2014 Veloster Adds Performance, Convenience And Safety Appeal

Hyundai’s convention-shattering Veloster adds even more convenience, safety and performance for 2014, further increasing the appeal of the popular sporty coupe. Both 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.

Veloster’s strong appeal is evident in the marketplace, with high sales velocities and tight supplies, particularly of the fully-loaded Veloster Turbo models. Overall, the popularity of high-content Velosters, both naturally-aspirated and turbo models, is yielding higher transaction prices and strong residual values. The first limited edition, Veloster RE:MIX, is nearly sold out, representing about 10 percent of Veloster sales during its availability period. Based on the success of the RE:MIX edition, Hyundai is bringing new Veloster special editions to the market in the near future. Look for the next Veloster performance model at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

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Veloster’s unique design takes inspiration from a high-performance sport bike. Veloster has distinctive black A-pillars that give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance. In the front is an aggressive form of Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille, hood scoop detailing, and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights.

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

Inside, the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate an available push-button starter. The air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike. Metallic accents abound throughout the interior. Alloy pedals and a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are also available.

On the Turbo, Hyundai designers have removed the Veloster’s trapezoidal center exhaust and replaced it with two larger, free-flowing round exhaust tips. Further, for 2014, Turbo models add Active Sound Design (later availability), providing richer in-cabin powertrain sound character for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.

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. Veloster Turbo is available in Matte Gray paint. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts completes the Veloster Turbo’s distinctive design signature. From the front, Veloster Turbo reveals eight individual headlight LED accents, a feature typical on more expensive models.

Inside the Turbo interior, leather seating surfaces with Turbo embroidering in the upper seatbacks help deliver a distinctive appearance while providing exceptional support and comfort. A turbo-exclusive electroluminescent gauge cluster offers driver information in a larger, clearer and more interactive format, with two TFT screens located between the tachometer and speedometer. Heated front seats are also standard on the Turbo version.

THE THIRD DOOR
Veloster combines the style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback, while also incorporating an additional passenger-side door. In the past, some coupes have used smaller rear-hinged access doors. These coupes have been compromised by having to open the driver-side door before the rear door could be opened, proving to be inconvenient for both the driver and passenger, and extremely difficult to operate in tight parking lot situations. Hyundai implements a conventionally hinged door on the passenger side of the Veloster, providing safe and ready access to the surprisingly spacious rear seats. The passenger-side rear door handle is hidden to maintain the coupe design.

GAMMA 1.6-LITER DIRECT-INJECTED ENGINE
The Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is the smallest Hyundai engine to use direct injection. This technology helps deliver more power, superior efficiency, lower emissions and higher reliability.

With direct-injection, the Gamma 1.6-liter engine with manual transmission delivers a peak output of 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. The Gamma engine with dual-clutch transmission delivers 132 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 120 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings, including CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.

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Hyundai’s commitment to making the Gamma engine extremely fuel efficient continues by pairing it with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission (DCT) developed by Hyundai.

Hyundai’s EcoShift DCT takes the benefits of a manual transmission, including low fuel consumption, and blends them with automatic transmission benefits, such as high comfort levels and smooth shift quality. In addition, the EcoShift DCT enables direct connection for high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer during shifts.

This powertrain also has an Active ECO mode which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy. The EcoShift DCT also incorporates Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC). HAC is designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents.

Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai. Veloster Turbo’s six-speed automatic transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC transmission gear control rather than the base Veloster’s EcoShift DCT. This transmission was engineered to handle the increased torque output from the turbocharged engine. The gear ratio spread on the automatic transmission is slightly narrower than the DCT (6.0 vs. 6.38) to keep engine speeds in the optimum power band during acceleration. The non-turbo Veloster’s EcoShift DCT was tuned specially for fuel efficiency rather than the higher torque and performance calibration of the Veloster Turbo.

VELOSTER TURBO PERFORMANCE
The 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected T-GDi four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. 2014 Veloster Turbo models add Active Sound Design (later availability) which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for an even more involving driving experience. Even more impressive, these Turbo models generate 201 horsepower on regular fuel, which represents a best-in-class specific output of 125.6 horsepower per liter.

