LA Auto Show: Hyundai Veloster Turbo Gets The R-Spec Treatment

William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

November 20, 2013

Hyundai has decided to amp up the Veloster lineup a bit more by introducing a new R-Spec for the Veloster Turbo at the LA Auto Show today. The 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec is aimed at buyers who want to have fun tuning a vehicle without spending a lot money.

The Veloster Turbo R-Spec sees a number of mechanical changes to make much more sporty. It begins with a sports suspension which packs retuned springs and a stiffer transmission mount. A six-speed manual is paired with a B&M Racing Sport Shifter. The only item that doesn't see a change is the 1.6L Turbo GDI four-cylinder. That will still produce 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

Hyundai has also the R-Spec on a diet by removing certain items such as keyless entry and the auto-up windows. Hyundai hasn't said how much lighter is it though.

On the outside, the Veloster Turbo R-Spec comes with a splitter and side sills draped in red paint, the choice of four different colors, R-Spec badging, and key items from the standard Veloster Turbo (large grille and center mounted exhaust). Inside are seats that are wrapped in red leatherette and red/black cloth.

Pricing for the 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec hasn't been announced, but Hyundai says it will cost about $1,000 less than the standard Veloster Turbo. The 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec arrives at dealers sometime in January or February.

Source: Hyundai

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

New R-Spec Model Provides a More Focused Performance Package for Tuners and Enthusiasts

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 – Hyundai today announced the addition of the Veloster Turbo R-Spec to its line-up at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The heart of the R-Spec is the responsive, aftermarket-tunable 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged engine, along with unique design cues, enhanced chassis tuning, a B&M Racing® Sport Shifter, and the lowest price point in the Veloster Turbo lineup. R-Spec production will begin in December 2013 with availability in early February 2014.

Veloster Turbo R-Spec is the fourth R-Spec model in Hyundai’s lineup, following in the footsteps of Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec, Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec and Genesis 5.0 R-Spec. R-Spec represents the ultimate performance version of each of these models. For Veloster Turbo R-Spec, sport suspension and steering settings have been retuned for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount. On the powertrain side, R-Spec is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, and a short-throw B&M Sport Shifter has been added for a tighter, more direct shift feel.

“We’re thrilled to add the Veloster Turbo R-Spec to our growing family of enthusiast-oriented R-Spec models”, said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The R-Spec takes the Veloster theme of affordable performance to an entirely new level that is sure to appeal to driving enthusiasts.”

On the exterior, R-Spec adds a sporty red-accented front splitter and side blades, with R-Spec badging on the rear hatch. Inside, red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats complement special embroidered-logo R-Spec floor mats for a sporty ambience. Veloster Turbo R-Spec will be available in four colors: Elite White, Ultra Black, Marathon Blue, and exclusively for 2014 Veloster, Sprint Gray.

In keeping with its purist driving focus, some standard equipment from the Turbo model has been deleted from the R-Spec, such as proximity-key entry with push-button start, premium gauge cluster, side-repeater mirrors, driver’s auto-up window, high-gloss interior cues and full-faced heated leather seats.

Adding to the focused driving experience for all 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec and Turbo models is Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature, utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, improves dynamic cornering during more enthusiastic driving. TVC uses wheel-speed sensors coupled with ESC algorithms to apply precise braking force to the inside front wheel during spirited cornering. This active braking redirects power to the outside front wheel in the turn, reducing wheelspin, for enhanced cornering grip and corner-exit acceleration. Overall, TVC provides Veloster Turbo R-Spec drivers with an incremental margin of cornering precision during enthusiastic driving.

Inside the cabin, 2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec and Turbo models receive Active Sound Design (later availability), which provides richer in-cabin powertrain resonance for an even more involving driving experience, especially during spirited driving.