[skywaffle]

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If you’ve had a chance to sample the new Hyundai Veloster Turbo, you’ve probably come to the same conclusion that we have: as a sporty car it’s fine, but it’s still not ready to run with the big dogs of the hot hatch world, performance-wise.

Put another way, the Veloster Turbo feels like what we expected from the Veloster all along, but we're not sure how many buyers will seriously cross-shop it against the more sporting hot hatches (like the VW GTI and the Mazdaspeed3). It’s chock full of content, relatively quick and blessed with a stiff chassis, but it falls short of being as fast as its competitors.

A recent conversation with an anonymous source close to the matter has us thinking that this may be by design, not accident. When asked why the Veloster Turbo used the same suspension as the base Veloster (substituting 18-inch wheels for 17-inch wheels), our source let slip that the Veloster Turbo still left room in the lineup for a higher-performance variant.

If we were to speculate on what such a hypothetical car (call it a “Veloster Turbo R-Spec”) would come to market with, we’d expect it to have revised suspension tuning, possibly with mechanically adjustable dampers. A lower ride height would make sense, as would an independent rear suspension instead of the Veloster’s current V-beam rear setup.

We’d expect to see more power, too, although trying to shoehorn in the 2.0-liter turbocharged four from the Genesis Coupe (which packs 274 horsepower) may not be cost-effective. We’d bet that Hyundai could squeeze a bit more grunt out of the current 1.6-liter turbo in the Veloster Turbo with intake, exhaust and ECU modifications.

It’s a bit early to hit your Hyundai dealer with an order and deposit check, since Hyundai will need to pay back some of the development cost of the Veloster Turbo before it seriously ponders a higher-performance variant. We'll point out one more time that all of this is speculative, but if we were the betting type, we’d call an R-Spec model not entirely unlikely in the not-too-distant future.

Source: Is A Hotter Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec In The Works?

 

[pandaVT]

:question:

 

[VELFRS]

If we were to speculate on what such a hypothetical car (call it a “Veloster Turbo R-Spec”) would come to market with, we’d expect it to have revised suspension tuning, possibly with mechanically adjustable dampers. A lower ride height would make sense, as would an independent rear suspension instead of the Veloster’s current V-beam rear setup.

Let's not forget stickier tires and a mechanical Limited Slip Differential, it really needs it.

 

[VELFRS]

A 2.0T with 274hp will definitely be sweet but it's also true it won't be cost effective. I think that if they modify the 1.6T to say... 250hp while keeping the same weight, and the mods mentioned above the new VT R-Spec will finally be in the same level as the hot hatches. I also think that they should add a 3 stage switch ECO, Normal, Track.

ECO = Optimized for best fuel economy 201hp/38MPG

NORMAL = 230hp/Sharper Steering

TRACK = 250hp/Sharper Steering + Lower Ride & maybe a Louder exhaust note.

With a programable maping on the ECU this might be possible.
Any thoughts on the 3 stage set up?

 

[4gcarbon]

I just decided to buy a beater and wait another year to make sure I dont make the same mistake that veloster owners did.. If no r-spec is in the works by next summer, I will buy a turbo..
Even if the R-spec isnt as fuel efficient, it will still get better mileage than my current eclipse and blow it out of the water with performance.. Yeah, Im in no hurry....Ill wait..

 

[rx4pain]

We may have the answer just by looking at what they offer in the Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Crappy radio, unique interior but not luxurious (however this is a lower end vehicle and I don't mean cheap, but it's the Civic is to Accord as Veloster is to Genesis), limited tech options, probably no panoramic, but maybe 19" wheels, better breaks and manual only. I don't expect it to be as dedicated at the Genesis version. Just my two cents.

My guess is that it won't be a different power train and just bolt ons and subtractions.

 

[Turbosocks]

EXACTLY what he said ^^^^ we need to be realistic guys.

I would also see a LSD being thrown in also.

I see a <1% chance that they would come out with a model in between base and ultimate that had more power + other goodies.. would be knocking on the Gcoupe market then also.

I'll take my Ultimate loaded VTurbo and then modify it as I would like to MY-spec, thank you very much

My springs for example will probably handle better and give a nicer stance than a possible r-spec suspension and cost me 175$.. My SRI will outflow any stock system that an R-spec would include and cost me 60$.. My exhaust modifications will outflow anything they do for the r-spec and will cost me <200$...

I hate keeping stock wheels on any vehicle, so any heavy 'bling' option that might be available will go away anyway.

I am happy with my bluelink, navigation, super computer built into the car and would never sacrifice it

After having my pano-roof, no WAY I would get rid of it to save ~100lbs

 

[rx4pain]

Hey Turbosocks, I'm inquiring about XXR 530 Intense wheels (flat black) for a white VT and too, want to get springs right out of the gate. What springs did you get and how is the ride? I will gladly pay the money for a shiny ARK DT-S exhaust when they come out with one. It'll be interesting to see how they incorporate their pretty tips with the rear valance on the VT.

 

[Turbosocks]

I got the NGM springs..

Doing different tips on the V Turbo will be a bit of an issue because the way the faux tips are integrated into the bumper. If aftermarket does something, I am guessing it will be with real tips (slightly smaller because of vibration and heat)

I wish I could get my exhaust done sooner. I would really like to see what it is going to sound like. The piping itself is a good size and should flow well as is. The restrictions are the resonator and muffler. I am not sure how I want to tackle them because I don't want the car to be TOO loud..

again, with the small turbo, it will act as a decent muffler alone.