TIBURON OFFERS MORE GO FOR THE DOUGH . . .PLUS INDUSTRY-LEADING BUYER ASSURANCE PROGRAM

Most people have a sports car lurking in their dreams. We all know the kind: A car that not only looks great, but also one that we look great in -- with great performance and lots of high-tech gadgetry.

But everyone knows a car like that costs well over $20,000.

Or does it? Two years ago, Hyundai drove to the rescue with the Tiburon sporty coupe, designed to appeal to the sports car enthusiast on an entry-level car budget. Tiburon quickly established a unique competitive position: Competitors' sporty coupes that could match its price couldn't match its performance. And those offering similar performance couldn't come close to Tiburon's price. And some makers have discontinued their entries in the sporty coupe segment.

Now, for 1999, Tiburon continues to redefine the sporty car segment by satisfying buyers' desires -- and budgets. Its eye-popping styling, breathtaking performance, state-of-the-art technology and long list of standard features make it the kind of extraordinary value for which Hyundai is famous.

Industry-leading buyer assurance
In addition to providing buyers with outstanding value, Hyundai backs Tiburon with an assurance package that's unmatched in the industry. Called The Hyundai Advantage, this package reflects Hyundai's confidence in the quality of its products.

The Hyundai Advantage includes limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. This exceeds the coverage on competitive cars costing over twice as much. In addition, Tiburon buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five full years (no mileage limit); it includes emergency towing, lock-out service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

That's not all. Hyundai also provides original Tiburon owners with industry-leading limited powertrain coverage -- 10 years or 100,000 miles. Even if the car is sold, Hyundai backs Tiburon's powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. Corrosion coverage is provided for five years or 100,000 miles. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

High-tech engineering
Both trim levels -- Tiburon and Tiburon FX -- are powered by the Hyundai-designed and engineered 2.0-liter, DOHC beta engine. With 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 ft./lbs.of torque at 4,800 rpm, it provides muscular acceleration in all normal driving conditions.

Hyundai engineers selected a 16-valve configuration with twin overhead cams for optimum efficiency and durability, as well as performance. The beta engine utilizes an advanced pent-roof combustion chamber with tumble port design and dual-aperture spray injectors, along with hydraulic valve lash adjusters. The engine's multi-port electronic injection system is designed to provide the precise amount of fuel required in given operating conditions. The engine's knock control system allows for a higher compression ratio, which further improves output. Other advanced features include a completely integrated distributorless ignition and sophisticated engine control unit.

Hyundai engineers minimized engine friction by using silicon-impregnated pistons and other lightweight parts. By mounting the engine block on a single fluid-damped motor mount and resting the transmission on just three points, they reduced both weight and vibration. Even greater weight reduction was achieved by using composite materials in the engine head cover, air cleaner, water pump impeller and twin tower ignition coil.

Tiburon's high-tech powerplant can be mated to one of two transmissions. Standard is a fully synchronized five-speed manual transmission with a pull-type clutch for reduced pedal effort and a balanced gear set that matches the most effective gear ratios with the engine's torque and horsepower ranges. Optional on both trim levels is a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter and driver-selectable overdrive mode.

Great handling, great ride
Acceleration is one thing. But a sporty coupe also has to cavort competently around curves and corners, too.

Tiburon does, thanks to a sport-tuned, fully independent four-wheel suspension that delivers precise handling. Hyundai engineers began by designing Tiburon with a relatively long wheelbase, a wide track and a stiff, rigid body. An extra front reinforcing crossmember further strengthens the front end, maximizing suspension performance and reducing vibration.

Tiburon's front suspension features MacPherson struts with a pivoting arm at each wheel to precisely control vertical movement of the strut and wheel assembly. The rear suspension incorporates an advanced multi-link attachment between the wheels and the body. Each wheel reacts independently to bumps, potholes and other surface imperfections to deliver better control and a smoother ride.

At each wheel is a gas-filled shock absorber. These gas-filled shocks deliver a smoother ride, especially over rough surfaces and when the car is driven aggressively. Tiburon also features stabilizer bars at both front and rear to reduce body roll and improve overall handling. Other refinements include optimized spring rates and damping settings for optimum directional stability.

Tiburon's steering system is a precise, responsive rack-and-pinion setup that delivers maximum control with more positive road feel at high speeds and greater steering ease at low speeds when it's most needed. All Tiburons have power-assisted, ventilated disc brakes in front. The FX model has four-wheel disc brakes, while the standard model has rear drum brakes. Both systems offer excellent braking response with minimal pedal effort. A full four-channel antilock braking system (ABS) is available as an option.

The Tiburon FX meets the road on high-performance Michelin P195/55HR-15 steel-belted radial tires with handsome aluminum alloy wheels. The base model sports Michelin P195/60HR-14 steel-belted radials and full wheel covers.