It wasn’t that long ago that Hyundai constantly had to remind everyone its name rhymed with Sunday. But now that the Korean carmaker is firmly established as a manufacturer, it’s making a new name for itself in the performance segment with cars like the Genesis Hurricane SC, set to debut at the 2011 SEMA show in Las Vegas, November 1-4.
The Genesis Hurricane SC is a special-edition prototype Genesis Coupe designed by Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) with help from Magnuson Products, Rhys Millen Racing, Harman International, and Torvec Inc. Under the hood is a supercharged 3.8-liter V-6 engine with a liquid-to-air intercooler, producing more than 450 horsepower.
Hyundai's long-standing racing partner Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) provided exterior enhancements including a front bumper, grille, hood, side skirts, diffuser and rear deck with spoiler. RMR partners Enkei and Hankook provided the high performance 19-inch wheel and tire assemblies. An RMR free-flowing exhaust system and air intake free up more engine power. The vehicle also sports upgraded LED headlights and taillights provided by FlyRyde. More...
Staying on top in the car market is a constant struggle to be different. Hyundai’s new 2012 Veloster, introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, makes its mark with a fresh take on the most basic aspect of automotive design––how you get in and out of it.
The Veloster’s unique three-door design features a regular door on the driver’s side, and two doors on the passenger side. Some coupes already have a small, rear-hinged access door on the passenger side, but their design makes it necessary to open the front passenger door first. The Veloster’s front-hinged third door can be opened independently.
The Veloster gets its go-power from a 1.6-liter Gamma engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI) that’s claimed to deliver up to 40 mpg. The Gamma uses Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing to adjust both intake and exhaust timing for optimum performance, fuel economy, and emissions reductions. All this technology contributes to an engine with an estimated 138 horsepower and 123 lb.-ft. of torque on tap.
Coupled to the Gamma is a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that blends the best characteristics of an automatic trans with a manual one. One of the clutches handles the shifts on first, third, and fifth gears, while the other takes care of second, fourth, sixth, and reverse. More...