Our colleagues at KKSSTUDIO recently explored an exciting possibility, the revival of the legendary Hyundai Tiburon. What if Hyundai and Toyota’s GR collaboration led to theis revival? This rendering envisions a next-generation Tiburon based on the Toyota GR Supra platform, a concept that merges Hyundai’s heritage with the dynamic performance of Toyota’s sports car expertise.
The Legacy of the Hyundai Tiburon
The Hyundai Tiburon, also known as the Hyundai Coupe in some markets like Europe, made its debut in 1996 as the brand’s response to the rising popularity of sporty compact coupes. Derived from the Spanish word for “shark,” the Tiburon embodied a sleek and aggressive design, catering to enthusiasts who desired an affordable yet stylish sports car.
Over the years, the Tiburon evolved through two generations and different names depending on the market. Also known as Hyundai Turbulence in South Korea after the facelift of the first genertion was launched, it evolved into a second generation (2002-2008), the GK Tiburon (known as Tuscani), becoming the most iconic due to its refined aerodynamics and improved performance thanks to the addition of Hyundai’s first ever in-house V6 engine. The model was discontinued in favor of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe after two facelifts, marking the end of Hyundai’s dedicated compact sports coupe lineup—until now.
A Fusion of Heritage and Modern Engineering
This conceptual rendering imagines what a next-gen Tiburon could look like if Hyundai were to collaborate with Toyota on the future of the Supra. Using the foundation of the Toyota GR Supra, the design seamlessly integrates elements of the original Tiburon’s aesthetics with modern performance cues.
Exterior Design: A Shark’s Return
- Front Facade: The new Tiburon features a front fascia that pays tribute to the original model, incorporating Hyundai’s design DNA. The ‘T’ from the Tiburon lettering is subtly embedded within the sleeping headlamp structure, which transforms into LED daytime running lights when activated.
- Grille & Identity: At the center of the grille sits Hyundai’s signature ‘H’-shaped structure, reflecting the brand’s identity while maintaining a bold, aggressive stance.
- Side Profile: The character lines are meticulously reconstructed, mimicking the flowing motion of a shark slicing through water. The proportions also echo the rear-wheel-drive nature of the Supra, ensuring a visually balanced and performance-oriented silhouette.
- Rear Aesthetics: A large rear spoiler with distinctive shark-fin elements sits atop the rear trim, further enhancing aerodynamics and high-speed stability.
Performance Potential & The Future of Hyundai’s Sports Cars
While this rendering is purely conceptual, it raises important questions about Hyundai’s performance direction. With the recent discontinuation of high-performance internal combustion models such as the Avante N, the Tiburon’s rebirth could signal a new era of electrified or hybrid performance cars.
Given Hyundai’s expertise in electric performance through the Ioniq 5 N and other upcoming projects, a future Tiburon could potentially embrace hybrid or fully electric powertrains while maintaining its sporty appeal.
A Dream or a Future Reality?
This Hyundai Tiburon rendering, built on the Toyota GR Supra platform, perfectly exemplifies the possibilities when legacy and modern engineering merge. While Hyundai has not officially announced any plans to revive the Tiburon, a future collaboration with Toyota could open the door for a true successor to the beloved sports coupe.
We love exploring the potential of automotive collaborations, and this rendering is just a glimpse into what could be. If Hyundai and Toyota decide to take this path, the automotive world may witness the return of the shark in a whole new form.