The Hyundai Veloster has always stood out from the crowd, defying convention in the compact car market. In its first redesign the two-and-a-half door hatchback keeps what makes it unique. Powertrains range from a 2.0L 4-cylinder mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic, to a 1.6L turbo 4 cylinder mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. No power output is reported for the 2.0L but the 1.6L turbo squeezes out just over 200 hp. With manual transmissions available on both engine options the Veloster continues to pursue the purist enthusiast. Hyundai’s big news is its “N” performance package. The Veloster N cranks the power up to 275 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque out of just two liters. The 6-speed manual in the N features an automatic rev-matching system and transfers power through an electronic limited-slip differential. Visually the N is differentiated by red rocker panel and front fascia trim. The interior of the N receives cloth sport seats and unique steering wheel. Expect to see the Veloster N in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The Veloster is the answer to Hyundai critics who, until recently, declared that the company could produce no original designs and instead took the lazy approach of borrowing several themes from other automakers and mixing them into one car, usually with dull results. Obviously that charge can’t be leveled at the surprisingly original and pleasantly sporty Veloster. There’s nothing out there with the same combination of concept car flair like the center exhaust tips and functional enhancements like the second door on the passenger side. It’s a look we were immediately won over by, but after a week of living with the sport coupe would we still be smitten? You’ll have to watch our video review for that answer. Read more…
We Sample Two New Elantras and the Turbocharged Veloster
We can use a lot of words to describe Hyundai but lazy isn’t one of them. Their showrooms are filled with one of the freshest lineups in the industry and that’s a big reason they are on track for another record sales year. In fact, it doesn’t seem to matter which metric you choose—fleet fuel efficiency, incentive levels, transaction prices, day supply—Hyundai is in stellar operational shape. Without a doubt their biggest challenge is meeting demand with the serious production constraints they face. But that hasn’t stopped Hyundai from developing new product and continuing to flesh out their lineup. We recently spent a day with President and CEO John Krafcik as he showed off three new additions to existing model ranges at Michigan International Speedway. Read more…
Quite honestly we’ve been smitten with the Veloster since the very moment Hyundai rolled it out on the floor of the 2011 NAIAS as a concept. To say that there are some pretty big expectations placed on this little hatch / coupe would be an understatement. Let us explain.
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. Read more…
One of the few true surprises of the show was the newest production offering from Hyundai and what a delight it was. The Veloster may have a silly name but we’re convinced it’s anything but. Read more…
