Meet the 2012 Hyundai Veloster

Rumored for quite a few years now, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe has made its world debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. With an exterior design inspired by a high-performance sport bike, the new Veloster is a sporty coupe that delivers an impressive 40 mpg and the same functionality as any hatchback coupe out there.

The 2012 Veloster is powered by an all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). Delivering an impressive 138 HP, the engine is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an all-new, six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). What’s mpressive about the Veloster is not only the 40 mpg fuel economy, but also its specific output: 86.3 HP per liter, better than any of its competitors.

For anyone that has been waiting for the new Veloster for a long time, the wait was definitely worth it. The equipment list will include technologies that will make the car more fun to drive than any other on the market.

Inspired by a high-performance sport bike, the Veloster features distinctive black A-pillars that give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance, an aggressive signature hexagonal front grille, hood scoop detailing, and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. The rear gets dual centered chrome exhaust tips and a black lower fascia that complements the assertive front fascia. The car sits on a set of standard 17" alloy wheels. Further customization of the car can be had with a chrome grille surround, piano black highlights, fog lights, a massive panoramic sunroof and 18-inch wheel with painted inserts.

The list of exterior colors include: Century White, Ironman Silver, Triathlon Gray, Ultra Black, Marathon Blue, Electrolyte Green, 26.2 Yellow, Vitamin C, and Boston Red.

Getting access to the rear seat in a coupe is sometimes a difficult task, but Hyundai has taken this into consideration as well with a conventionally hinged door on the passenger side that provides safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. This door’s handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design.

The same motorcycle inspired theme also continues on the interior. The center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate an available push-button starter. The air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, and the floor console mirrors by the seat of a bike. A distinctive sporty look is being offered by alloy pedals and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The 2012 Veloster is being offered with Pandora internet radio that can stream internet radio from an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry. A 196-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jack is offered as standard equipment, but Hyundai also offers a 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight speakers including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier or a Touchscreen navigation system that also integrates a rear-view camera.

Under the hood of the 2012 Veloster, Hyundai has placed an all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 38 HP at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. Mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an all-new, six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the engine delivers an impressive 40 mpg (est). It also has one of the most impressive specific outputs out there; 86.3 HP per liter (for comparison’s sake, a 2012 Scion tC is 72.0).

The new engine features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts that provide optimum power, efficiency, and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared to using it only on the intake camshaft including an improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency) and fuel economy (reduced pumping loss), and a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions.

For a fun to drive experience, the Veloster is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. Hyundai also offers a sport-tuned electric power steering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system.