According to Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, the company’s upcoming replacement for the Tiburon will look significantly like the Veloster Concept that debuted at the 2007 L.A. Auto Show. In fact, Krafcik said that the sub-compact will look 70 to 80 percent like the funky concept, calling it “Accent sized,” and a, “four passenger Honda CRX.”

Much like the CRX, the Veloster will be a car you can drive hard and still get good mileage in, thanks to a direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder that Krafcik promises will get over 40 mpg.

The new model will be front-wheel drive and Krafcik says it will have one particular trait that is not offered in its segment. He wouldn’t say exactly what that was, but did mention that it could be one of a few design items, including some sort of unconventional roof, doors or rear hatch.

The Tiburon’s sporty-CRX-like successor is due out as a 2012 model at dealers by late 2011.

[Source: Edmunds]

Hyundai is planning to release five new models between now and 2012, according to a company info obtained by Autoweek.nl. Three of the five models are expected to make their way to North America.

The first model is the next generation Tucson, which will be based on the ix-ONIC concept that debuted at the Geneva Auto Show last March. It is expected to use a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and make 140hp. We captured a few spy photos (like the one above) of the new Tucson testing in California.

After the Tucson, will come two MPV versions of the i20 and i30, for sale in Europe and Asia.

In 2011, Hyundai is then expected to reveal the new Sonata (also known as the i40 in some markets). As well as a sedan, Hyundai is reportedly readying a wagon version of the car.

The final product will emerge at the end of 2011 and will be the “replacement” for the Tiburon. In fact, it won’t be much like a Tiburon at all and will actually be considerably smaller. Based on the Veloster concept, the car will feature a unique layout with two passenger doors but just one driver’s door and will be a hatchback. Power will come from either a 140hp turbocharged 1.6-lite four-cylinder or a 172hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl via WorldCarFans]

With all the excitement surrounding the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, you’ve probably forgotten all about the Tiburon.

The what?

Do they still make those?

Our point exactly… and technically speaking, no, they don’t make Tiburon’s any more… although you can still buy a “new” one.

OK, so the car does still exist, but it won’t for long. Hyundai is planning the next iteration of the sporty front-wheel drive vehicle but conceptually it’s going to be completely different and it probably won’t even use the Tiburon name.

Hyundai U.S.A.’s CEO John Krafcik told AutoWeek that the next car, expected in 2011, will be “positioned below the current Tiburon.”

It will still use the front drive Accent/Elantra platform and will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – so it better be small and light weight if it’s going to be at all sporty.

“It is not going to be all about performance,” Krafcik continued.

Instead, the car will be more economical and more environmentally friendly. It will, however, be recognizable as a sibling to the Genesis Coupe, with styling also based on the Veloster Concept car.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]