2008 Hyundai Tiburon Trims and Specs

Though its 138-hp, DOHC inline-four engine is a bit underpowered for a sports coupe, the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GS does achieve a high 20/28 mpg. This front-wheel-drive base model comes standard with a 5-speed manual, and a 4-speed automatic is available. A front and rear independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires help on curvy roads. A rear spoiler is standard. To keep weight down, the coupe is light on safety equipment, but does come with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, foglights, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags.

Power windows, locks, and mirrors, along with remote entry, are all standard on the 2008 Tiburon GS. Heated mirrors, air conditioning, tilt steering, and a security system are also included. Entertainment is provided by a newly standard 220-watt sound system with CD/MP3 player and MP3 jack, and there is also a front power outlet. Rear seats are cramped, but fold down and open onto a 15 cubic foot trunk that comes with tie-downs and a cover. An option package adds a sunroof and cruise control. Other extras include mudguards, a cargo net, and a wind deflector for the sunroof.

This front-wheel-drive sports coupe sacrifices fuel economy for a much more powerful ride than the base model. The 172-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 puts out 181 ft-lbs of torque and rates 17/24 mpg. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic are the available transmissions. The four-seater 2008 Tiburon GT rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and like the base, it comes with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, foglights, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags. A rear deck spoiler is also standard.

Building on the base model, the 2008 Tiburon GT adds cruise control, a trip computer and temperature display, and leather trim for the wheel and shifter. Already standard is a full power setup, along with remote entry, a 220-watt CD/MP3 player with three months free of satellite radio, intermittent wipers, and heated mirrors. Front power outlets and an MP3 jack are also standard. Rear seats split-fold onto a 15-cubic-foot trunk that contains tie-downs and a cover and can be equipped with a net. Chrome interior trim and chrome dual exhaust tips maintain the sporty image of the 2008 Tiburon GT. Options add a sunroof and wind deflector, a 6-CD changer, and mudguards.

The sportiest version of Hyundai's front-wheel-drive four-seater sports coupe is the 2008 Tiburon SE. A European four-wheel independent and multilink rear suspension combines with larger brakes and a larger rear spoiler for more responsive road feel. Traction and stability control come standard with the SE, in addition to 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, foglights, 17-inch wheels with all-season tires, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags. The engine is the same as in the other trims: a 2.7-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 that delivers 172 hp and 181 ft-lbs of torque. It is matched with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Front sport seats feature leather bolsters, complementing the leather trim on the wheel and shifter. The SE does not come with leather seats. The coupe seats four in two rows, with split-folding rear seats opening onto a 15-cubic-foot cargo area. The area comes with tie-downs and a cover, and a net can be added. Comfort and convenience is supplied by a full power setup, heated mirrors, intermittent wipers, cruise control, a trip computer and tachometer, and a 220-watt CD/MP3 player with six speakers. Satellite radio is a new feature this year. Decent legroom makes up for the lack of headroom. Front cupholders and two power outlets are also standard. A sunroof is optional on the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon SE, along with mudguards and carpeted floor mats.

Want a bit more luxury and comfort in your sports coupe? The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GT Limited adds red leather seats, a standard sunroof, and a 6-CD player to the long list of standard equipment in this front-wheel-drive four-seater coupe. The 172-hp, 2.7-liter DOHC V6 is matched to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and is enough to provide a few thrills as it hugs the curves. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, foglights, a tire monitor, and dual front-side airbags are standard. The 2008 Tiburon GT Limited rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Beyond the leather seats and sunroof, the GT Limited mimics the regular GT. Standard features include cruise control, a trip computer, security system, tachometer and temperature display, and leather accents for the wheel and shifter. Full power features include remote entry and heated mirrors. The seven-speaker CD/MP3 player includes a free trial of satellite radio this year. For front passengers there are cupholders and two power outlets. The rear seats split-fold 60/40, and the trunk holds a quite spacious 15 cubic feet and comes with tie-downs and a cover. The few options available include carpeted floor mats, mudguards, a cargo net, and a wind deflector for the sunroof.