Hyundai Tiburon Goes Topless

The windshield's frame, bulkheads and sills have all been

Come mid 2004, the popular Mazda Miata will have some stiff competition from Hyundai's new offering. (Photo: Mazda)

beefed up to provide rigidity and strength to reduce cowl shake and improve handling. The increased rigidity also adds protection in the event of a collision.

Expect the Tiburon convertible to be in showrooms around mid 2004, when it will do battle head to head with Mazda's venerable Miata (MX-5), and Toyota's mid-engine MR2 in the U.S.