VELOSTER TURBO VERSUS ITS RIVALS

TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGER WITH DIRECT-INJECTION
Unlike many of its direct competitors, Veloster Turbo’s impressive horsepower and torque ratings are based on regular fuel rather than more costly premium fuel. Hyundai’s 1.6-liter Gamma turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that, when combined with the direct-injection system, results in minimal turbo lag for responsive power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but Hyundai has brought this technology down to some of the most affordable models in its line-up.

Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets divided by split walls inside the turbine housing, with both gas passages controlled by a wastegate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine for quick and smooth responsiveness.

For example, at the start of the intake stroke of cylinder one and when both the intake and exhaust valves of cylinder one are open (valve overlap period), cylinder three already starts its exhaust stroke with the exhaust valve open. If the exhaust passages of cylinder one and three were connected, the exhaust gas pulse from cylinder three would increase the back pressure of cylinder one. This would reduce the induction of the fresh air and increase the amount of hot residual gases inside the cylinder. However, with the twin-scroll turbocharger setup, this interference is minimized and turbo spooling is more efficient.

The result of this superior scavenging effect from a twin-scroll design leads to better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine. This allows greater valve overlap, resulting in an improved quality and quantity of the air charge entering each cylinder. In fact, with more valve overlap, the scavenging effect of the exhaust flow alone can even draw more air in on the intake side. At the same time, drawing out the remainder of the low-pressure exhaust gases helps pack each cylinder with a purer and denser air charge. Maximum boost from the turbocharger is 18.0 psi.

Veloster’s twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response. The twin-scroll turbocharger design has other advantages over traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:

• Improved combustion efficiency
• Low engine-speed efficiency and response
• Cooler cylinder temperatures and exhaust temperatures
• Leaner air/fuel ratio

Special features of Hyundai’s twin-scroll turbocharger design include:

• Stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent-pending one-piece design
• Wastegate for the turbocharger uses a more responsive motor-driven electrical control instead of being mechanically controlled

With the integrated stainless-steel turbine housing within the exhaust manifold, not only is the weight and cost of the casting dramatically reduced, but the durability of the turbine housing is also improved. In addition, heat-energy recovery and thus turbo efficiency is significantly improved due to the traditional two-piece design effectively insulating some of the heat energy at the joint/gasket area.

By adapting the motor-driven electrical wastegate, the boost pressure is more precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the wastegate, which improves fuel efficiency. During cold starts, the wastegate remains open, which results in faster catalyst light-off timing for reduced exhaust emissions.

A direct-injection fuel delivery system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high-pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher-than-normal 9.5 compression ratio, while achieving a best-in-class 125.6 horsepower-per-liter.

VELOSTER FUEL EFFICIENCY
Through the application of these advanced engine technologies and weight-saving measures, Veloster Turbo and non-turbo not only offer solid performance from 1.6-liters of displacement, but superb fuel economy as well.

Veloster’s compelling combination of performance with efficiency is a formula many industry competitors are seeking to duplicate. Hyundai’s development focus on all the factors of efficient performance, such as direct-injection, small-displacement turbocharged engines, six-speed and dual-clutch transmissions, comprehensive light-weighting, efficient aerodynamics, and reduction of parasitic engine losses through electric-powered ancillaries, have combined to yield simultaneous benefits in performance and efficiency to the consumer.

SPORT-TUNED DYNAMICS
All Velosters are fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24-mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, a Hyundai-first, with an integrated 23-mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater rigidity and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort.

Veloster features electric power steering that adjusts assistance to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Veloster’s turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Mini’s 35.1 feet, Civic Si’s 35.4 feet, VW GTI’s 35.8 feet, VW Beetle Turbo’s 35.4 feet, and Fiat Abarth’s 37.6 feet.

TURBO MODEL: TORQUE VECTORING CONTROL
For 2014, Veloster Turbo models add 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.

Veloster Turbo also features a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which gives drivers precise cornering, feedback and control. All Veloster Turbos ride on Kumho Solus KH25 215/40R18 85V tires, designed to extract maximum performance without compromising ride.

OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The Veloster rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 166.1 inches and width of 70.5 inches. The Veloster Turbo has the same a 104.3-inch wheelbase, but the Turbo is 1.2 inches longer (167.3 inches) and 0.6 inches wider (71.1 inches).

