The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon follows up its 2007 redesign by building on its combination of styling, performance and value as a compact sports coupe. Tiburon's packaging remains unchanged for 2008. It is available in four trims: the stylish and affordable GS, the high-performance SE and the refined GT and GT LTD. The SE model features a unique track-tuned sport suspension, electronic stability control and brake assist. Hyundai claims that its five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty are America's best. Hyundai Tiburon buyers also get 24-hour roadside assistance for five years.

The Tiburon GS is powered by Hyundai's advanced 2.0-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Matching transmissions include a fun-to-shift five-speed manual and an available four-speed automatic with Hyundai's Shiftronic control system, a distinct advantage in the Tiburon's class. The Tiburon GT, SE and GT LTD get a standard all-aluminum, 2.7-liter, DOHC, V-6 engine with 24 valves, which generates 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 181 pound-feet of torque at a low 3,800 rpm. A standard five-speed manual transmission takes full advantage of the V-6's additional power, while a six-speed ZF manual underpins the Tiburon SE. A four-speed automatic with Shiftronic is available on the GT and GT Limited. Fuel economy for the V-6 2008 Tiburon (automatic) is 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Tiburon is defined by its dynamic and aggressive styling. Starting with classic coupe proportions, Hyundai designers added a long hood with muscular character lines, projector headlights and an aggressive front bumper fascia. In keeping with its aim of being the most exciting and affordable sports coupe on the road, the Tiburon boasts of a cockpit designed to be an integral part of the driving experience. Entry and exit are facilitated through wide door openings. Front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support. The GS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, power accessories, air conditioning, and a six-speaker Kenwood stereo with CD/MP3 player and satellite radio. The GT adds 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery with black leather inserts, and chrome accents. The SE features manual climate control, a higher spoiler, red leather upholstery inserts, and aluminum pedals. The GT LTD adds a sport suspension, red brake calipers, full red leather upholstery, automatic climate control and a sunroof (optional on other trims).

At Hyundai, performance driving begins with safety, and the 2008 Tiburon offers a wide range of both active and passive safety features. These include front and rear crumple zones; driver and front passenger advanced frontal air bags; front seat-mounted side air bags; and lower anchors and tethers for children (Latch). The 2008 Hyundai Tiburon earned five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts crash tests by the government, and four stars for front passenger protection. The Tiburon earned a four-star rating for side crash protection.