L. All versions of the Tiburon manufactured from 1996 to 2002 are known as “RD” Tiburons. The MacPherson strut suspension was co-developed with Porsche.
Its appearance was a revival of coke bottle styling, popular during the 1960s and 1970s. There were various options, with or without ABS, 2 airbags, leather, and sunroof.
The Hyundai Tiburon known in Europe as the Hyundai Coupé is a sports coupe that was produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai from 1996 to 2008.
The name “Tiburon”, a slight variation of “tiburón”, the Spanish word for “shark”, is the name given to the North American, Australian, New Zealand, South African, and Austrian production of the vehicle. It was known as the Hyundai Coupe in some European markets and Indonesia.
The model had been released in two generations (RC) over its lifespan and in that time these generations have been subject to periodic facelifts. These facelifts have attempted to keep the car up to date with various safety improvements and a mixture of changes to exterior and interior styling.
The RD Tiburon was in production for 5 years from 1996 to 2001.
The GK Tiburon was introduced in 2002 (as a 2003 model) and ended production in 2008 before being replaced by the Hyundai Veloster.
The Hyundai Coupé was also known for its chassis code “RD” (50), Shark name with which it was offered in some markets such as South Korea. It inherited the forms of the HDC-II prototype presented at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. Produced from late 1996 to 1999, it was unveiled in 1995 sharing with the Elantra – from which it is based – its range of engines, offered in our country initially with a 2-liter engine which would later be joined by a 1.6-liter, both developed in conjunction with Mitsubishi.
