Hyundai Motor America introduced the 2013 Veloster Turbo powered with 201 horsepower at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The 2013 Veloster Turbo arrives in the summer of 2012.

Veloster Turbo is the first vehicle in Hyundai’s 7/11 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in the next 11 months). Hyundai just completed its 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new or redesigned models in 24 months), with the debut of the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2013 Veloster Turbo produces 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1750 – 4500 rpm with regular fuel. The Veloster Turbo is estimated to deliver 27 mpg city and best-in-class 38 mpg highway for manual transmission models. Hyundai’s 1.6-liter Gamma turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system, results in instantaneous power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but Hyundai has brought this technology down its line-up from the Sonata 2.0T.

Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets divided by split walls inside the turbine housing, with both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger, thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other, resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger’s turbine.

Veloster’s twin-scroll turbo has superior handling of exhaust gas separation at the turbine leading to improved low-end torque and faster transient torque response.

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo design is takes inspiration from a custom high performance sportbike. Hyundai designers have removed the Veloster’s trapezoidal center exhaust and replaced it with two larger free flowing circular pipes. These new pipes and the new intake manifold also allowed engineers to give the engine a more robust sound, which will delight enthusiasts.

From a bigger, bolder hexagonal front grille, through the sculpted side skirts and new dynamic rear bumper with prominent diffuser vents in the lower fascia, Hyundai Veloster Turbo’s design adds aggression and aerodynamic stability compared to the base model. Drivers following Veloster will also notice the Veloster Turbo will be available in a Hyundai first Matte Gray paint. A set of 18-inch gray wheels with chrome inserts completes the Veloster Turbo’s recognized style. Veloster Turbo’s face also has signature eight individual headlight LED accents.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo features a quicker ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which both give drivers precise cornering, feedback and control. All Veloster Turbo’s ride on Kumho Solus KH25 215/40R18 85V tires designed to extract the best performance out of the car without compromising the ride.

All Velosters are fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24 mm diameter front stabilizer. The rear suspension is a light-weight V-torsion beam, a Hyundai-first with an integrated 23 mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater stiffness and to further control body roll. The rear suspension also uses monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort.

All Velosters feature electric power steering that adjusts assistance instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Veloster’s turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Mini’s 35.1 feet and Mini Clubman’s 36.1 feet.

At the interior, the Hyundai Veloster Turbo features full leather seats with the word “Turbo” stitched into the seatbacks help deliver a unique look and provide exceptional support and comfort. An exclusive Supervision Cluster offers the driver information in a larger, clearer and more interactive format. This is due to the Supervision Cluster’s two TFT screens located between the tachometer and the speedometer. Heated front seats are also standard on the Turbo version. The center stack and controls also resemble a sport bike fuel tank and incorporate a push-button starter and alloy pedals.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both transmissions were developed in house at Hyundai. The manual features a wider gear ratio spread (5.71 vs. 5.25) to handle the additional torque output. The high-revving turbo helps during acceleration, especially at highway speeds.

The Veloster Turbo is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifter and and Shiftronic® controls rather than the base Vesloster’s EcoShift DCT. This is due to the increased torque output from the 1.6-liter Turbocharged-GDI engine. The gear ratio spread on the automatic transmission is slightly narrower than the DCT (6.0 vs. 6.38). A narrower spread maintains the engine in the power band when going from one gear to the other. The base Veloster’s EcoShift DCT is tuned for fuel efficiency and not for the performance feel needed for the Veloster Turbo.

All 2013 Hyundai Velosters will be available in colors that fit the cars “own-it” attitude and characteristics of a long-distance runner, including Elite White. Interior color choices are Graphite Black or exclusive to the Turbo Graphite Black with Blue accents and headliner graphics for non-panoramic sunroof models.