SEMA 2012: Hyundai Velocity Concept
Most concept cars—especially the ones occupying the SEMA showfloor every year—are so outlandish it’s almost guaranteed they will never see production. And then there are concept vehicles like Hyundai’s Velocity Concept that make us giggle like a schoolgirl. The Velocity concept is wild enough to taunt the imagination, but realistic enough that spotting one on the street or the track someday could be a real possibility.
Based on the Hyundai Veloster, the Velocity Concept is the brainchild of a collaborative effort between Hyundai America’s Design and Engineering divisions. The mad exterior, with its massive rear wing and pavement scraping body kit, is functional and serves an aerodynamic purpose, not just an aesthetic one. The car features lightweight racing wheels, front splitter, cooling ductwork for the front and rear brakes, and a rear diffuser.
Hyundai then let the magicians over at Cosworth loose on the Velocity’s engine bay. Starting with the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder found in the Veloster Turbo, Cosworth added performance pistons and connecting rods, a custom exhaust, a new turbocharger, intercooler, and other tasty go-fast bits. The result is 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Reining all that power in are two piece Brembo rotors clamping down on four piston calipers.
Here’s to hoping the Velocity becomes more than a showcar fantasy.
Please scroll down for the official press release from Hyundai.
HYUNDAI DESIGN AND TECHNICAL CENTER CREATES “VELOCITY” FACTORY-TUNER CONCEPT FOR 2012 SEMA SHOW
Hyundai’s Proprietary Design and Technical Center Pushes Veloster
Performance and Design Envelopes for SEMA Show Enthusiasts
COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 15, 2012 – Hyundai America’s internal design and technical center has created the “Velocity” factory-tuner concept for the company’s popular Veloster sport coupe. The Velocity concept proudly debuts at the 2012 SEMA show under the Hyundai banner. Velocity represents a joint effort between the Design and Engineering divisions of Hyundai America Technical Center in Irvine, California.
The Velocity concept expands on all of the original Veloster concept strengths in an aggressive, no-holds-barred factory-racer design language. Huge 19 x 9.0 inch, HRE lightweight satin-charcoal racing wheels, tarmac-scraping lower body kit with generous front and rear brake cooling ducts, lift-reducing rear diffuser, oversized rear wing, and #1 racecar design graphic. While unmistakably racetrack-oriented, the Velocity concept retains the original Veloster silhouette, focusing on exponential performance gains and functional design cues.
“In creating Velocity, we were inspired to take the Veloster’s original concept strengths to their fullest expression,” said Chris Chapman, head of Hyundai’s Irvine, California design center. “Velocity gave our design and engineering teams license to take Veloster far beyond everyday production car limitations.”
The 1.6-liter, direct-injected Veloster engine received customized engine modifications by Cosworth, including performance pistons, rods, turbocharger, intercooler, intake manifold, intake-charging design, fuel system and engine management. The new engine boasts more than 400 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque for explosive acceleration out of bends.
Matching the muscular exterior statement, Velocity suspension and braking modifications handle the acceleration capabilities under hood, with Brembo® 4-piston calipers and two-piece rotors, Bilstein® springs with monotube dampers, and Kumho Ecsta SPT 275/35R19 high performance summer tires. The comprehensive list of Velocity performance enhancements include:
Powertrain
• Cosworth engine upgrades: Pistons, Rods, Turbo, Intercooler, Intake Manifold, Intake charge design, Fuel system, and Engine Management system
• CPR Fabrication: Custom Exhaust system
Interior
• Sparco: A1 WTX 5H Helmets, gloves, shoes, and seat belts.
• Race-keeper: Race-Keeper Video GPS data Acquisition System
• Katzkin custom suede leather interior:
◦ Raven and scarlet themed suede with red stitching
◦ CPR Integrated Roll Bar
Exterior
• Velocity HATCI Design Body Kit:
◦ Front and rear braking airflow ducts
◦ Lift-reducing rear diffuser
◦ Integrated front splitter
◦ Aero side skirt lip
◦ Oversized rear wing spoiler
◦ #1 racing number design motif
◦ HRE P40 model 19 x 9.0” lightweight satin-charcoal wheels
Brakes
• Brembo: 350x28mm two-piece Rotors and 4-Piston Calipers
Suspension
• Bilstein: Monotube dampers and spring kit
• Kumho: Ecsta SPT 275/35R19 High Performance Summer Tires
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 800 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 warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.
For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com
Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com and our blog at www.hyundailikesunday.com
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