First Drive Review
Most mid-life model face-lifts are just that; exterior styling detail changes with maybe some extra equipment thrown in for good measure. It's a strategy that helps move the product in the latter half of its shelf life, and all of the above applies to Hyundai's 2007 Tiburon. The company has changed the looks of the car's front end from a kind of mini-Ferrari 456 to a Porsche-like appearance, and added styling flourishes including a side crease and accent strake, a rear under-bumper valence resembling a racing diffuser, a fairly prominent rear wing on SE models, and new split-spoke alloy wheels.
The updates are more than skin-deep.
All 2007 Tiburons have upgraded interiors too, with blue backlit instrumentation and revised analog gauges. But more important than the updated appearance is the fact that some serious engineering work was done on the chassis, particularly to the flagship SE model. The SE's spring rates were increased (by 13-percent in front, and 10-percent at the rear) for a firmer ride, along with larger anti-roll bar diameters for better roll control, and shocks that were re-valved for firmer compression and rebound performance.
While all 2007 models come with standard ABS and four-wheel discs, the SE model also features stability control and a beefed-up braking package with 12-inch cross-drilled front rotors acted on by red-painted aluminum calipers.
Same powertrain options remain.
Two engines power the Tiburon range. There's a 138-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four for base GS models, and a 2.7-liter, 172-horsepower V-6 in the GT, SE, and GT Limited. All are comprehensively equipped with the usual power gadgets, air-conditioning and stereo systems, not to mention a full complement of airbags and standard tire-pressure-monitoring systems. Equipment levels are, after all, where the Korean manufacturer enjoys an advantage over its Japanese rivals.
