Mazda Miata Will Finally Get Some Real Competition
The Hyundai Tiburon is about to see the most radical change in its entire three generation lifespan. Inarguably the rakish coupe is perhaps the most enticing Hyundai of all, yet it's about to get sweeter with the addition of a power retractable hardtop.
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| Folding roof by Karmann, body and mechanics by Hyundai - looks like a good partnership. (Photo: Hyundai) |
A convertible model was expected after the Korean marque's racy HDC concepts hit the show circuit, but when and from what donor platform wasn't known until now. The drop top will join a model update directed at the car's headlights, interior and engine - a direct-injection gasoline powerplant will be added to the range.
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| Karmann, the creator of the Mercedes-Benz SLK's folding hardtop, has been selected to build Hyundai's new unit. (Photo: Mercedes Benz) |
Heralded as the Korean Ferrari 456 GT, the rather pretty Hyundai will have its collapsible roof engineered in Germany, as opposed to somewhere in the Orient. Karmann, the creator of the Mercedes-Benz SLK's folding hardtop, has been selected to build Hyundai's new unit.
The Tiburon's system is composed of a center-hinged roof, plus a rather tricky arm for lifting the hard tonneau cover. To accommodate the roof the interior will be limited to two seats reducing its overall versatility, but on the plus side it receives a large trunk.