Hyundai introduces Veloster 3-door coupe; up to 40 mpg highway
11 January 2011
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| 2012 Veloster. Click to enlarge. |
Hyundai introduced its Veloster three-door coupe in a world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2012 Veloster features a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission and is estimated to deliver up to 40 mpg highway.
Veloster is the sixth vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in 24 months), on the heels of the all-new Tucson, Sonata, Equus, Elantra and the soon-to-be released all-new Accent.
The all-new Gamma 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is the smallest Hyundai engine to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). The Gamma 1.6-liter engine delivers an estimated peak output of 138 hp (103 kW) at 6,300 rpm and maximum torque of 123 lb-ft (167 N·m) at 4,850 rpm. The new Gamma also features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, variable induction and innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.
D-CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts provide optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared to using it only on the intake camshaft including an improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency) and fuel economy (reduced pumping loss), and a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions.
Roller Timing Chain Helps increase the reliability of the Gamma 1.6-liter engine.
Electronic Throttle Control accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.
A Diamond Like Coating (DLC) was added to the tappets to help reduce friction in the valvetrain.
The Gamma engine is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an all-new, six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) developed by Hyundai. Hyundai’s new DCT takes the benefits of a manual transmission, including low fuel consumption and sporty driving, and blends them with automatic transmission benefits, such as high comfort levels and smooth shift quality. In addition, the DCT enables direct connection for high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer during shifts. Automatic transmissions lose power and fuel economy in the torque converter.
Other improvements of a DCT over a traditional automatic include a 5-6% improvement in fuel efficiency as well as a 3-7% percent improvement in acceleration performance.
The clutch actuator assembly features electric motors for actuation, and an external damper improves NVH.
This powertrain also has an Active Eco mode which modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy that translates into more than a 7% improvement in real-world fuel economy.
Cool looking vehicle, relatively inexpensive, decent fuel economy. As long as it gets a top safety rating I'd imagine that Hyundai will sell these like hot cakes.
Posted by: GreenPlease | 11 January 2011 at 08:18 AM
Not too decent fuel economy. Another 50+% would be more in line with new vehicles such as Opel Astra, Hyundai Sonata etc.
Posted by: HarveyD | 12 January 2011 at 11:52 AM
I hope it will get the 1.7 twin turbo diesel in Europe
Posted by: 3PeaceSweet | 12 January 2011 at 12:23 PM