subject: Two Generations Of Hyundai Coupe [print this page] The sedan market has always seen intense competition between different car manufacturers. Every new luxury car seems to go one up on the previous car. Hyundai Motors first entered this market with the launch of the Hyundai Elantra in 1991. After a hugely successful run, Hyundai launched the modified two-door Scoupe in 1993 to critical acclaim. However, owing to problems in the gearbox after prolonged use, the model lost its sheen. The company then launched a new car, the Hyundai Coupe, also called the Tiburon. This was released in 1996 and was part of the first generation of RD Tiburon cars.
Initially, the Coupe used the 1.8 litre engine of its predecessor, the Hyundai Elantra. The power from this engine was not good enough, and Hyundai upgraded the engine to a faster and more powerful two litre engine that could deliver 140 of horsepower. This model proved to be very fuel efficient and had a high horsepower to weight ratio. The clutch plates were also upgraded from the Scoupe model, and the car could now accelerate to hundred kilometres an hour within nine seconds. Users could choose a five speed manual transmission system or a four speed automatic overdrive gearbox.
The upgraded RD2 Tiburon underwent a dramatic change and the bumpers and interior dash of the car were modified. Hyundai made a foray into the Formula 2 World Rally Championships with the specially designed F2 evolution Coupe. The camshaft of this car was modified to improve performance and several changes were made to the body of the car. Antilock Braking Systems, sunroofs, airbags and Continuously Variable Transmissions were optional features in the RD2 Tiburon.
The second generation Hyundai Coupe model (known as the GK) was launched in 2003 with an improved V6 engine. The displacement volume was increased to 2700 cc and the wheel base was also enhanced. A completely new suspension was introduced into the car, and a six speed manual transmission system was made optional. Another upgrade in the car was made with the rear drum brakes being replaced by alloy discs. The interiors were garnished with leather and the aluminium pedals were used. Until 2007, a new variant of the car was released every year, with small changes to the headlights, fenders, wheel designs and meters. All these changes increased the output of the car to around 172 horsepower and the acceleration went up as well. For customers in the United States, Hyundai offered customised cars and users were able to select only those features that they wanted.
The newest model of Coupe saw many additions viz. traction control, sound systems, climate control, fuel consumption rate meters, and many other safety features like Electronic Stability Programme Control. This Hyundai Coupe could achieve a maximum speed of 150 mph and high torques. The 2010 model (released in 2009) became quite popular and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given a high rating to this model. The Coupe is available in different colours, including Regatta Blue, Rally Red, Sunburst Yellow and Jet Black. Hyundai has certainly scored a big point with the huge success of Coupe.
