Hyundai Adds a Veloster Rally Car to Its Lineup

Hyundai ups the performance and fun quotient at the Chicago Auto Show with news of an updated Elantra GT Sports sedan and upgrades to the 2016 Veloster coupe, including the addition of a rally car.

The new Veloster Rally Edition builds on the Veloster Turbo R-Spec that was already designed for enthusiasts. Hyundai will only build 1,200 Rally Editions, all in matte blue, and available in May. Pricing was not announced.

For the 2016 model year, the Veloster Turbo gets a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in addition to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, new wheels, sportier seats and gauges.

Under the hood is a direct-injection 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque.

All 2016 Veloster models have a new hood, wider tires and an updated audio and navigation system.

The refreshed Elantra GT has some styling tweaks with a new front fascia and 17-inch alloy wheels. The sedan has a standard 2-liter direct-injection, 4-cylinder engine mated to a choice of a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The car gets the segment’s first cooled front seats with the Tech Package. Heated seats are standard. For 2016, the car gets Hyundai’s next-generation navigation system.

The Elantra GT goes on sale next month with a starting price of $19,625, including handling and destination charges.

Also on display at the Chicago Auto Show is the Santa Cruz crossover/truck concept that was first shown last month at the North American International Auto Show. Hyundai is gauging reaction to it at auto shows as part of the decision whether to build it.

This article appeared in print in the February 16th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.