Hyundai CEO Krafcik on production Veloster: "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX"
2007 Hyundai Veloster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last February, we revealed that a production version of the Hyundai Veloster was in the works and would likely hit the market as a late 2011 or 2012 model. At the time, we were hoping for a modern reincarnation of the classic Honda CRX, and it seems like Hyundai may be answering our calls.
Speaking to Inside Line, Hyundai of America's President and CEO John Krafcik says the new machine will look 70% to 80% like the Veloster concept that we saw firsthand at the LA Auto Show in 2007, and it will feature some sort of unique styling element. Says Krafcik, "It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment."
Krafcik goes on to say the car will be significantly smaller than the firm's own Genesis Coupe (not to mention the Kia Forte) and it will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-banger fortified with direct injection that will offer up 140 horsepower while returning over 40 miles per gallon.
"Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage," he said. "Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." Sounds like a winner. All that's left to figure out is the car's name, which may or may not end up being either Veloster or Tiburon.
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Hale 8:06PM (7/08/2009)
sign me up! seems like a good economical and fun ride.
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sanimalp 12:10AM (7/09/2009)
You can have the hyundai.. I want this.. http://mycomputerninja.com/?p=260
Bobmarley 7:53AM (7/09/2009)
@ sanimalp
Is that CRX SiR true? I never saw anything about it? Thats sick!
I just hope it doesnt cost too much!?
geo.stewart 7:56AM (7/09/2009)
1) the CRX SiR is an April Fools if you read it.
2) the original CRX is the best 'green' model out there, if you read the article in Automobile and agree. It was a good car first and a green car second. The car only had 60hp but weighed less than a ton.
If Veloster manages to keep the wieght down by today's standard and shoehorn in the Forte motor, I'm signing up day 1.
Motor_Yakuza 9:07AM (7/09/2009)
What a pathetic try to copy the original CRX, don't worry the CR-ZX will come and and kick this Hyundai's ass so bad that it will hit the cash 'n' clunkers program.
http://i42.tinypic.com/2cnzfqh.jpg
tankd0g 9:12AM (7/09/2009)
Just what we need form Honda, another door stop shaped car.
PJ 10:31AM (7/09/2009)
Well, I'm intrigued. It's not like Honda builds Hondas anymore, what with the electric steering and strut suspensions and ever-increasing size and heft--the new Si is nowhere near as much fun as it ought to be.
I'd love for another automaker to take up the lightweight, mechanically direct, good-handling cause, whether it's Hyundai or anyone else.
ConceptVBS 1:21PM (7/09/2009)
@ motor_yakuza(aka gaijin)
what is so pathetic about this Hyundai? Hyundai will come out with a spiritual successor to the CRX even before Honda does. Who is pathetic now?
P.V. 8:10PM (7/08/2009)
Sweet! I wouldn't be surprised if Hyundai picks up where Honda left off in terms of zippiness and tossability.
Sign me up too!
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zamafir 8:57PM (7/08/2009)
count me in as well for a daily driver if it's half as good as they're promising.
boost4 10:32PM (7/08/2009)
Or as a 4 passenger vehicle like a Honda CRX, are they picking up where Mazda left off with the MX3...
SimbaDogg 11:49PM (7/08/2009)
why honda has completely failed to reincarnate the CRX is beyond me. It was my first car 10 years ago, and i must say to this day was one of the most fun things i've ever driven. When things get good, i'm really thinking about buying a CRX rolling shell so i can build another one from the ground up.
Bobmarley 7:55AM (7/09/2009)
@ SimbaDog
Your dream car...
http://mycomputerninja.com/?p=260
Alan 8:14PM (7/08/2009)
*YAWN*
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VW GTi 8:17PM (7/08/2009)
The back needs a bit of work, but other than that sign me up as well. A CRX type vehicle has been sorely missed.
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Neil 8:18PM (7/08/2009)
I'd rather a 4 passenger Honda CRX myself....one can dream right?
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VW GTi 8:23PM (7/08/2009)
Or, one could hope that the proposed CR-Z will amount to something good. Again, one can only hope.
http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-z/
Neil 8:34PM (7/08/2009)
Too true. :)
Dru 9:59PM (7/08/2009)
Then just buy the rear bench seat from the JDM CRX, while it doesn't give you much room you could technically call it a 4 seater.... though my friend has it in his CRX and I can't really fit back their.
groundZ 8:18PM (7/08/2009)
Over 40 mpg? I mean, I wish it were true, but isn't that being a bit too ambitious?
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