Hyundai Green Lights Veloster Production For 2011

In an exclusive interview with Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik, Inside Line (Edmunds) has garnered a cornucopia of information on Hyundai's upcoming front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement. According to Krafcik, the compact sport coupe will look 70-80 percent like the Veloster Concept that made an appearance at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The CEO also hinted that the new coupe will have a revolutionary bodystyle.

"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," stated Krafcik.

The upcoming sports coupe is also said to be smaller than the Kia Forte Koup. Comparing its size to the Accent, Krafcik stated, "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. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." He also revealed that the coupe will be powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder with direct injection producing 140 horsepower. In addition, Krafcik touted fuel economy figures of "over 40 MPG." The coupe will also feature a standard in-dash screen.

The forthcoming compact sport coupe is currently without a name at the moment. Krafcik stated that candidates in the running include "Veloster" and "Tiburon". He also announced that it will arrive in Hyundai dealers by the end of 2011.

[Source: Inside Line:Edmunds]

Posted in: Hyundai,Speculation