Hyundai is planning a go-faster version of its oddball Veloster coupe – and our new spy photos suggest it will be a considerably harder, performance-oriented model.
Taken during hot-weather testing in the US, these new scoop shots reveal a Hyundai Veloster with a body kit and numerous technical changes.
Hyundai Veloster turbo: the spy photos
Our paps stole a shot under the bonnet, where the plumbing of a turbocharger installation and intercooler are clear to see. The Veloster is currently only available with a naturally aspirated 1.6 GDI petrol engine, but the bodywork changes to this prototype denote this is a more serious sporting derivative.
The beefed-up twin exhaust pipes denote the new sportier model, while the front-end styling has a mammoth restyled grille with extra openings aplenty to provide extra cooling to the tuned engine.
Will the Hyundai Veloster make a proper sports car?
It’s not clear yet exactly what chassis changes will be made, but this prototype Veloster is wearing slimline 40-section low-profile tyres.
The Veloster made its European debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, but it won’t go on sale in the UK until November 2011 for around £17,500. It’s been a long time coming; an eponymous car was first shown at 2007’s Seoul motor show.
It’s an unusual coupe/bread van in the mould of the VW Scirocco. Like the Mini Clubman, it has a 1+2 door configuration, although the Hyundai’s single rear door flips sides for left- or right-hand drive applications.
Hyundai expects to sell around 4000-6000 in the UK each year. But this is a global car; in the US, dealers hope to shift nearer six figures annually.