(February 16, 2015) CHICAGO — Hyundai unveiled a new Rally Edition, coupled with significant design, dynamic and connectivity enhancements to its Veloster coupe at the Chicago Auto Show last week. The Veloster Rally Edition builds upon Veloster Turbo R-Spec enthusiast credentials, with a more performance-focused suspension, RAYS lightweight wheels with wide 225/40R18 tires, carbon-fiber-look aero accents, unique badging and floor mats.

The Rally Edition is a limited production run planned for 1,200 units, all in a stunning Matte Blue paint, guaranteeing exclusivity to its enthusiast owners. 2016 Veloster will be available at dealers in May 2015.



In addition, the 2016 Veloster Turbo model now offers a performance-oriented 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a new machined-finish turbo-exclusive wheel design, a sportier seat design, enhanced electroluminescent gauge cluster and black headliner. The Veloster non-turbo receives a new 17-inch wheel design and available black seats with yellow accents.

Also for 2016, all Veloster models offer a revised hood appearance without vent accents, a dark gray grille surround, 10mm-wider tires fitted to all 18-inch wheels, and new audio/navigation system functions (HD Radio, Apple Siri, and next-generation Blue Link.

All Veloster and Veloster Turbo models feature cutting-edge powertrain technologies like direct injection, optimizing their appeal to youthful customers by combining excellent fuel economy, spirited performance and low emissions without compromise.

The Veloster Rally Edition leverages the street credibility established by the Turbo R-Spec model, according to Hyundai. It features a higher performance tune for the springs, dampers, and front stabilizer bar, for even more responsive and precise handling capabilities.

Complementing these suspension tuning upgrades, RAYS lightweight alloy wheels have been fitted, reducing unsprung weight by five pounds per wheel for even better dynamic response and a distinctive sports appearance. The aero kit features carbon-fiber-look accent covers for a sporty appearance, with Rally Edition exterior badging.

The Rally Edition is only available in an exclusive Matte Blue exterior color and black leather with blue-accented sport seats and only with the short-shifting B&M Racing Sport Shifter and 6-speed manual transmission. Finally, embroidered floormats round out the distinctive look of this special performance model.

In profile, the Veloster features “Fluidic Sculpture” character lines, muscular wheel arches, body color door handles and mirrors, and wraparound headlights and taillights. Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch and dual center-fascia chrome exhaust tips that complement the assertive front fascia.

On the Turbo, the Veloster offers two distinctive, free-flowing round exhaust tips. Further, all Turbo models feature Active Sound Design, providing richer in-cabin powertrain sound character for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.
2016 Veloster Turbo

From the bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, ground effects, rear bumper fascia, and prominent diffuser vents, Veloster Turbo’s design adds aggression and aerodynamic stability compared with the base model. A new set of machined-finish 18-inch alloy wheels with argent spoke bevels add sophistication and sportiness to the side profile. From the front, Veloster Turbo reveals eight individual headlight LED accents, a feature typical on more expensive models.

Inside the Veloster Turbo, leather seating surfaces with Turbo embroidering on the side bolsters help deliver a distinctive appearance while providing higher levels of comfort and support. For 2016, orange-accented seat bolsters are available with Ultra Black and Vitamin C exterior colors on the turbo model, and the turbo-exclusive electroluminescent gauge cluster has been enhanced, offering the driver information in a larger, clearer and more interactive format, with a larger TFT screen located between the tachometer and speedometer. Heated front seats are also standard on the Turbo version.

Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a new for 2016 seven-speed dual clutch (DCT) automatic transmission. Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai. The new Veloster Turbo seven-speed automatic transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC transmission gear control, and is more performance-tuned in comparison with the non-turbo model’s DCT.

This transmission was specifically engineered to handle the increased torque output from the turbocharged engine. The non-turbo Veloster’s EcoShift DCT was tuned especially for fuel efficiency rather than the higher torque and performance calibration of the Veloster Turbo seven-speed DCT.

The heart of the Turbo R-Spec is the responsive, 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged engine, along with unique design cues and enhanced chassis tuning. Sport suspension and steering settings have been retuned for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount. The Turbo R-Spec offers a 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw B&M Racing Sport Shifter for a tighter, more direct shift feel.

New for 2016, the seat belts for the Turbo R-Spec are now red, reflecting the model’s performance intent. Inside, red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats complement special embroidered-logo R-Spec floor mats for a sporty ambience. On the exterior, R-Spec badging adorns the rear hatch. Veloster Turbo R-Spec is available in three exterior colors: Elite White, Ultra Black and Pacific Blue.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,750 rpm. Veloster Turbo models feature Active Sound Design, which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for an even more involving driving experience. Turbo models generate 201 horsepower on regular fuel, which represents a best-in-class specific output of 125.6 horsepower per liter.

All Veloster Turbo models offer Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature, utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, allows Veloster Turbo to improve dynamic cornering during more enthusiastic driving. TVC uses wheel speed sensors coupled with ESC algorithms to apply precise braking force to the inside front wheel during spirited cornering.

This active braking redirects power to the outside front wheel in the turn, reducing wheelspin for enhanced cornering grip and corner-exit acceleration. Overall, this provides Veloster Turbo drivers with an incremental margin of cornering precision during enthusiastic driving.