Hyundai Veloster Receives Upgrades, New Rally Edition Unveiled

CHICAGO – Hyundai makes a number of upgrades to its ’16 Veloster turbo sports car, including the addition of a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a new wheel design.

Unveiled at the Chicago auto show here, the revamped Veloster also receives sportier seats, an enhanced electroluminescent gauge cluster and black headliner. The non-turbo version gets a new wheel design and optional black seats with yellow accents.

On the exterior, the ’16 Veloster features Hyundai’s signature Fluidic Sculpture character lines; new muscular wheel arches; body-color door handles and mirrors; and wraparound headlights and taillights.

Out back, the new rear fascia boasts a distinctive glass hatch and dual chrome exhaust tips that complement the front fascia.

On the turbo, the Veloster has two round exhaust tips and Hyundai’s Active Sound Design, which accentuates powertrain sound for a more engaging driving experience.

The ’16 Veloster is powered by 1.6L engine that when mated to a manual transmission delivers 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb.-ft. (166 Nm).  Paired with the DCT it delivers 132 hp and 120 lb.-ft. (162 Nm) of torque.

The mill also features dual continuously variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and anti-friction coatings.

The 1.6L turbocharged, direct-injected inline 4-cyl. engine produces 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. (264 Nm) of torque. The Veloster turbo also gets retuned sport suspension and steering settings for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount.

In addition to the refreshed standard ’16 Veloster models, Hyundai unwraps the new Rally Edition, which features a higher performance tune for the springs, dampers and front stabilizer bar.

Lightweight alloy wheels also have been fitted, which reduce unsprung weight 5 lbs. (2.2 kgs) per wheel for better response and a sportier appearance.

An aero kit features carbon-fiber-look accent covers with Rally Edition exterior badging. The Rally Edition is available only in an exclusive Matte Blue exterior color and black leather with blue-accented sport seats and only with a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.

The ’16 Veloster will hit dealerships in May. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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