Hyundai Races to SEMA Show with Aggressive Veloster Concepts

RACINE, WIS. (10/29/2012)(readMedia)-- The Hyundai Veloster is already characterized by its unique design lines and athletic stance, but fans of the sport coupe will find a couple of unique versions that up the ante at the 2012 SEMA Show. Two amped-up Veloster concepts, the Alpine and Velocity, will be displayed by Hyundai at the annual Las Vegas trade show, which starts on Oct. 30 and draws thousands of attendees interested in the latest automotive specialty aftermarket products.

Focused on winter-sports enthusiasts, the Hyundai Veloster Alpine receives both design and drivetrain modifications from ARK Performance. A Custom Pearl White exterior paint job is complemented by blue accents on the hood, roof and side skirts for an ice-like appearance. Inside, mildew-repelling leather and WeatherTek fabric, which is commonly used in snow apparel, provide comfortable yet durable surfaces and seating. Engine performance has also been revved up to appeal to thrill-seeking extreme-sports fans, giving the 1.6-liter unit a total of 232 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, improvements of 31 horsepower and 45 pound-feet of torque compared to a stock Veloster Turbo.

"Wisconsin drivers who love getting out in the snow would feel right at home in the Veloster Alpine," said Mike Hogan, Sales Manager of Gentile Hyundai, a Racine, Wisconsin Hyundai dealership. "Every detail of the Alpine has been thought out for winter enjoyment, whether it is the Yakima snowboard rack for carrying gear or the interior fabrics that hold up as you thaw off on the ride home from the slopes."

Hyundai's Design and Engineering divisions also modified a Veloster for SEMA, calling it the Velocity. Taking the aggressive design of the Veloster to the extreme, the Velocity would stand out just as much on the track as it would on the street, donning 19-inch satin-charcoal racing wheels, an oversized rear wing spoiler and a "number 1" racing graphic. Inside, custom Katzkin suede in black and scarlet is complemented by red stitching, giving the cabin an equally sporty feel.

The Velocity's racetrack-inspired upgrades continue under the hood, where the Veloster's standard engine received significant changes. Modifications from tuning company Cosworth include performance pistons, rods and a turbocharger to boost output to 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, giving the Velocity swift acceleration and highly responsive cornering abilities.

While the power of the Velocity is impressive, Hyundai teamed up with Bisimoto Engineering to create an even higher-performance version of its Elantra GT for SEMA. Generating more than 600 horsepower from just a 1.8-liter engine, the Bisimoto Elantra GT concept is one of the highest specific-output Hyundai vehicles ever created. Inside, a roll cage, as well as Bisimoto racing seats and harnesses, ensure that drivers are fully supported when performance is taken to the limit.

"It might be surprising to see a family sedan like the Elantra outfitted with such a hard-hitting engine, but it actually goes to show how versatile the car's design is, as it fits right in at SEMA with just a few modifications," added Hogan. "SEMA is all about pushing the limits of a car's factory specifications to create a bespoke concept that will surprise and excite attendees, and the Bisimoto Elantra GT is right on the money."

About Gentile Hyundai:

Gentile Hyundai has proudly served Wisconsin drivers for years with outstanding new and used Hyundai sales, service and parts. Featuring vehicles that range from the fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent all the way up to the luxurious Hyundai Genesis sedan, Wisconsin Hyundai drivers have come to rely on Gentile Hyundai for all their automotive needs. Visit their Hyundai dealership, located at 9503 Washington Avenue in Racine, or browse their online inventory at www.gentilehyundai.com. They can also be reached by phone at 866-994-9834 or found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileHyundaiWI.