2012 NAIAS: Hyundai Veloster Turbo / Genesis Coupe
Hyundai executives appeared to have much to celebrate about this year. Having ended 2011 with double digit sales increases as well as numerous industry recognitions and awards, Hyundai started 2012 by receiving the North American Car of the Year Award for its Elantra. Their Detroit introductions included two updates to their existing sporty cars, the Veloster and Genesis coupes. The big news for Veloster is a new 201 hp turbocharged 1.6L four cylinder. This new powertrain achieves 38 mpg on the highway partly due to the Veloster’s low power to weight ratio of 14 lbs/hp. The specific output of that 1.6L is an impressively high 125.6 hp/liter. On the outside the performance oriented coupe benefits from a unique grille treatment and can now be ordered with matte finish paint.
The Veloster’s more mature sibling, the rear-wheel-drive Genesis gains many enhancements of its own. Cosmetically it gains a revised fascia as well as new wheel designs. An 8-speed automatic is offered with both the 274 hp turbo 4-cylinder and 348 hp direct injected 3.8L V6. A 6-speed manual is also available with both engines. Driver’s will benefit from the addition of the telescoping function to the steering column.
As if that weren’t enough good news for the consumer, Hyundai today announced that it will offer a lifetime warranty on the lithium polymer batteries in their hybrid offerings. Hyundai continues to impress us as this warranty is certainly an industry leading move that inspires confidence from the consumer.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Photos by Jason Muxlow
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Photos by Jason Muxlow
