Hyundai Premieres All-new Veloster Coupe, Curb Concept In Detroit

[Hyundai NEWS]

After a record-shattering sales performance in 2010, Hyundai is preparing to take things to the next level this year: The company introduced a new branding statement at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, along with two equally new vehicles. It marks an important change in direction for the automaker, according to Hyundai vice chairman Euisun Chung.

“Today, customers do not believe that expensive cars with unnecessary technology are premium,” he said in a speech given in Detroit. “Instead, they want their core needs fulfilled at an accessible price and with a car that exceeds their expectations; a car that reflects their values and the times in which they live.

“Hyundai is not just a company that makes cars. Hyundai is a company that creates new possibilities. Our goal is not to become the biggest car company. Our goal is to become the most-loved car company and a trusted lifetime partner of our owners.”

That’s the impetus behind Hyundai’s fresh guiding principles, which are expressed as “New Thinking. New Possibilities.” The first fruits of this new strategy? The 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door sports coupe and the Curb show vehicle, designed to showcase the look of a potential new Hyundai crossover.

The Veloster is a dramatically designed compact coupe that offers impressive fuel efficiency, innovative technologies, a dynamic driving experience and an unmistakable appearance, along with specific highlights that include:

A separately hinged third door on the passenger side for easy access to rear seats
Hyundai’s all-new 1.6-liter I4 engine, which leverages powertrain technologies like gasoline direct injection to deliver a responsive 138 hp and up to 40 mpg on the highway
A choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai’s own six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which offers the control of a manual and the efficiency of an autobox
Best-in-class interior volume as well as the versatility of a hatchback
An enthusiast oriented suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and the automaker’s first lightweight V-torsion bar setup at the rear
The latest comfort/convenience/connectivity technologies, including Hyundai’s Bluelink telematics system and integrated Pandora Internet radio, managed by a driver-configurable, multi-function seven-inch touchscreen

Also on display in Detroit was the Hyundai Curb crossover concept. The Curb is the next logical step in the evolution of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design language and was developed to be as comfortable on rugged urban streets and as it would be in a crowded urban nightclub.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai designer. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.”

In addition to loads of the latest Hyundai technology—both in the cabin and under the hood—the Curb sports unique touches like wraparound front glass that mimics the look of a face shield on a motorcycle helmet, exhaust vents that pop out to double as a bike carrier, a pop-up roof, a clam-shell-style rear hatch and a surprising amount of cargo room.

Customers can look for the Veloster at Hyundai dealerships beginning later in 2011 and for the Curb at this year’s future auto shows.