Hyundai unveiled a new Rally Edition, coupled with significant design, dynamic and connectivity enhancements to its Veloster coupe at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The Veloster Rally Edition builds upon Veloster Turbo R-Spec enthusiast credentials, with a more performance-focused suspension, RAYS® lightweight wheels with wide 225/40R18 tires, carbon-fiber-look aero accents, unique badging and floor mats. The Rally Edition is a limited production run planned for 1,200 units, all in a stunning Matte Blue paint, guaranteeing exclusivity to its enthusiast owners. 2016 Veloster will be available at dealers in May 2015.
In addition, the 2016 Veloster Turbo model now offers a performance-oriented 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a new machined-finish turbo-exclusive wheel design, a sportier seat design, enhanced electroluminescent gauge cluster and black headliner. The Veloster non-turbo receives a new 17-inch wheel design and available black seats with yellow accents.
Also for 2016, all Veloster models offer a revised hood appearance without vent accents, a dark gray grille surround, 10mm-wider tires fitted to all 18-inch wheels, and new audio/navigation system functions (HD Radio®, Apple Siri®, and next-generation Blue Link®).
All Veloster and Veloster Turbo models feature cutting-edge powertrain technologies like direct injection, optimizing their appeal to youthful customers by combining excellent fuel economy, spirited performance and low emissions without compromise.
New veloster rally edition
New for 2016, the Veloster Rally Edition leverages the street credibility established by the Turbo R-Spec model. It features a higher performance tune for the springs, dampers, and front stabilizer bar, for even more responsive and precise handling capabilities. Complementing these suspension tuning upgrades, RAYS® lightweight alloy wheels have been fitted, reducing unsprung weight by five pounds per wheel for even better dynamic response and a distinctive sports appearance. The aero kit features carbon-fiber-look accent covers for a sporty appearance, with Rally Edition exterior badging. The Rally Edition is only available in an exclusive Matte Blue exterior color and black leather with blue-accented sport seats and only with the short-shifting B&M Racing® Sport Shifter and 6-speed manual transmission. Finally, embroidered floormats round out the distinctive look of this special performance model.
Gamma 1.6-liter direct-injected engine
The Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is the smallest Hyundai engine to use direct injection. This technology helps deliver more power, superior efficiency, lower emissions and higher reliability.
With direct-injection, the Gamma 1.6-liter engine with manual transmission delivers a peak output of 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. The Gamma engine with dual-clutch transmission delivers 132 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 120 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings.
Veloster transmissions
Hyundai's commitment to making the Gamma engine extremely fuel efficient continues by pairing it with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT) developed by Hyundai.
Hyundai's EcoShift DCT takes the benefits of a manual transmission, including low fuel consumption, and blends them with automatic transmission benefits, such as high comfort levels and smooth shift quality. In addition, the EcoShift DCT enables direct connection for high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer during shifts.
This powertrain also has an Active ECO mode which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy. The EcoShift DCT also incorporates Hyundai's Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents.
Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a new for 2016 seven-speed dual clutch (DCT) automatic transmission. Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai. The new Veloster Turbo seven-speed automatic transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC® transmission gear control, and is more performance-tuned in comparison with the non-turbo model's DCT. This transmission was specifically engineered to handle the increased torque output from the turbocharged engine. The non-turbo Veloster's EcoShift DCT was tuned especially for fuel efficiency rather than the higher torque and performance calibration of the Veloster Turbo seven-speed DCT.
Turbo r-spec model
The heart of the Turbo R-Spec is the responsive, 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged engine, along with unique design cues and enhanced chassis tuning. Sport suspension and steering settings have been retuned for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount. The Turbo R-Spec offers a 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw B&M Racing® Sport Shifter for a tighter, more direct shift feel.
New for 2016, the seat belts for the Turbo R-Spec are now red, reflecting the model's performance intent. Inside, red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats complement special embroidered-logo R-Spec floor mats for a sporty ambience. On the exterior, R-Spec badging adorns the rear hatch. Veloster Turbo R-Spec is available in three exterior colors: Elite White, Ultra Black and Pacific Blue.
Veloster turbo performance
The 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,750 rpm. Veloster Turbo models feature Active Sound Design, which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for an even more involving driving experience. Turbo models generate 201 horsepower on regular fuel, which represents a best-in-class specific output of 125.6 horsepower per liter.
Turbo model exclusive: torque vectoring control
All Veloster Turbo models offer Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature, utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, allows Veloster Turbo to improve dynamic cornering during more enthusiastic driving. TVC uses wheel speed sensors coupled with ESC algorithms to apply precise braking force to the inside front wheel during spirited cornering. This active braking redirects power to the outside front wheel in the turn, reducing wheelspin for enhanced cornering grip and corner-exit acceleration. Overall, this provides Veloster Turbo drivers with an incremental margin of cornering precision during enthusiastic driving.
Veloster Turbo also features a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which gives drivers precise cornering, feedback and control. For 2016, the 18-inch alloy wheel tire width has been increased by 10mm, fitted with Kumho Solus 225/40R18 tires, designed to extract maximum performance without compromising ride.
Sport-tuned dynamics
Veloster and Veloster Turbo are fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 23-mm diameter front stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, with an integrated 24-mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater rigidity and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort with control.
Veloster features electric power steering that adjusts assistance to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Veloster's turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Mini's 35.4 feet, Civic Si's 37.1 feet, VW GTI's 35.8 feet, VW Beetle Turbo's 35.4 feet, and Fiat Abarth's 37.6 feet.
Overall dimensions
The Veloster rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 166.1 inches and width of 70.5 inches. The Veloster Turbo has the same a 104.3-inch wheelbase, but is 1.2 inches longer (167.3 inches) and 0.6 inches wider (71.1 inches).
World-class weight efficiency
World-class weight efficiency is a program target for all Hyundai models. This strategy delivers outstanding fuel economy and performance simultaneously. At just 2,679 pounds, the Veloster base model is 403 pounds lighter than the Scion tC. Further, at just 2,877 pounds, Veloster Turbo is 125 pounds lighter than the Honda Civic Si Coupe and 95 pounds lighter than the Volkswagen GTI. This priority on weight efficiency allows the Veloster Turbo to deliver a great combination of agility, performance, and fuel efficiency.
Enhanced audio/navigation system connectivity
Customers expect to be connected to their electronics at all times, so Veloster comes standard with a multifunction seven-inch touchscreen display. At engine start-up, the screen comes to life with a Veloster image and a unique sound. There are even three interface layouts users can choose from to suit their personal taste.
A Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is standard and onboard navigation is optional. The system also integrates a rearview camera.
Pandora® internet radio is integrated into all Velosters. The display screen has a Pandora icon to stream internet radio from an iPhone® or Android®. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down.
With video games being an important element of entertainment, Hyundai integrated an RCA cable and an available 115-volt power outlet in Veloster to support gaming consoles for ultimate gaming sessions or to watch videos on the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen when the vehicle is parked.
Veloster Turbo features a standard 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight speakers including an eight-inch subwoofer, external amplifier and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A SiriusXM® Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. For 2016, SiriusXM Travel Link® has been added, with a 90-day trial period.
Source: Hyundai
