Hyundai is going to fire up the power on its hot little sports mobile, giving turbo power to its new, little Veloster three-door.

The hottest version of the car will come with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik told reporters gathered last night in Las Vegas on the eve of the SEMA aftermarket parts show. Interesting timing: the Veloster -- one of the most novel new cars to hit the market -- has barely landed in showrooms, and already Hyundai is talking about a hotter version.

Good for Hyundai. Drive On has been predicting that the Veloster could become a breakout hit with its sporty, menacing looks, two doors on the right and one on the left, and affordable pricing. Hyundai is loading up the SEMA show with custom versions of Veloster, trying to show what customizers can do with the car. That's one possibility in the photo, above.

Krafcik also revealed that some tweaks are on the way for Veloster's pricier corporate sibling, the Genesis coupe. Hyundai appears to be saving that announcement for the auto shows in the next three months.

Hyundai showcases Gamma 1.6 T-GDI and Euro6 R-2.0 diesel engines

Some 1,000 world-class powertrain experts and academics attend


Hyundai Motor Group will host 'The 11th Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference' between October 19 - 20 to unveil the Group's latest powertrain technologies and discuss industry trends with world-class experts.

In line with this year's slogan of 'Innovation of Powertrain Technology Through Collaboration,' the conference was designed to offer industry experts an opportunity to discuss next-generation powertrain development directions and share innovative technologies, in response to tougher environmental policies worldwide. The annual conference was held at Rolling Hills Hotel, located near the Hyundai-Kia Motors R&D Center in Korea.

"Due to stricter environmental regulations and policies that vary from nation to nation, competition in the development of powertrains and other core technologies is intensifying," said Woong-Chul Yang, Hyundai Motor Co. Vice Chairman. "Hyundai Motor will accelerate its efforts to develop future powertrains that feature high-performance and eco-friendly engines and transmissions."

At the conference, Hyundai Motor showcased two innovative powertrains that were fully developed in-house: The Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine and Euro6 R-2.0 diesel engine.

The Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine, which was developed over a period of 52 months and cost 69.5 billion won, achieves the best performance figures in its class where the competition is the toughest. The engine beats its formidable rivals, boasting a maximum output of 204hp and torque of 27.0kgf.m at 6,000 rpm and 1,750 rpm, respectively.

Moreover, by remarkably cutting down on exhaust emissions, the engine meets California's ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) standard, known as the most stringent, as well as Euro 5 standards.

In order to maximize fuel efficiency and performance, the engine uses an exhaust manifold integrated turbocharger with twin scroll, air guided intercooler, direct fuel injection system and dual CVVT, while a bed plate and a serpentine auxiliary belt were adopted to enhance engine reliability.

The Euro6 R-2.0 diesel engine, aimed to satisfy the next-generation Euro6 regulations by applying new technologies, such as low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, was also introduced during the conference. It delivers world-class performance with a maximum output of 150ps and maximum torque of 39.0kgf.m without sacrificing its eco-friendliness.

As required by new regulations, the Euro6 reduced Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 56 percent, compared to Euro5. By introducing the Euro6 R-2.0 diesel engine, Hyundai Motor is expected to lead the eco-friendly passenger car diesel engine technology field, satisfying the standards more than two years ahead of their implementation.

Hyundai Motor also displayed its motor-integrated six-speed front wheel drive automatic transmission equipped in the Sonata Hybrid, as well as the gasoline Theta T-GDI engine, gasoline Kappa bi-fuel engine, diesel R-2.2 2 stage turbo-charger and the six-speed double clutch (DCT) to enhance participants' understanding of new technology trends.

Some 1,000 world-class powertrain experts and academics participated in the conference, including members from Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Magna Powertrain and Denso.

Throughout the two-day conference, some 30 companies will release 50 theses in six sessions, including presentations on next-generation gasoline technology, exhaust and after-treatment technology, diesel innovation technology, exhaust reducing technology, high efficiency transmission and improving driving experiences.

To showcase the performance capabilities and aftermarket potential of its innovative three-door coupe, Hyundai has teamed up with ARK Performance to transform Veloster into a sleek and sporty rally car. The ARK Performance Veloster will be unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show with a custom twin-scroll turbocharger increasing its horsepower to 210HP and a bright green and flat gray paint scheme to give enthusiasts a glimpse at Veloster’s potential. ARK Performance’s Veloster will be shown in the Hyundai booth between November 1-4, 2011 among other modified Velosters and Genesis Coupes.