WORLD-CLASS WEIGHT EFFICIENCY
World-class weight efficiency is a program target for all Hyundai models. This strategy delivers outstanding fuel economy and performance simultaneously. At just 2,584 pounds, the Veloster base model is more than 400 pounds lighter than the Scion tC and more than 80 pounds lighter than the Mini Cooper S. Further, at just 2,800 pounds, Veloster Turbo is 143 pounds lighter than the Honda Civic Si Coupe and 234 pounds lighter than the Volkswagen GTI. This priority on weight efficiency allows the Veloster Turbo to deliver a great combination of agility, performance, and fuel efficiency.

ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY
The 2014 Veloster features a rearview camera fitted to all models for superior parking visibility. Velosters have an exceptional level of standard safety features for the sporty coupe segment highlighted by a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist to counter this force. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

All Velosters feature six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Velosters also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

CONNECTIVITY
In the digital age, customers expect to be connected to their electronics at all times, so Velosters come standard with a multifunction seven-inch touchscreen display. At engine start-up, the screen comes to life with a Veloster image and a unique sound. There are even three interface layouts users can choose from to suit their personal taste.

Pandora internet radio is integrated into all Velosters. The display screen has a Pandora icon to stream internet radio from an iPhone or Android. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down.

• Pandora gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, via personalized radio stations.

• According to Nielsen, Pandora is one of the top five most popular apps across all smartphone platforms.
• Today, tens of millions of people have a deeply personal connection with Pandora, based on the delight of personalized radio listening and discovery.
• Pandora has more than 65 million listeners throughout the United States.

Gracenoteimproves how Veloster drivers access and manage their music, using enhanced voice-recognition commands in concert with an iPod. Gracenote MediaVOCStechnology improves the accuracy of the system’s voice recognition capabilities for music search, letting drivers pinpoint artists, album and genre. For instance, Gracenote MediaVOCS helps the system understand artist names like Beyoncé and AC/DC. For example, drivers can use “The Boss” as a voice command to access tracks from Bruce Springsteen. In addition, the song’s album cover art displays on Veloster’s touchscreen.

With video games being an important element of entertainment, Hyundai integrated an RCA cable and an available 115-volt power outlet in Veloster to support gaming consoles for ultimate gaming sessions or to watch videos on the seven-inch multimedia touchscreen when the vehicle is parked.

Veloster Turbo features a standard 450-watt Dimension Premium Audio system with eight speakers including an eight-inch subwoofer, external amplifier and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the head unit and features channel logos and Data services, such as NavWeather, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker.

A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is standard. Onboard navigation is optional. The system also integrates a rearview camera.

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE POWERED BY BLUE LINK
Hyundai’s telematics services program, Assurance Connected Care, is standard for three years on all 2014 Velosters equipped with Blue Link. This innovative ownership program provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services via the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle Car Care maintenance scheduling.

Hyundai also recently introduced an all-new mobile application for the Blue Link telematics platform. This mobile app allows subscribers to remotely access various optional Blue Link features and services through compatible mobile devices. Completely redesigned, the app has been significantly enhanced from the previous version and boasts a new user experience, faster navigation and innovative new features. Google Android and Apple iOS users can download the app today from Google Play or Apple iTunes, respectively. A BlackBerry version is also available.

Blue Link is an innovative telematics solution that brings seamless connectivity for safety, service and infotainment capabilities and is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

BLUE LINK PACKAGES

Blue Link Assurance package:

Safety:

• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance – Provides assistance when an accident occurs and an airbag is deployed. In this event, an ACN signal, containing customer and location information, will automatically be transmitted to the response center. Upon receipt of the signal, a response specialist will attempt to establish voice communications with the vehicle occupants and forward any pertinent information to emergency services.
• SOS Emergency Assistance – Customers request emergency assistance by pressing the dedicated SOS button in the vehicle. This action transmits vehicle information and location to specially-trained response specialists, who assist in coordinating the dispatch of appropriate emergency assistance to the customer. The response specialist will remain on the line with the customer until advised assistance has arrived.
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance – Enables customers to utilize their Hyundai Assurance 24/7 Roadside Assistance via a single in-vehicle button-press. With Blue Link, vehicle information (including location) is automatically transmitted to a response center, enabling the specialist to dispatch assistance more quickly and efficiently for vehicle assistance and retrieval.

