Hyundai reveals Veloster Turbo for Europe

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai will reveal a new turbocharged version of the 1+2 door Veloster sports coupe. Through the addition of a turbocharger, engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, have
boosted power output and increased low-end torque to best suit European driving tastes and enhance driver enjoyment.

The Veloster Turbo is the first Hyundai to feature the company’s 1,6-litre GDI engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger. In European specification, this new T-GDI unit generates 186 ps and 270 nm of torque. In non-turbocharged form, the Veloster offers 140 ps and 167 nm.

“UK drivers tend to prefer more torque from a lower engine speed, so our European engineers have specified a set-up that still provides a substantial increase in power – up from 140 ps to 186 ps – while also delivering the desired low-end torque.  The resulting package is very competitive against the performance of competitors such as VW Scirocco and Vauxhall Astra,” commented Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK.

“Veloster has quickly established itself as a fun car and a unique proposition,” Whitehorn added. “The enhanced performance will increase the Veloster’s appeal for drivers who want the perfect combination of stand-out design, a fun drive and the practicality of a hatchback.”

Maximising fuel efficiency and performance, the new engine has an air-guided intercooler, direct fuel injection system and dual CVVT, with a bed plate and a serpentine auxiliary belt adopted for enhanced engine reliability.  Accelerating from 0-60 mph, Veloster Turbo takes just 8.4 seconds (manual) compared to the 9.7 seconds (manual) of the regular Veloster*.

Exact CO2 emissions and fuel economy figures for the new Veloster Turbo will be announced nearer to launch in the UK.

Veloster Turbo is fitted with a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which provide for precise cornering, feedback and control. As with the turbocharged engine, the front and rear suspension set-ups have been tuned to match the expectations of European drivers.

The driving experience is further enhanced by the sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust notes: the trapezoidal centre tailpipes of the normally-aspirated Veloster have been replaced with two larger free-flowing circular pipes, allowing for a more robust sound.

To handle the power enhancements, Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission – developed in-house by Hyundai – featuring a wider gear ratio spread to handle the additional torque output. 

The new Veloster Turbo has the same practical appeal as the original model, thanks to the innovative 1+2 door design. It also now features unique front and rear bumpers and foglights, new rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents, and unique LED taillights. These elements further accentuate the car’s eye-catching styling and add a greater emphasis on its performance.

The Veloster Turbo will come with Hyundai’s industry-best Five-Year Triple Care assurance – a combination of a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks. Pricing for the UK will be announced nearer launch.
* Figures stated are manufacturer’s estimates

Posted in: 1+2 Door,Coupe,Geneva Motor Show 2012,Hyundai,Hyundai Motor UK,Hyundai Veloster Turbo Sports Coupe,Twin-scroll Turbocharger