Hyundai Reveals More Focused Veloster Turbo R-Spec in Los Angeles [w/Video]

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is not a hot hatch, despite having a 201 hp 1.6-liter engine, sporty-tuned suspension and rakish looks. What it is basically, is a very fast commuter car that can outpace most regular models and keep up with faster motors when their drivers are not caning it.

Now though, on the occasion of the 2013 Los Angeles motor show, Hyundai has brought out the R-Spec model that not only promises to be sportier than the regular Veloster, but also be the cheapest Turbo that they offer.

There’s no extra power to boast about, however, the close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox does get a new sportier shift knob to play with, red exterior accents on the front bumper lip and sills, as well as red leatherette bolsters with red/black cloth insert on the standard-fit sport seats. An abundance of R-Spec logos also adorn it.

The only real performance enhancements that it does get is a suspension setup unique to this particular model. It should improve the lackluster driving dynamics accused by some reviewers, to a certain degree, with the help of electronic torque vectoring that like the one on the Ford Focus ST uses the stability and traction control systems to mimic the behavior of a limited-slip diff.

Finally, Hyundai will also offer Active Sound Design, which will artificially enrich the 1.6’s familiarly flat sound signature inside the cabin via the car’s audio system.

By Andrei Nedelea

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