“The Hyundai Veloster is an ideal car for enthusiasts with its distinctive design and dynamic architecture,” said Ted Lee, owner, ARK Performance Inc. “At SEMA, our ARK Performance Veloster will bridge the realm between an affordable sports car and an extreme motor sports vehicle. From the first Tiburon, to the Genesis Coupe, and now with the Veloster, ARK Performance continues to uphold the torch as the pioneer of aftermarket performance manufacturing for Hyundai.”

The ARK Performance Hyundai 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.

ARK Performance has planed numerous modifications to make this Veloster a must-see vehicle at this year’s SEMA Show.

Mechanical components ARK plans to customize include:

*ARK Turbo Charger and Intercooler System
*ARK Intercooler Piping System
*ARK Custom Oil Cooler
*ARK Turbo Manifold
*ARK Lightweight Pulley System
*ARK Six-Pot Big Brake Kit
*ARK Eight-Point Chromoly Rally Style Roll Cage
*ARK DTP Track Coilover System
*ARK Upper Strut and Front and Rear Sway Bar
*ARK Camber and Control Arms
*ARK GRIP Dual Exhaust
*ARK RSEPC Downpipes and Test Pipes

Interior enhancements include:

*JPM Coachworks Custom OEM Seats with Alcantara Interior
*JPM Coachworks Custom Alcantara Shift Boot
*JPM Coachworks Custom Alcantara Dashboard
*JPM Coachworks Custom Alcantara Headliner
*JPM Coachworks Custom Alcantara Doors and Visors
*JPM Coachworks Custom Floor Mats
*JPM Coachworks Custom Alcantara Audio Finish
*ARK Racing Pedals
*DSG Performance / Password JDM Shift Knob
*DSG Performance / SUN Automotive Eco
*DSG Performance / SUN Hyper Voltage System GT
*DSG Performance / SUN Automotive Gauss System
*DSG Performance / SUN Automotive Hot Inazma Pocket
*DSG Performance / SUN Automotive Hyper Ground System
*Jason Noren Fabrications Custom Rally Cage
*Adam Perry Custom Audio Setup

ARK Performance will also make moderate exterior modifications to the Veloster, including:

*ARK CFX Designs Front Lip
*ARK CFX Designs Side Skirt
*ARK CFX Designs Rear Bumper
*ARK SFX Designs Wide Front and Rear Fenders
*ARK CFX Designs Grille
*ARK SFX Rear Wing Mount
*OneEighty Custom Headlights
*OneEighty Custom Taillights
*OneEighty Custom Fog Lamps
*Rally Armor Custom Veloster Mud Flaps
*Rally Armor Custom Veloster Mounts
*DSG Performance / Password JDM Chromoly Lug Nuts
*Yokohama Advan RZ Gunmetal x5
*Nitto NT05 x5
*Beyond Autobody Custom Paint and Finis

HYUNDAI INJECTS STREET CREDIBILITY INTO VELOSTER WITH NEW TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
201 Horsepower, Ground Effects and Sport-Tuned Engine

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America today introduced the all-new 2013 Veloster Turbo armed with 201 horsepower in a world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Veloster Turbo is one bookend to Hyundai's turbocharged sports coupe line-up, paired with the refreshed 274 horsepower, rear-wheel drive 2013 Genesis Coupe 2.0T (Turbo) also debuting at the show today.

"The Turbo further broadens Veloster's hero role in the Hyundai line-up to attract our next generation of buyers," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, product and corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. "It's powerful, high-tech and fuel-efficient, attributes which we think make Veloster Turbo the ultimate innovation in the sport coupe segment."

The 2013 Veloster Turbo arrives in the Summer of 2012, facing off against worthy competitors such as the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper/Clubman S with a better power-to-weight ratio than all of them, and a unique sport-tuned steering and suspension hardware set.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 Veloster Turbo (Exclusive Turbo features)
• Powered by a new 1.6-liter Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic or manual transmission
• Horsepower: 201 at 6000 RPM
• Best-in-class highway fuel economy estimated at 38 mpg (M/T)
• Best-in-class specific output at 125.6 horsepower per liter
• Best-in-class weight to power ratio of 14 lbs/hp
• Sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust note
• Sport-tuned steering
• Unique front fascia, foglights and ground effects
• Hyundai-first Matte Gray paint
• Unique 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts
• Projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents
• Side mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Unique LED taillights
• Supervision cluster
• Leather seating surfaces with driver's lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Turbo exclusive Graphite Black interior with Blue accents and headliner graphics

Veloster Turbo is the first vehicle in Hyundai's 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months). Hyundai just completed its 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in 24 months), with the debut of the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGER AND GDI TECHNOLOGY
The 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2013 Veloster Turbo produces 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1750 – 4500 rpm with regular fuel. The Veloster Turbo is estimated to deliver 27 mpg city and best-in-class 38 mpg highway for manual transmission models. Hyundai's 1.6-liter Gamma turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but Hyundai has brought this technology down its line-up from the Sonata 2.0T.

Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets divided by split walls inside the turbine housing, with both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine.

For example, at the start of the intake stroke of cylinder one and when both the intake and exhaust valves of cylinder one are open (valve overlap period), cylinder three already starts its exhaust stroke with the exhaust valve open. If the exhaust passages of cylinder one and three were connected, the exhaust gas pulse from cylinder three would increase the back pressure of cylinder one. This would reduce the induction of the fresh air and increase the amount of hot residual gases inside the cylinder. However, with the twin-scroll turbocharger setup, this interference is minimized.

The result of this superior scavenging effect from a twin-scroll design leads to better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine. This in turn allows greater valve overlap, resulting in an improved quality and quantity of the air charge entering each cylinder. In fact, with more valve overlap, the scavenging effect of the exhaust flow can literally draw more air in on the intake side. At the same time, drawing out the last of the low-pressure exhaust gases help pack each cylinder with a denser and purer air charge. Maximum boost from the turbocharger is 18 psi.

The twin-scroll turbocharger design has several other advantages over traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:
• Improved combustion efficiency
• Low engine-speed efficiency
• Kinetic exhaust gas energy is not wasted or trapped
• Cooler cylinder temperatures
• Lower exhaust temperatures
• Leaner air/fuel ratio
• Better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine
Veloster's twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response.
Two key features of Hyundai's twin-scroll turbocharger setup are:
• The stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent pending one-piece design
• The waste-gate for the turbocharger uses a motor-driven electrical controller instead of being mechanically controlled

Thanks to the integrated stainless-steel turbine housing with the exhaust manifold, not only is the weight and cost of the casting dramatically reduced, the durability of the turbine housing is also improved. In addition, heat energy recovery and thus turbo efficiency is significantly improved based on the fact that a traditional two-piece design effectively insulates some of the heat energy at the joint/gasket area.

By adapting the motor-driven electrical waste-gate, the boost pressure is precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the waste-gate, which improves fuel efficiency. During cold starts, the waste-gate remains open, which results in faster catalyst light-off for reduced exhaust emissions.

A GDI fuel delivery system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher-than-normal 9.5 compression ratio, while achieving a best-in-class 125.6 horsepower-per-liter. The piston heads are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

CUSTOM TWO-WHEEL TUNER INSPIRATION
Veloster Turbo's unique design takes inspiration from a custom high-performance sport bike. One of the most popular sport bike upgrades is to modify the exhaust. Hyundai designers have removed the Veloster's trapezoidal center exhaust and replaced it with two larger free flowing circular pipes. These new pipes and the new intake manifold also allowed engineers to give the engine a more robust sound, which will delight enthusiasts.

From a bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, through the sculpted side skirts and new dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser vents in the lower fascia, Veloster Turbo's design adds aggression and aerodynamic stability compared to the base model. Drivers following Veloster will also notice the Veloster Turbo will be available in a Hyundai first Matte Gray paint. A set of 18-inch gray wheels with chrome inserts completes the Veloster Turbo's recognized style. Veloster Turbo's face also has signature eight individual headlight LED accents.

SPORT-TUNED
Working in harmony with the aggressive appearance is the finely tuned suspension setup of the Veloster. Only key components in the steering were upgraded for the Veloster Turbo. Veloster Turbo features a quicker ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which both give drivers precise cornering, feedback and control. All Veloster Turbo's ride on Kumho Solus KH25 215/40R18 85V tires designed to extract the best performance out of the car without compromising the ride.

All Velosters are fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, a Hyundai-first with an integrated 23 mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater stiffness and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort.

All Velosters feature electric power steering that adjusts assistance instantly 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 35.1 feet and Mini Clubman's 36.1 feet.

