Hyundai Veloster Coupe expected to achieve 40 PPG and top Honda CRZ fuel economy…

The up-coming Hyundai Veloster Coupe, which is scheduled to make its official premiere at the 2010 Paris Auto Show in October (officially starts on October 2nd) will not only be fast, but also extremely fuel efficient (for a sports car).

According to John Krafcik, the all-new entry-level Hyundai coupe will hit 40 MPG fuel economy and will beat its main rival, the Honda CR-Z hybrid car, which can achieve “only” 36 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on highway.

The as-yet-unnamed Hyundai coupe will achieve above mentioned fuel economy figures without a hybrid set-up, which is a remarkable achievement for Hyundai brand and once again proves that the South Korean carmaker has become the company that’s setting up latest vehicle’s fuel economy standards.

Reportedly, the forth-coming Hyundai Coupe will feature a 1.6L four-cylinder GDI engine with estimated power-output of 140+ horsepower. The fuel-sipping four-cyl. engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission – rumored to be a dual clutch gearbox similar to VW’s DSG gearbox.

In addition to being more fuel efficient, the Veloster two-door coupe will also be more fun to drive than Honda’s reborn CRX, the CR-Z coupe. The model will feature a suspension set-up tuned to provide firm and sporty ride. And according to John Krafcik, the president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, the upcoming two-door coupe will also be more spacious that the CR-Z coupe. It will offer seating for four-people instead of only two like the CR-Z.

Another detail that Krafcik let slip is that all models will have a large in-dash screen, presumably to manage connectivity features in addition to more traditional vehicle functions. It’s still to early to speculate on the vehicle’s pricing, but according to Krafcik, the 2012 Hyundai (Veloster) coupe will be an affordable entry-level coupe with prices set low enough to attract younger folks and first-time car buyers.