Hyundai Veloster R-Spec New for 2014 with Nurburgring Chassis Tech

Hyundai just announced its new Veloster Turbo R-Spec for 2014, which will become the most affordable Veloster Turbo model with prices just above $22,000.

The turbocharged engine’s output stays at 201 horsepower, but the steering, suspension and handling are all much firmer and more precise.

This previews the next wave of hardcore, “N Spec” Hyundai models in the future. The N, by the way, is for Nordschleife.

Great news for sports car shoppers on a budget, as the Veloster is still a trendy and innovative shape on the roads. More color helps liven the package, but the best news will be tactile feedback from the driver’s hands, feet and butt.

Hyundai’s new technical center at the Nurburgring is not the ‘low-budget’ kind – the team is even competing in the 24-hour race!

Temporary manufacturer testers typically work from dull, white-cinder-block storage units with an extra-tall garage door.

Not Hyundai. Look at this R&D center!

Official Hyundai details on the program

Hyundai’s accelerated durability tests are conducted from the European Test Centre. Each vehicle taking part in testing laps the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit 480 times, in both dry and wet conditions, simulating over 160,000 kilometres of rigorous driving in less than six weeks.

Throughout each lap, data parameters are continually monitored, assessing steering input and vehicle course, suspension movement and ride and handling characteristics. The results are given directly to the vehicle development team based at the circuit, enabling Hyundai’s engineers to quickly make changes and tailor dynamic characteristics.

The Veloster R-Spec is only the first model to benefit from a more planted chassis feel.

This R-Spec debut so soon shows great direction for Hyundai as the Genesis Coupe is not quite the revelation it should have been in its first generation.

All good news.

The Veloster itself is quite handsome in all trim lines, at least versus the terminally dull sedan or tall hatchback shape that are typically the only choices in this segment.

2014 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec

Official Release(s) from Hyundai below.

Hyundai has officially opened its brand new European Test Centre at the Nürburgring in Germany, the company’s latest investment in its regional infrastructure. An opening ceremony marked the completion of the $5-million-plus, purpose-built vehicle testing facility, boosting the brand’s R&D operations in Europe.

The company’s new test centre provides it with a full-time presence at the iconic Nürburgring circuit, allowing it to further evaluate and develop the durability and driving dynamics of its vehicles more effectively, and more often.

Construction of the striking 3,622-square-meter Hyundai European Test Centre began in June 2012 and was completed in less than 15 months. The unique glass and steel building houses workshops, office spaces and hospitality areas over four floors. The Nürburgring facility is an extension of Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, where the brand’s European design and engineering teams have been based since 2003.

Hyundai’s accelerated durability tests are conducted from the European Test Centre. Each vehicle taking part in testing laps the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit 480 times, in both dry and wet conditions, simulating over 160,000 kilometres of rigorous driving in less than six weeks.

Throughout each lap, data parameters are continually monitored, assessing steering input and vehicle course, suspension movement and ride and handling characteristics. The results are given directly to the vehicle development team based at the circuit, enabling Hyundai’s engineers to quickly make changes and tailor dynamic characteristics.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “The Nürburgring is a unique challenge for any vehicle, so it is the perfect location for our new facility. The new European Test Centre is a natural extension of our Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, and enables Hyundai to more quickly and more accurately test the reliability and drivability of our vehicles. The emotional appeal of being ‘tested at Nürburgring’ will also help to further build the brand’s reputation across Europe.”

The Nürburgring is widely recognised as one of the most challenging tracks in the world, consisting of 170 corners spread across 20.8 kilometres of tarmac. With a difference in height of almost 300 metres between the lowest and the highest points, it features uphill and downhill gradients of 11 and 17 percent respectively.

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New R-Spec Model Provides a More Focused Performance Package for Tuners and Enthusiasts

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20, 2013 – Hyundai today announced the addition of the Veloster Turbo R-Spec to its line-up at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The heart of the R-Spec is the responsive, aftermarket-tunable 1.6-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged engine, along with unique design cues, enhanced chassis tuning, a B&M Racing® Sport Shifter, and the lowest price point in the Veloster Turbo lineup.

R-Spec production will begin in December 2013 with availability in early February 2014.

Veloster Turbo R-Spec is the fourth R-Spec model in Hyundai’s lineup, following in the footsteps of Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec, Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec and Genesis 5.0 R-Spec.

R-Spec represents the ultimate performance version of each of these models. For Veloster Turbo R-Spec, sport suspension and steering settings have been retuned for optimum responsiveness, with higher spring rates and a more rigid transmission mount.

On the powertrain side, R-Spec is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, and a short-throw B&M Sport Shifter has been added for a tighter, more direct shift feel.

2014 Veloster Turbo R-Spec Highlights

  • Unique R-Spec suspension and steering tuning for enhanced agility and feel

  • 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with new shift knob design

  • Short-throw B&M Racing® Sport Shifter for a tighter, high-precision shift feel

  • Red exterior accents on front splitter and side blades (optional; later availability)

  • Red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert sport seats (in lieu of standard leather on other Veloster Turbo models)

  • R-Spec embroidered-logo floor mats and R-Spec exterior badging

  • Lowest MSRP Veloster Turbo model: $22,110, including $810 destination charge

2014 Hyundai Veloster

Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.

He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.

Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.

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