Hyundai Launches Veloster in S. Korea

As part of the company’s new brand, called ‘Premium Youth Lab,’ which targets the younger generation by offering "premium emotional values", Hyundai has launched the new Veloster in South Korea today.

The company has announced that it will limit production and sales of the Veloster in the Korean market to 18,000 units annually in order to optimize its premium value. Prices will start at KRW19.4 million ($17,200) and go up to KRW20.95 million ($18,640). Hyundai plans to start sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of this year, followed by the US and other general markets in the second half.

Hyundai introduced its cutting-edge Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door configuration for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai's first dual-clutch transmission.

The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-pot is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). "Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient, and has fewer emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) powertrain director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

Peak output is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, while maximum torque is 123 lb-ft at 4,850 rpm. The engine also features Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company]