What happens when you pump 400 hp out of a Hyundai Veloster? You get the Velocity Concept.
If there were any significant complaints when the quirky little Hyundai Veloster first hit the road it was a lack of performance – a polite way of saying the original version was slightly slower than a snail. Hyundai clearly signaled its intent to resolve that problem with a sportier turbo concept it debuted at the annual SEMA aftermarket show last autumn.
For those who think the turbo version still leaves a little lacking, perhaps they might want to check out Hyundai’s newest Veloster-based show car which will make its appearance at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Marketers Assoc. gathering at the Las Vegas Convention Center later this month.
Poseur no more, the Hyundai Velocity Concept is designed to deliver everything possible from the edgy little hatchback – and to let us wonder just whether some of the tricks we’re seeing might eventually land in the showroom.
The project is a joint venture teaming the Hyundai America Technical Center in Irvine, California – known as HATCI – and the race wizards at Cosworth who provided significant engine upgrades including modified pistons, rods, fuel management and a high-boost, intercooled turbo. That’s enough to deliver a full 400 horsepower – just a whisker short of twice the stock Veloster Turbo’s 201 hp — and 350 pound-feet of torque from the compact 1.6-liter direct-injected inline-four.
Other powertrain modifications include a freer breathing exhaust system with a tuned note designed to underscore all that added power.
To put all that power to the pavement, the Hyundai Velocity Concept gets monotube Bilstein shocks, with Kumho Ecsta performance tires on 19-inch custom cast aluminum wheels. To scrub speed off, there are four-piston Brembo brakes.
As you might expect of a SEMA car, Hyundai has amped up the edge factor with a stubby nose improving engine and brake breathing, with rear braking ducts, as well. There’s a front spoiler, a lift-reducing rear diffuser – and the entire package is done up in a track-ready red, white and gray graphics package.
Hyundai completes the Velocity Concept with a custom rollbar and Katzkin leather and suede interior package.
“In creating Velocity, we were inspired to take the Veloster’s original concept strengths to their fullest expression,” said Chris Chapman, head of HATCI. “Velocity gave our design and engineering team’s license to take Veloster far beyond everyday production car limitations.”