Hyundai had their press conference recently, where they revealed a new addition to their Veloster lineup for the 2014 model year. The new model is a supposed high-performance Veloster Turbo R-Spec, which receives a slew of new updates, potentially promising the sportier Veloster many of us have been holding out for.
Set to go on sale next month with availability beginning in February of 2014, the new 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec sports changes such as unique styling, sport-tuned suspension and steering, a standard six-speed manual with a B&M Racing Sport short-throw shifter, and R-Spec badging inside and out. Official power ratings for the 1.6L turbocharged four-banger have not been revealed.
More importantly however, Hyundai also confirmed that there will be more high-performance R models due in the future to follow in the footsteps of the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec models. That said, we could expect Hyundai to adopt their R-Spec line as the equivalent performance division of Hyundai, like BMW has M and Mercedes-Benz has AMG.
HYUNDAI TURBO R-SPEC MODEL JOINS VELOSTER LINE-UP
New R-Spec Model Provides a More Focused Performance Package for Tuners and Enthusiasts
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 – Hyundai today announced the addition of the Veloster Turbo R-Spec to its line-up at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The heart of the R-Spec is the responsive, aftermarket-tunable 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged engine, along with unique design cues, enhanced chassis tuning, a B&M Racing® Sport Shifter, and the lowest price point in the Veloster Turbo lineup. R-Spec production will begin in December 2013 with availability in early February 2014.
Veloster Turbo R-Spec is the fourth R-Spec model in Hyundai’s lineup, following in the footsteps of Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec, Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec and Genesis 5.0 R-Spec. R-Spec represents the ultimate performance version of each of these models. For Veloster Turbo R-Spec, sport suspension and steering settings have been retuned for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount. On the powertrain side, R-Spec is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, and a short-throw B&M Sport Shifter has been added for a tighter, more direct shift feel.
2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec Highlights
Unique R-Spec suspension and steering tuning for enhanced agility and feel
6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with new shift knob design
Short-throw B&M Racing® Sport Shifter for a tighter, high-precision shift feel
Red exterior accents on front splitter and side blades (optional; later availability)
Red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats (in lieu of standard leather on other Veloster Turbo models)
R-Spec embroidered-logo floor mats and R-Spec exterior badging
Lowest MSRP Veloster Turbo model: $22,110, including $810 destination charge
“We’re thrilled to add the Veloster Turbo R-Spec to our growing family of enthusiast-oriented R-Spec models”, said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The R-Spec takes the Veloster theme of affordable performance to an entirely new level that is sure to appeal to driving enthusiasts.”
On the exterior, R-Spec adds a sporty red-accented front splitter and side blades, with R-Spec badging on the rear hatch. Inside, red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats complement special embroidered-logo R-Spec floor mats for a sporty ambience. Veloster Turbo R-Spec will be available in four colors: Elite White, Ultra Black, Marathon Blue, and exclusively for 2014 Veloster, Sprint Gray.
In keeping with its purist driving focus, some standard equipment from the Turbo model has been deleted from the R-Spec, such as proximity-key entry with push-button start, premium gauge cluster, side-repeater mirrors, driver’s auto-up window, high-gloss interior cues and full-faced heated leather seats.
Adding to the focused driving experience for all 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec and Turbo models is Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature, utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, improves 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, TVC provides Veloster Turbo R-Spec drivers with an incremental margin of cornering precision during enthusiastic driving.
Inside the cabin, 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec and Turbo models receive Active Sound Design (later availability), which provides richer in-cabin powertrain resonance for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.