Over the past few years, Hyundai has participated with zest in all previous SEMA shows with plenty of cars, and it plans to continue doing so at the 2012 edition of the world’s biggest aftermarket gathering that takes place in Sin City at the end of this month.
After the ARK Performance- and the Cosworth-prepped Genesis Coupes, the Korean car manufacturer today announced details on a third concept that will debut in SEMA, this one based on the smaller Veloster hatch.
The heavily modified Veloster is named the “Velocity” and it represents a joint effort between the Design and Engineering divisions of Hyundai America Technical Center in Irvine, California.
“In creating Velocity, we were inspired to take the Veloster’s original concept strengths to their fullest expression,” explained Chris Chapman, head of Hyundai’s Irvine, California design center. “Velocity gave our design and engineering teams license to take Veloster far beyond everyday production car limitations.”
Once again, renowned British engine tuner and builder Cosworth offered its expertise to turn the Veloster’s stock 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-banger into a performance beast.
Thanks to a series of upgrades that include performance pistons, rods, turbocharger, intercooler, intake manifold, intake-charging design, fuel system and engine management, output and torque increase from 201Hp and 195 lb-ft to 400Hp and 350 lb-ft respectively.
The power gains under the hood are matched by changes to the chassis with a new suspension featuring Bilstein springs with monotube dampers, a Brembo brake kit with 4-piston calipers and two-piece rotors, and a new set of 19-inch rims wrapped in beefy Kumho Ecsta SPT 275/35R19 high performance summer tires.
The Velocity also benefits from an overly aggressive wide body kit with a huge rear wing and lift-reducing rear diffuser, as well as changes to the cabin with the fitment of a roll bar and a Katzkin custom suede leather interior.
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