Hyundai Veloster Bringing Turbo Power To New York Auto Show: Report

Speculation continues this week of a turbocharged version of the Tiburon-replacing Hyundai Veloster, adding more power to the uniquely-styled sports hatch.

According to enthusiast website Hyundai Blog, insiders at the Korean carmaker have confirmed a New York Auto Show debut for the more highly-tuned flagship Veloster.

The report claims that we can expect a turbocharged version of the Veloster's existing 1.6 litre GDI petrol engine, boosting power from the standard 102kW to a promising 155kW.

With those numbers, the Veloster would rival the 155kW Volkswagen Golf GTI for power, while bettering the likes of the 128kW MINI Cooper S. (How well it would compete on handling is another matter.)

No performance figures for the rumoured turbocharged Veloster have been offered, although with a known weight of around 1172kg, a sub-seven second run to 100km/h should be achievable. 

If the Veloster turbo exists, expect to see it at the New York Auto Show later this month.

Australia

With the reported turbo-charged Veloster yet to get an official announcement, an Australian launch remains pure speculation.

In the meantime, Hyundai Australia's Ben Hershman has confirmed that the regular Veloster will make its local debut later this year.