NEW INTERIOR FEATURES
Inside, full leather seats with the word "Turbo" stitched into the seatbacks help deliver a unique look and provide exceptional support and comfort. An exclusive Supervision Cluster offers the driver information in a larger, clearer and more interactive format. This is due to the Supervision Cluster's two TFT screens located between the tachometer and the speedometer. Heated front seats are also standard on the Turbo version. The center stack and controls also resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate a push-button starter and alloy pedals.

SIX-SPEED MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC
To handle the power enhancements and keep with Hyundai's commitment to making fuel efficient vehicles, Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions were developed in house at Hyundai. The manual features a wider gear ratio spread (5.71 vs. 5.25) to handle the additional torque output. The high-revving turbo helps during acceleration, especially at highway speeds.
The Veloster Turbo is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifter and and Shiftronic® controls rather than the base Vesloster's EcoShift DCT. This is due to the increased torque output from the 1.6-liter Turbocharged-GDI engine. The gear ratio spread on the automatic transmission is slightly narrower than the DCT (6.0 vs. 6.38). A narrower spread maintains the engine in the power band when going from one gear to the other. The base Veloster's EcoShift DCT is tuned for fuel efficiency and not for the performance feel needed for the Veloster Turbo.

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 2,800 pounds, Veloster is 77 pounds lighter than the Honda Civic Si Coupe and 234 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.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Veloster Turbo has the same a 104.3-inch wheelbase, but the Turbo is 1.2 inches longer (167.3 inches) and .6 inches wider (71.1 inches).

Advanced Standard Safety Technologies: PART OF HYUNDAi'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT All Velosters have an exceptional level of standard safety features for the sporty car segment highlighted by a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides up to eight Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.
All Velosters feature six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags.

Velosters also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

CONNECTIVITY/TECHNOLOGY
In the digital age, everyone wants to be connected to their electronics at all times, so Velosters come standard with a multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display. At engine start-up, the screen comes to life with a Veloster image and a unique sound. There are three interface layouts the user can choose from.

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. (By selecting the thumbs down icon, that particular song will never be played again.)

• Pandora, the leading internet radio service, gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations available on a wide variety of connected devices.
• According to Nielsen, today Pandora is one of the top five most popular apps across all smartphone platforms.
• Pandora gives people music they love through personalized radio stations, created instantly from a single song, artist or composer "seed."
• Today, tens of millions of people have a deeply personal connection with Pandora, based on the delight of personalized radio listening and discovery.
• Pandora currently has more than 65 million listeners throughout the United States.

Gracenote improves how Veloster drivers access and manage their music, using enhanced voice recognition commands in concert with your iPod®. Gracenote MediaVOCS® technology improves the accuracy of the system's voice recognition capabilities for music search, letting drivers pinpoint artists, album and genre. For instance, Gracenote MediaVOCS® helps the system understand artist names like Beyoncé and AC/DC. Drivers can also use "The Boss" as a voice command to access tracks from Bruce Springsteen. In addition, the song's album cover art displays on Veloster's touchscreen.

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 when parked or watch videos on the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen.

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. An XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker.
A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is standard. Onboard navigation is optional. The system also integrates a rear-view camera and backup warning sensors.

HYUNDAI BLUE LINK
"Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package that works to both help simplify Hyundai owners' lives and reduce distracted driving," said Barry Ratzlaff, director of customer satisfaction and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. "We've carefully studied how drivers rely on smart phones and navigation systems as an innovative link to the outside world. Blue Link brings that seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice to text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Our agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system offers a 21st century solution to performing POI searches in the vehicle. This unique and innovative approach enables Hyundai to deliver fast, accurate searches and downloads of POIs to vehicles without traditional operator-only type systems of our competitors."

As part of the Blue Link launch, Hyundai also will provide Blue Link Assurance on Blue Link-equipped vehicles, which include core safety services for an introductory period. These key safety services include: Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) and Assistance, SOS Emergency Assistance, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. After the introductory period, owners of Blue Link-equipped vehicles can choose to extend these and other services as desired.
Blue Link Assurance further expands Hyundai's industry leadership formerly established by Hyundai Assurance, the industry's most comprehensive suite of new-vehicle protection. Hyundai Assurance already offers a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 5-years complimentary Roadside Assistance.

COLOR PALETTE
Veloster Turbo's aggressive personality means it can be dressed in an exclusive Matte Gray, a Hyundai first. All 2013 Velosters will be available in colors that fit the cars "own-it" attitude and characteristics of a long-distance runner, including Elite White. Interior color choices are Graphite Black or exclusive to the Turbo Graphite Black with Blue accents and headliner graphics for non-panoramic sunroof models.


HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.