The GOOD DESIGN awards (must be hard to be excellent) are annually given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design along with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. In terms of prestige, this event is the Oscars for designers. It values innovation, originality and quite frankly bravery when it comes to designing products of any kind. Interestingly enough there is also a “Transportation”category which, in 2011, was won by the Hyundai Veloster.
Here’s what the director of product planning in Hyundai Motor America, Scott Margason had to say: “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” he continues: “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”
2012 Hyundai Veloster
So what was it about the Veloster that impressed so much the jury at the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles where the 2011 awards were held? Well, one might notice that the car is missing a door as there are two on the passenger side and only on on the other side (or it has a bonus door on the passenger side. Depends on how people see it.) One can tell that the overall design was inspired by a sports motorbike as there is a motorcycle helmet visor appearance around the cabin thanks to the black, barely visible A-pillars. Aggression is further added with the honeycomb front grille and the unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. At the back there is a clever glass hatch and dual exhaust tips right in the middle of the black rear fascia. Inside the Veloster, the air vents look like bike exhaust pipes while the center console resembles a bike fuel tank which morphs into a bike seat on the way down to the floor console.
Hyundai has announced their line-up for 2011 SEMA Motor Show. It includes Performance ARK Hyundai Veloster, PM Lifestyle Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Genesis Hurricane SC, RMR RM500 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Gaming, REMIX Hyundai Veloster Music and REMIX Hyundai Veloster Tech.
All vehicles are unique and the number of upgrades is endless. Adding even more Velosters to Hyundai’s modified pack, RIDES magazine, in association with Lux Motorwerks, also built three custom Velosters centered around the passion points of music, technology and gaming. Each of the three Velosters boasts its own style, top-of-the-line modifications and the most current gear available.
“Each year we bring our newest, most exciting cars to SEMA through a partnership with aftermarket specialists to create even more powerful options for Hyundai owners,” commented Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America.
“This year, we chose to bring back the tuner-friendly Genesis Coupe as well as debut modifications to our new and innovative three-door coupe, the 2012 Veloster.”, he finished.
ARK Performance Veloster
To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its three-door coupe, Hyundai teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210-horsepower and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster’s potential. The Veloster will showcase mechanical, interior and exterior modifications including an open wheel concept with aggressive fenders and Nitto tires. ARK will also develop Veloster specific parts to showcase the tunability of the engine and vehicle exterior.
PM Lifestyle Veloster
Hyundai partnered with PM Lifestyle, a leader in creative innovation and digital media distribution in the automotive industry, and the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) to develop a powerful and interactive custom Veloster for this year’s SEMA Show. The bold, blue Veloster with a carbon-fiber hood, Konig Deception wheels and custom leather interior will make its debut on the SEMA Show floor and then take off on a three-year show tour with UTI, making appearances at over 120 autocross, supercross and school demonstration events. With an anticipated performance of 163-horsepower, PM Lifestyle’s custom Veloster will showcase many special modifications, making it a guaranteed highlight at this year’s SEMA Show.
Genesis Hurricane SC
Showcasing the extreme power of Hyundai’s most popular performance car, Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) teamed up with Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International and Torvec Inc. to develop and build a special edition prototype Genesis Coupe, the Genesis Hurricane SC. The Genesis Hurricane SC represents a two year development effort by HATCI, Hyundai’s design, technology and engineering branch, as its engineers worked to enhance all aspects of the vehicle including power, traction, braking, exterior and interior design and audio system. Highlighting the performance modifications, HATCI teamed up with Magnuson Products to supercharge Genesis Coupe’s 3.8L V-6 engine with a liquid to air intercooler, producing more than 450-horsepower.
In addition to the supercharged V-6, the Hurricane features an IsoTorque differential from Torvec Inc., exterior enhancements from Rhys Millen Racing and a Harman International high level Lexicon audio system.
Rhys Millen Racing RM500 Genesis Coupe
Making auto enthusiasts’ wishes come true at this year’s SEMA Show, RMR’s modified Genesis Coupe will showcase Hyundai’s most powerful engine under its hood – the award-winning 5.0-liter Tau V8. The RM500 Genesis Coupe is a 450-horsepower machine with a distinct, production-ready look. This marks the fourth year of the partnership between RMR and Hyundai creating show-stopping vehicles for tuners and consumers alike. In addition to the Tau V8, the all-black Genesis Coupe receives a custom RMR stainless exhaust with GReddy rear section muffler and titanium tips, oil cooler and rear differential cooler. These mechanical enhancements give Hyundai’s most powerful engine an extra 20 horsepower boost.
Rhys Millen Racing 2WD Global Rally Cross Veloster
Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) will also showcase his Two-Wheel Drive Veloster Rally Car. This production-based two-wheel drive racer has custom lightweight RMR body panels, improved aerodynamics, and rally-inspired suspension tuning for the rally enthusiast. The car features Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and delivers 300-horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque.
Hyundai has revealed the new 2012 Veloster Coupe, which is priced at just £17 995 on the road with an insurance group rating of 16E.
The Hyundai Veloster will be available in two trim levels and powered by an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine with 140PS. The option for transmission is either 6-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Hyundai’s Blue drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology and low rolling resistance tyres – will feature in the Veloster line-up ensuring competitive CO2 emissions of 137g/km and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg.
Standard equipment includes 17” alloy wheels, a 7” Touch screen media centre with capability of playing games through consoles and films from smart phones, Bluetooth Connectivity with voice recognition, climate control air conditioning, reversing sensors, front and rear fog lights and striking LED daytime running lights. The Veloster also features a stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3/WMA compatibility and an iPod connection, with the ability to control all functions on the leather steering wheel for added convenience.
The Veloster Sport benefits from 18” alloy wheels with colour inserts, black leather upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sporty alloy pedals.
A media pack – containing touch screen satellite navigation with rear view parking camera, Parking Guidance System and 7 speakers including Amp and subwoofer – and red leather interior are available as options on the Sport derivative only.
Hyundai will put the new 1.6 litre T-GDI turbo petrol engine in the 2012 Veloster and later it will also appear in the upcoming 2013 Hyundai ix30 and next-generation Kia ceed. The turbocharger will significantly improve the performance and the response of the engine.
The turbocharger also increases efficiency at low engine speeds, which lowers emissions and improves the fuel consumption.
The 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 211PS (155 kW) at 6000RPM and 265Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque between 1600RPM and 5000RPM. The 1.6L T-GDI direct-injection engine is a part of the manufacturer’s new initiative called Blue Drive which aims to lead the automobile industry in fuel efficiency and sustainability.
More details will be available after the official revealing of the engine at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
Hyundai has released another concept vehicle at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The car will actually go on sale in 2012.
Hyundai Veloster is powered by 1.6 liter GDI Gamma engine with 138HP at 6300RPM and 166Nm (123 lb-ft) at 4850RPM. The power plant features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), Roller Timing Chain, Electronic Throttle Control and an innovative anti-friction coatings. (more…)
Hyundai has officially published another teaser of its all-new, sleek-styled 2012 Hyundai Veloster hatchback, which will make its first official appearance at the upcoming North American International Auto Show 2011 in Detroit. (more…)