Hyundai's Veloster, soon available in extra strength? Image: Hyundai Motor America.
When I toured Hyundai’s Montgomery, AL manufacturing plant as part of the 2011 Elantra launch, I pitched them the idea of an Elantra Type R. “Just throw in the motor from the Sonata Turbo and offer it with a six speed manual,” I said, but Hyundai shot down my request quicker than Scarlett Johansson would shoot down my request for a three-way. When it comes to building sporty compact cars, Hyundai has big plans (and a laser-like focus) on their Veloster. The Veloster introduced in Detroit wasn’t much to make enthusiasts sit up and take note; after all, how entertaining could 138 horsepower really be? Now comes word that Hyundai has a Veloster-ace-up-their-sleeve in store for the upcoming New York Auto Show, in the form of a 208 horsepower Veloster Turbo.
Details are sketchy, but I’m inclined to believe the rumors based on Hyundai’s market positioning (and expectations) of the Veloster. The Veloster Turbo reportedly uses the same 1.6 liter, inline four engine as the base Veloster, but with forced induction giving it an additional 70 horsepower. Better yet, rumors say the Veloster Turbo is more than just a concept, and that inventory will hit dealer showrooms later this year alongside the normally aspirated Veloster. We’ll have more details when the New York Auto Show begins next week.
Source: Left Lane News
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
