
For many, there is only one problem with the Hyundai Veloster: it’s slow. Funky asymmetrical design aside, the interesting new Hyundai product left enthusiasts wanting and so to solve that issue the Korean automaker has unveiled a new turbocharged model today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
With a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder output is rated at 201 hp at 6000 rpm and a significant 195 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm. That’s a serious jump over the standard car’s 138 hp and just 123 lb-ft of torque. With that power (and more standard equipment) comes several hundred pounds of extra weight, putting the Veloster Turbo at 2,800 lbs. More than a MINI Cooper S but less than a Civic Si, Hyundai can still boast a better power to weight ratio than either of those cars.
As for fuel economy, the use of direct injection helps deliver a projected 27/38 rating with the six-speed manual. No numbers for the dual-clutch six-speed automatic are yet available.
In the transmission department both a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic are available, with wider gears for the manual, so as to cope with the added power, while the auto-box gets closer gears to help keep it in the ideal power range.
In addition to power Hyundai has also tuned the car’s intake and exhaust notes and has firmed up the steering to improve driver feel. The car also looks noticeably sportier thanks to 18-inch wheels and it’s quite a lot meaner too, thanks to a large, monotone flat-fronted grille and a complete ground effects kit that ends out back with a large diffuser and two center-exit exhaust pipes. To help the car stand out further are Turbo-exclusive LED daytime running lights, as well as an optional Matte Gray paint – the first matte paint finish offered by Hyundai.
See all the Hyundai Veloster Turbo photos at AutoGuide.com