New Hyundai Veloster launched in Korea
Hyundai launches new Veloster coupe in South Korea; limits its production to 18.000 units!
The long-anticipated Hyundai Veloster coupe made its official Korean-market premiere yesterday. The Veloster is Hyundai’s bran-new entry-level sports car which features unique three door styling and plenty of high-tech communication systems including the Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system. The company invested $240.8 million in the car over a 40-month R&D period.
Launched as a part of the carmaker’s new brand, called “Premium Youth Lab,” which targets younger consumers by offering the so-called “premium emotional values”, the new Veloster coupe is set to go on sale in Korea with a starting price of 19.4 million -Korean Won or $17.200 for the entry-level model and 20.95 million -Korean Won or $18.640 for the top ranging model.
During the official launching ceremony, Hyundai revealed it plans to limit production and sales of the new Veloster in the Korean market to 18.000 units annually in order to retain its premium value. The automaker also revealed it plans to commence the sales of new Veloster in the European market in the first half of 2011, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half of the year.
The Korean-market Hyundai Veloster uses same powertrain technology as the one scheduled to hit the North American market. Despite its small size, the highly-advanced 1.6L four-cylinder engine generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway. The 1.6L GDI unit produces 138 horsepower and maximum torque of 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. It is coupled with Hyundai’s brand-new dual clutch automatic transmission -DCT.
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10 Responses to New Hyundai Veloster launched in Korea
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Hyundai owners & enthusiasts, welcome!
How can the Veloster hold up to it’s name? 138HP, Seriously?
My 2011 Corolla Sport (that’s a rental) gets 133 HP in a 1.8L, and feels like I need to get out and push uphill or entering the highway.
Not impressed! Only thing semi-impressive is that it accomplishes 138HP in a 1.6L, and the 40mpg highway rating. Otherwise….fuhgedaboutit!
Jeff – this is for the look fast crowd to last until the turbo 1.6 is released. It is also a VERY light car.
jeff, if need much power? go for the genesis coupe. This is an entry level car. Expect only this rating for now.
Another reply to Jeff. Also don’t forget this model is aimed at Europe as much as (or perhaps more than) the US. You’re right that the non-turbo 1.6 isn’t going to win over the brand-conscious and performance-hungry UK motoring press, but the turbo might, and the normally aspirated 1.6 would sell well here. The market here is pretty different and 1.6 engines and 138bhp in smallish cars is our bread and butter — if not quite the cherry on the cake.
A car that will have a M.S.R.P. of around 15 or 16K fully equipped, that has a 1.6 ltr. engine with 138 h.p that withl over 40 m.p.g. highway fuel economy like the Ford Fiesta, and Jeff is still bitching……huh? Am I missing something? Perhaps you got to get out of you shitbox Toyota Corolla (sport) and get over to your Audi/BMW dealership and dig into your pockets for between 35 to 50K and do some serious shopping instead of “wishful dreaming”! What the hell you been smokin?
Jeff, what’s wrong with you dude? car is light weight and should handle extremely with 40 MPGs and under $20K USD and you’re complaining? The ultimate university/college car..
I’d take this Veloster over any corolla ANY DAY.. you can’t compare the two, except for similar hp.
There’s no reason to complain about the Veloster at all, this car will be a value for the money with everything it has to offer!
That’s just naughty guys- limited production.
I wonder will stateside versions be limited production as well.
If so the Sonata Turbo would a nice option- lets nuke those stupid R32s and Cooper JCWs.
Guys, there’s also the Elantra coupe on the way Hyundai has to think about.
Heirarchy
Veloster- Should have no more than 2.0 Turbo
Elantra Coupe- Should have no more than 2.4
Gen Coupe- Monster V8
Veloster- Hyundai’s Scirocco
Elantra Coupe- The real Tibby replacement as a new Tib would require more power than a Veloster
Gen Coupe- The ultimate lux coupe.
I have this feeling the Elantra Coupe will be the star of the New York Autoshow in 11 days, besides the Accent.
I’m really interested in how there going to price the Veloster & Elantra Coupe, anybody have anything on this?