

2025.01.16 Hyundai Motor Group
The release of Hyundai’s first independently developed sports car, the Tiburon, marked the start of Korea’s domestic sports car history. When it debuted in April 1996, it became a symbol of passion in Korea’s growing auto market, appealing not only with performance but with a design that was unlike anything seen before. With its sleek, coupe-like silhouette, the Tiburon commanded attention wherever it went.
This episode focuses on the Tiburon’s stunning design, featuring insights from its original designers, product managers, a former Tiburon-owning journalist, and the current owner leading this restoration project.
Reflecting on his first encounter with the Tiburon, Heo recalls being mesmerized at first glance, saying, “I just knew I had to have it—it was that cool.” That initial thrill perfectly captures the Tiburon’s impact on him.
Right from its launch, the Tiburon drew intense interest from consumers. In a sea of boxy sedans, the Tiburon’s sleek coupe style stood out, instantly appealing to drivers who wanted something more than the typical “dad car.” In the 1990s, Korea’s younger generation had a distinct style, separating itself from the previous generation. The buying power shifted from the 30s to the 10s and 20s. For the younger generation who want to express their taste and personality through cars, the Tiburon has become more special.
According to automotive columnist Dong-hee Lee, who worked for auto magazines at the time, the Tiburon also made waves internationally, especially in markets like the U.S. and Italy. Major publications like Car and Driver and Autocar covered the Tiburon, and the car’s design was the center of attention. This spotlight elevated Hyundai’s global profile, thanks to the Tiburon’s distinctive design.
Even 28 years after its release, the Tiburon remains beautiful. The restoration project has brought the Tiburon back to mint condition, showing off its sharp, dynamic design that still impresses today.
Chool-heon Choi, the designer who worked on the Tiburon back then, including many other Hyundai models, shares the story behind the car’s iconic look.
According to Choi, the Tiburon’s design began with Hyundai’s HCD-1 concept car, which had been inspired by the swift, muscular form of a dolphin diving back into the water. The HCD-1 broke traditional automotive design boundaries, using curves and forms to evoke a distinctly animalistic, muscular feel that was thoroughly captivating.
In 1992, Hyundai unveiled the HCD-1 at the Detroit Auto Show, where it garnered massive attention and won “Concept Car of the Year.” The following year, Hyundai debuted the HCD-2, which built on the innovative spirit of the HCD-1 with a refined design aimed at production feasibility. With these concepts as a foundation, Hyundai began development on the Tiburon.
What’s notable is that Hyundai brought the Tiburon’s design to life entirely in-house. Unlike today, where digital tools streamline the process, back then, designers, engineers, modelers, and tooling specialists had to work together closely to bring concepts to reality. Each part was meticulously shaped by hand, requiring teamwork and countless iterations.
Hyundai completed the Tiburon’s design entirely in-house, without any external assistance. Countless team members joined forces, facing trial and error along the way. Engineers calibrated every detail to their specifications, while modelers carefully shaped and refined clay models, making continuous adjustments by hand throughout the design process. In every sense, the Tiburon is a vehicle brought to life by the hands of dedicated specialists.
The Tiburon ignited Korea’s automotive scene, with owners eagerly customizing their cars to reflect their personalities, which helped the related industry grow quickly.
A culture of comparison and exchange flourished through Tiburon owner clubs, where drivers bonded over their shared enthusiasm and hit the road together. The Tiburon was crucial in fostering a new era in Korean automotive culture.
The Tiburon received countless reviews from both domestic and international automotive columnists. The respected Korean automotive magazine
This restoration project meticulously captured every step of the Tiburon’s return to its original form. Repainted in its signature Funny Lemon color, with a fully restored engine, doors, interior components, and wheels, the Tiburon’s rebirth was a labor of love. Heo, the car’s dedicated owner, invested significant effort into restoring the Tiburon to its peak condition - and many wonder what it would be like for him to get back behind the wheel of a fully restored Tiburon.
The next episode will show how three drivers experienced the Tiburon’s unique ride on the track.
By Jang-won Kim
Film by HMG Journal
Photography by Hyuk-soo Cho
Special thanks to
Car Life (https://www.instagram.com/carlife_archives/), and Motor Magazine (https://www.motormag.co.kr/)
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