Car Care:

• Maintenance Alert – Notifies customers in the vehicle as well as via website, email or SMS message that an upcoming service is due leading up to the service date.
• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification – Provides explanation and repair assistance using vehicle data and off-board diagnosis capabilities to better inform the customer of vehicle diagnostic alerts. A combination of in-vehicle display alerts and guided voice messages provides customers with additional instructions (information is also sent to the customer’s preferred dealer to assist with the diagnostic process).
• Recall Advisor – Provides all pertinent recall information should a recall be initiated.
• Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Web Vehicle Diagnostics – Provides a report of vehicle diagnostics and other important information in a monthly email report and web page update, starting 30 days after registering with the Blue Link service.
• Service Link – Connects to a Blue Link agent to schedule a service appointment. For non-maintenance appointments, a recording of the request will be sent to the preferred dealer in advance of the service appointment to help them prepare for the service visit.

Blue Link Essentials package:

Remote Access:

• Remote Door Lock/Unlock – Enables locking or unlocking vehicle doors via smartphone application, owner’s website, or a toll-free number.
• Remote Horn and Lights – Enables activating the horn and/or lights via smartphone application, owner’s website, or a toll-free number.
• Remote Vehicle Start – Enables customers to start the vehicle via smartphone application, owner’s website, or a toll-free number for vehicles equipped with push-button start and either automatic or dual-clutch transmissions.
• Car Finder – (Exclusively available via mobile app). Allows you to find your vehicle on a map if you are within a 1-mile radius of your vehicle and to save your vehicle’s location for future reference.

Vehicle Safeguard:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery – In the event a customer’s vehicle is reported stolen (and a stolen vehicle report has been filed with the appropriate police department), the response center can provide assistance to the police in an attempt to recover the vehicle.
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown – Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to gradually reduce the engine power of the vehicle, thus slowing it down to safe levels. A warning will be transmitted to the driver prior to the slowdown procedure.
• Vehicle Immobilization – Used with Stolen Vehicle Recovery, this enables law enforcement to send a signal to the vehicle which immobilizes the engine management system, thus preventing startup. This capability is only valid when the ignition is off, but the command can be saved by the Engine Control Unit for later immobilization if the vehicle is on or in motion at the time of signal transmission.
• Alarm Notification – Notifies customers when and where the vehicle alert is activated via a text message, email or an automated phone call.
• Panic Notification – Notifies customers when the panic button on their vehicle key fob has been activated, signifying when a family member or other vehicle occupant may be in danger. Notifications are configured online and transmitted via email or phone call.

• Valet Alert – Enables alert via email, text message or automated phone message when the customer’s vehicle moves beyond a prescribed distance threshold after leaving the vehicle with the valet.
• Geo-Fence – Enables monitoring vehicle movement in and out of pre-defined regions configured on the owner’s website. When the vehicle enters or leaves a designated region, the customer is notified by email, text message or automated phone message.
• Speed Alert – Notifies the customer via email, text message or automated phone message when their vehicle exceeds the specified speed threshold established on the owner’s website. This provides high value for parents of teen drivers and small fleet customers.
• Curfew Alert – Notifies owners if the vehicle is being used outside a pre-determined time interval. Alerts are configured online and sent via email, text message and/or automated phone message.

Blue Link Guidance package:

• TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service – Provides turn-by-turn navigation guidance for downloaded Points of Interest. Both visual and audio guidance is provided for vehicles without factory navigation.
• POI Search by advanced voice recognition system and by Web and download – Enables Point-of-Interest in-vehicle searches using an automated voice system. Results can be downloaded to the vehicle navigation system. Live operators can provide additional support, if needed. POI search by Web and mobile app enables sending destinations to vehicle for automatic download after starting the vehicle.
• Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition – Enables customers to pre-define several routes to a common destination and receive regularly-scheduled traffic alerts for traffic delays along those routes. Results include flow and incident data, along with “Fastest Route” recommendation if applicable.
• Traffic – Provides traffic information surrounding the customer’s vehicle and in the nearby area, based on preferences established using the owner’s website.
• Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices – Locates the nearest gas stations by price and provides brand and regular unleaded fuel price. Results are played back via automated voice and can be downloaded to the vehicle’s navigation system.
• Eco-Coach – Monitors the customer’s driving performance habits (MPG and CO2 emissions) on a continual and historical basis. Results and environmentally responsible driving recommendations are provided on the owner’s website.
• Restaurant Ratings – Provides restaurant ratings for local restaurants with address download for turn-by-turn navigation or onboard navigation.
• Weather – Provides weather forecasts for the immediate area or for customer-defined locations within the owner’s website.