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Seoul Motor Show: Hyundai Veloster Concept swoops in
Click image for photo gallery
Hyundai unveiled three new vehicles at the Seoul Motor Show, and the first we'll talk about is the sporty-looking Veloster coupe concept. According to the PR materials, the Veloster has potential Gen-Y shoppers in its sights, and to be sure, it's an attractive little coupe. The trapezoidal grille opening reminds us a lot of the new Mitsubishi Lancer / Evo X, and the overall shape is similar to a number of other vehicles in this class. The roof is mostly glass, with a metal, bodywork-colored "mohawk" running through the middle. The CHMSL that's integrated into the tail end of the "mohawk" behind the rear glass is a slick touch. The triangular, shoulder-mounted taillamps and single, center exhaust outlet add some flair to the car's posterior.
Inside, a terrific-looking retro/modern interior incorporates neat features such as an iPod dock in the center console and an Engine Start button on the top of the shift knob. Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder that drives the front wheels via a 5-speed manual. Whether or not the study will eventually amount to anything on the consumer side is anyone's guess, but as concepts go, it's fun without being totally outlandish.
[Source: Hyundai]
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept
PRESS RELEASE:
Hyundai Unveils Trio of New Vehicles
at 2007 Seoul Motor Show
• Veloster sporty coupe concept targets Y-Gen
• New H-1 reinvigorates Hyundai's competitiveness in vans
• FD estate wagon expands C-segment offering
(Seoul, Korea) In a demonstration of its growing design and engineering capabilities, Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled three brand-new models at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show which opened at KINTEX today. Leading the trio was the Veloster, a sporty coupe which caters to the unique requirements of the Y-generation. Joining the sporty concept car were two production models: the TQ van, a thoroughly fresh interpretation of Hyundai's hugely successful H-1 van and the FD estate wagon, styled at the company's European Design Center in Russelsheim which marks Hyundai's long-awaited return to this popular segment.
Veloster
Styled at Hyundai's Design and Technical Center at Namyang, the Veloster (codenamed HND-3) coupe is the third in a series of daring concept cars to be developed by the central styling studio in Korea. The Veloster name, a compound of velocity and roadster evokes the sporty characteristics of a classic two-plus-two. A panoramic glass roof and other futuristic styling cues help project a high-tech image.
Designed to cater to the tastes of the Y-generation, Veloster combines simple, iconic design with good value and robust construction.
"With Veloster, we wanted to try something really different. We're keenly aware that we need radically new products for the Y-generation, the first-time twenties something buyer," said Oh Suk-Geun, Hyundai's vice president of design. "This is really a bold new direction," he added.
Technical Specifications:
Veloster / HND-3
Length: 4,100
Width: 1,790
Height: 1,450
Wheelbase: 2,600
Tires: 245/35 R 20
Powertrain: FWD 2.0-liter DOHC Theta inline 4-cylinder w/ 5-speed automatic
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Waltzon 5:04PM (4/07/2007)
Ok, 3 things.
#1 Why is it that car companies always wonder whether or not they should build something like this? When was the last time that someone built a quality, innovative, relatively eye-catching car that was fun to drive and no one bought it? Right. Never.
#2 Is it just me, or is Hyundai turning into an actual CAR company? Seriously. I thought they made motorized skateboards and other appliances, but now I am thinking they are taking this whole automobile thing seriously.
#3 Firsties! Sweet!
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The Penguin 5:29PM (4/07/2007)
The Veloster concept looks more like a three door hatchback than a true coupe. This would be the first time Hyundai made something exciting if they could keep the weight down.
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Tal 5:47PM (4/07/2007)
Are those rear seats and panoramic glass necessary?
Otherwise ....Nice.
Would hope the suspension is sporty also.
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retsel 9:18PM (4/07/2007)
i dont know... but is it just just me.. this car is hot... i am impressed... make this a little hybrid or plug in electric car... and this be the a high selling chick car second only to the mini or miata...
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986guy 9:24PM (4/07/2007)
Is it just me or do the doors kinda look like they were inspired by the doors off the Lambo Miura? Good job but I hate the marketing of it, "The Gen-Y twenties first car buyer" just rubs me the wrong way for some reason.
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geo.stewart 10:52PM (4/07/2007)
Gee, isnt this the same car they posted on the other day and dissed for not being progressive enough?
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Waltzon 11:28PM (4/07/2007)
The Penguin--
From Hyundai, we will take what we can get. I couldn't care a whole lot less about pigeonholing the car into one particular genre, but if it looks good (and this does) and drives well and comes with the kind of price and reliability that Hyundai has shown lately, I am all in favor of it.
First the new Sonata, then the Azera, the new SantaFe and several very promising concepts in the last few months... maybe I should be buying Hyundai stock.
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step 4:36AM (4/08/2007)
FINALLY a desirable car from Hyundai
I doubt they'll make it
If it ever goes into production- i'll buy one
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Maineiac 1:50PM (4/08/2007)
This HND-3 could very well be the model to fill in the lower-end segment of the new Luxury brand Hyundai will soon be introduce.
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Toy Yoda 2:56AM (4/09/2007)
The front kind of reminds me of the new Mitsu Evo X. Which I think is kinda cool.
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Justin 7:59AM (4/09/2007)
Other than the possible massive blind spot from the C-pillars...i like it
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tr67 10:34AM (2/02/2008)
Hyundai continues to impress. They should definitely produce this, but make it a convertible since they don't have one in the line up. If they make this get 30 mpg and typical reasonable Hyundai pricing, I would buy at least 2.
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Nick Ford 7:46PM (5/09/2007)
The front bumper looks like Hyundai took the styling of the Mitsubishi Evo X and mixed it with the shape of the '07 Eclipse almost
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Larry 5:55PM (9/05/2007)
Ashamedly, I used to mock Hyundai. One day, late December 2002, I was at a stop light, and a cute little coupe pulled up next to me. I asked myself, "what is that, a mini-Ferrari?" Then I noticed the name, Tiburon, the newly restyled 2003, (replacing the hideous one from before) I checked the reviews, all good, and the PRICE? $20 G LIST! LOADED! I took a chance, paid $19....... 4and a half years and 50k miles later? OMG! I love it! One of the very best cars I have ever owned. Sure, I wish it were a bit faster...... but, my PREVIOUS FAMOUS RIDES? ALL SO FAST? ALL LIVED in the shop! 73 Pantera, 89 20th annivrsary Turbo Trans-Am, etc, ALL fast, and ALWAYS in the shop! And, with the Tib, I don't see myself on every corner...... I feel so smug....discovering such a good deal. and the dealership? Unbelievable! They treat me as if I drove a Lex! My Latina service writer (Miami here) HUGS ME when I come in there! I spread the word about Hyundai wherever I can, and, yeah, MOCK ME if you want! It won't matter, I had the car paid off in one year! and the warranty is 10/100!
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