Updated with new live pictures.

At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai will reveal a new turbocharged version of the 1+2 door Veloster sports coupe. Through the addition of a turbocharger, engineers at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, have boosted power output and increased low-end torque to best suit European driving tastes and enhance driver enjoyment.

The Veloster Turbo is the first Hyundai to feature the company’s 1,6-litre GDi engine with a high-compression, twin-scroll turbocharger. In European specification, this new T-GDi unit generates 186 ps and 270 Nm of torque. In non-turbocharged form, the Veloster offers 140 ps and 167 Nm. 

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “UK drivers tend to prefer more torque from a lower engine speed, so our European engineers have specified a set-up that still provides a substantial increase in power – up from 140 ps to 186 ps – while also delivering the desired low-end torque. The resulting package is very competitive against the performance of competitors such as VW Scirocco and Vauxhall Astra.” 

“Veloster has quickly established itself as a fun car and a unique proposition,” Whitehorn added. “The enhanced performance will increase the Veloster’s appeal for drivers who want the perfect combination of stand-out design, a fun drive and the practicality of a hatchback.” 

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (US-Spec)

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2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (EU-spec)

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Maximizing fuel efficiency and performance, the new engine has an air-guided intercooler, direct fuel injection system and dual CVVT, with a bed plate and a serpentine auxiliary belt adopted for enhanced engine reliability. Accelerating from 0-60 mph, Veloster Turbo takes just 8.4 seconds (manual) compared to the 9.7 seconds (manual) of the regular Veloster.

Veloster Turbo is fitted with a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which provide for precise cornering, feedback and control. As with the turbocharged engine, the front and rear suspension set-ups have been tuned to match the expectations of European drivers. 

The driving experience is further enhanced by the sport-tuned engine intake and exhaust notes: the trapezoidal centre tailpipes of the normally-aspirated Veloster have been replaced with two larger free-flowing circular pipes, allowing for a more robust sound. 

To handle the power enhancements, Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission – developed in-house by Hyundai – featuring a wider gear ratio spread to handle the additional torque output. 

The new Veloster Turbo has the same practical appeal as the original model, thanks to the innovative 1+2 door design. It also now features unique front and rear bumpers and foglights, new rear spoiler and grille, new 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with unique LED headlight accents, and unique LED taillights. These elements further accentuate the car’s eye-catching styling and add a greater emphasis on its performance.