New Hyundai Veloster sports coupe launch

Hyundai launches new Veloster sports coupe in South Korea.

Hyundai Motor Company today launched the all-new Veloster sports coupe in Korea. The new model has been launched as of the automaker's new brand, called "Premium Youth Lab," which targets younger buyer by offering "premium emotional values", revealed Hyundai Motor Company.

The all-new Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe, which made official worldwide debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show earlier this year, delivers innovation to the compact coupe segment with a unique three-door design (one door on the driver's side, two doors on the other side), Hyundai's Blue Link system, and Pandora Internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display.

The new Veloster is propelled by Hyundai's brand-new 1.6L GDI (direct-injected) four-cyl. engine, which is mated to the camaker's in-house developed dual-clutch transmission -DCT. The all-new 1.6L GDI engine belongs to Gamma engine family and is currently the automaker's smallest engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology.

The gasoline-direct-injection technology enables the engine to provide plenty of power (138 horsepower in this case) and emit fewer emissions as similarly sized powerplants. Hyundai American Technical Center powertrain director, John Juriga commented: "Despite its small size, the 1.6L GDI unit generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

In South Korea, prices for the new Hyundai Veloster coupe will start at 19.4 million (Korean Won) or $17.200 and will go up to 20.95 million or $18.640. Production will be limited to 18.000 units only.

During the official launching ceremony, Hyundai Motor Company also revealed it plans to commence the sales of the Veloster in the European market in the first half of 2011, while U.S. sales are scheduled to begin in the second half of the year.

Korean market: 2011 new car releases

Korean carmakers, as well as major International automakers plan to launch as much as 20 new cars in South Korea by the end of 2011!

To tempt South Korean consumers, Korean carmakers plant to launch a slew of new models this year. According to Chosunilbo, some 20 new car models will be introduced by domestic carmakers, while rivaling automobile brands plan to import as much as 50 models by the end of the year!


Let's take a look at some of the most important new Korean cars highlights:

Hyundai will launch the all-new Grandeur near-luxury sedan in January. The all-new Grandeur features completely redesigned exterior design, more luxorious interior, improved safety and state-of-the-art powertrain technology. The 2011 Grandeur is ready to chalenge the imports such as BMW 5-series or Audi A6.

Kia will launch its new Morning mini-car. The new model will go on sale in the first quarter of the year. It will make its official premiere at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show.

Hyundai Veloster, a unique three-door sports car, is slated to hit Korean market in February. It will achieve 40 mpg and will feature Hyundai's new six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Ssangyong will unveil the Korando C crossover, while Chevrolet will launch Orlando MPV and Camaro sports car in March 2011. Following the two will be the Chevrolet Winstorm SUV facelift and Corvette sports car.

Renault-Samsung has a facelifted QM5 on its hands. The model will hit the market in July 2011.

The ChosunIlbo claims that Kia is planing a surprising unveiling of a new box-car, smaller than Soul crossover. We have no details about the vehicle at this moment, however, sources close to Kia state the upcoming mini-car is modeled after Japanese box-type compacts such as the Daihatsu Tanto!

2012 Hyundai Veloster coupe teaser image reveals funky third door !

Hyundai today released the second teaser image of its all-new Veloster Coupe. Set to make its official premiere at the 2011 NAIAS next week, the funky looking sports coupe will replace the popular Hyundai Tiburon, which has been axed from the automakers US line-up more than one year ago.

As seen on the teaser image, the new Veloster features two front doors and one (!) rear door positioned on the right side. If you thought this is the only vehicle currently on sale with such a provocative door design, let me tell you you're wrong! There's a already three-door Mini Clubman on sale in Europe!

Although the overall styling layout of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster seems promising, we are pretty that the third-door will split the automobile enthusiasts to those who like'it and those who don't like'it.

In addition to uniqe styling approach, Hyundai Veloster will be the first new car from Hyundai Motor Company fitted with the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission! The Veloster will also feature 40-mpg 1.6L gasoline direct injection -GDI engine and Bluetooth connectivity.

Hyundai Veloster release date is scheduled for Detroit Motor Show next week, while sales are expected to commence in the second half of 2011. Stay tuned for more details!

New Hyundai car releases in 2011

Recently, we obtained some relatively fresh information about Hyundai's 2011 releases. The South Korean largest carmaker plans to release several new and updated vehicles in 2011 in order to gains sales at its home Korean market as well as Internationally.

In the first half of 2011 Hyundai will launch two important vehicles. The long-awaited Grandeur HG, which will replace the Azera is slated to go on sale in Korea at the beginning of 2011. The all-new Grandeur HG, known also as Hyundai Azera in the States, will be the very-first from a Korean carmaker to be fitted with advanced smart cruise control system, which automatically regulates speed and distance with the vehicle in front. The system is also able to halt and restart the vehicle if the distance with the vehicle in front is suddenly reduced.

The Grandeur will be followed by an entry level sports coupe. First previewed as a Veloster concept car two years ago, the all-new FWD sports car, codenamed FS, is expected to make its official premiere at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.



At the end of the 2011, Hyundai also plans to introduce the facelifted version of its Genesis Coupe which will receive slight styling makeover and powertrain upgrade. The 2.0L Turbo engine, which is available in the Genesis Coupe today is rumored to be replaced by Hyundai's brand-new 2.0L Turbo GDI engine, which already propels Sonata Turbo. The engine features gasoline direct injection technology and generates impressive 274 horsepower.

A slightly updated Gensis sedan is also expected to appear at Hyundai stores towards the end of the year. In addition, Hyundai also plans to reveal at least two concept cars in 2011.