Veloster turbo for Oz

HYUNDAI has announced it will use the Detroit motor show in January to reveal its hot new Veloster Turbo, which has also now been confirmed to join the regular Veloster on sale in Australia.

Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik made the announcement in the lead-up to this week’s 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, before the news was reiterated on Hyundai USA’s Twitter page.

“It’s official. Veloster Turbo is coming. More details in January at the Detroit Auto Show,” said Hyundai.

Subsequently, Hyundai Australia has this week confirmed the Veloster Turbo will become available here at some stage, following the launch of the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol model early next year.

While the regular Veloster will be powered by the same 1.6-litre engine as the all-new Kia Rio, which produces 103kW and 167Nm of torque, the Veloster Turbo will get Hyundai’s new Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine.

The all-new turbo-petrol four, developed at a cost of $59 million, was revealed at the Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference in South Korea late last month and produces 152kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm of torque from 1750rpm.

Left: Hyundai Veloster SEMA show cars.

The turbo version adds a bedplate sump design and serpentine auxiliary belt to enhance engine reliability, plus a twin-scroll turbocharger, air-to-air intercooler, direct injection and dual continuous variable valve timing.

As with the regular Veloster, expect the turbo flagship to be available with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or the brand’s first six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which is conceptually similar to Volkswagen’s DSG and Ford’s Powershift twin-clutch autos.

Official specifications of the Veloster Turbo are yet to be announced, but Hyundai revealed the potential of its new small-bore turbo four and the unique 2+1-door four-seater coupe it will power by unveiling five one-of-a-kind Veloster show cars at SEMA, which is billed as the world’s largest automotive aftermarket exhibition.

Developed by ARK Performance is a Veloster rally car with a “custom” twin-scroll turbocharger that increases power to 157kW and other mechanical, interior and exterior modifications, including an open-wheel design with aggressive guards and Nitto tyres.

Hyundai said ARK will also develop unique parts to showcase the tuneability of the Accent-based front-wheel drive Veloster’s engine and exterior.

Next up was a bright blue Veloster that delivers an estimated 122kW and features a carbon-fibre bonnet, Konig Deception wheels and custom leather interior.

Developed in partnership with PM Lifestyle, an automotive digital media distribution company, and the Universal Technical Institute, the PM Lifestyle Veloster Turbo will embark on a three-year show tour to more than 120 autocross, supercross and school demonstration events in the US.

Also appearing at SEMA was Rhys Millen Racing’s Global Rally Cross Veloster, designed for two-wheel drive rally competition.

Apart from custom lightweight body panels, improved aerodynamics and rally-inspired suspension, it packs a fire-breathing 224kW/406Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four that powers Hyundai’s US-only Optima Turbo.