These facelifts have attempted to keep the car up to date with various safety improvements and a mixture of changes to exterior and interior styling.

This generation took several design cues from the "HCD-II Epoch" concept that debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show.

Base weight was around 2,550 lb (1,150 kg), giving the RD Tiburon a higher power-to-weight ratio than the newer GK 2.0L.

In the UK, Hyundai's entrance into the Formula 2 World Rally Championship saw the release of the "F2" and "F2 Evolution" models in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

An enhanced version of the UK-spec 2.0 SE, the "F2" was available in a choice of three colours; Black (solid), Bright Silver (metallic), or Racing Blue (mica).

These wheels were high-quality for an OEM alloy wheel, weighing only 17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) per corner and closely emulating the style of the TSW Hockenheim R. Tyres were Pirelli 225/40/16 P7000 directional, their 225 width and 40 profile made these the most aggressive standard-fit tyre supplied with any RD (or RD2) Hyundai Coupe.

The "F2" also featured a deeper and more aggressive front spoiler, incorporating an oval chrome mesh grille insert.

Firstly, there was a large aluminium-bound "F2" art book, (including various artistic photographs and designer images of the Coupe F2).

Secondly, there was an aluminium key-fob, fitted with an LED light and supplied in a small silver-coloured box labelled "Lexon Design Concept".

The design was led by McLaren F1 stylist Peter Stevens in conjunction with Hyundai World Rally Team's support company Motor Sport Developments (MSD).

These modifications included a bigger front bumper/spoiler, a modified (larger and higher) rear spoiler with end-plates (these spoilers were designed by Stevens to create zero lift rather than ultimate downforce), a high-lift inlet camshaft (taken from the 1997 1.8-litre Lantra engine) and a 6"x4" freeflow exhaust by Magnex (suppliers to Aston Martin).

The armrest lid between the front seats was covered in stitched leather (rather than the molded plastic found on lesser models).

The gear leaver gaiter was of smooth leather, with a chrome trim surround at the base, manufactured by Richbrook.

The RD2 received a facelift that altered the front and rear bumpers and also provided a refreshed interior dash.

Hyundai launched a revised Tiburon in 2002 for the 2003 model year, giving it new styling, larger dimensions, and an optional V6 engine.

Tiburon's wheelbase and overall length grew slightly compared to the previous version, increasing curb weight by about 200 lb (91 kg).

In the US, base and GT V6 models were offered with standard front side airbags and optional anti-lock brakes.

It featured a "Special Edition" decal-style badge underneath "Tiburon", sport cloth upholstery, a Kenwood stereo, red painted front brake calipers, and multigauges above the radio.

A popular modification saw owners of the first GK model removing the air-filter resonator box.

This allowed for a greater airflow to the air filter, gaining a minimal increase of brake horsepower (bhp).

In Greece (S145 model) and perhaps other countries, due to high taxation in hi-displacement engines, a 1.6-liter Turbocharged engine was available for some years, producing 145 PS(107 kW) at 5,800 rpm and 190 Nm (128 lbf) of torque at 4,300 rpm and making the 1233 kg vehicle capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9.3 seconds and achieving a top speed of 210 km/h (131 mph).

The vehicle incorporated reworked sleeker blackened "smoked" headlights, redesigned rear tail lights, more aggressive front air dam, a different range of alloy wheel designs, colored stitching on leather seats (half leather seats available for the 1.6 range).

These also had a plaque inside the drivers side door, however, this didn't list the build number unlike the 2005 edition.

[12] A more comprehensive facelift was launched in November 2006 for the 2007 model year, named the Coupe SIII in markets such as the UK, this time altering the appearance of the car enough to designate it the fourth generation or GK F/L2 reminiscent of the RD1 and RD2 denotations.

The radio antenna on the F/L2 is integrated into the rear hatch glass rather than being a separate mast, and the interiors received an updated blue backlight scheme for gauges and instrumentation.

The SE trim (US) was also equipped with larger 12 inch front brake rotors and a slightly stiffer suspension.

This edition included, in addition to the enhancements found on the SE model (US), a quilted leather interior with embroidered logos, quad exhaust exit pipes, and an anthracite finish to the 17" alloy wheels.

For example, in South Korea, the Tuscani wears a circular badge containing a smaller circle of black and grey horizontal bars which is overlaid with a letter 'T' painted gold on the left and silver on the right.

There was an unconfirmed rumour that Hyundai had considered a plan to branch off the Tuscani name as a complete sub brand for more exclusive, sporty, and upmarket models.

In certain markets, certain exterior colors are not available and identification may require noticing subtle local differences such as alloy wheels, spoilers or dealer fit options such as in car entertainment systems.