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2018 Hyundai Veloster Spied, Could Get Independent Rear Suspension

Expected to be unveiled in late 2017, the all-new Veloster will be a tauter machine than the model it replaces. The fastback-style physique will carryover, albeit the second-gen model will be a better handling machine compared to the first-generation Veloster.
2018 Hyundai Veloster 15 photos
Photo: The Korean Car Blog
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Caught with very little camouflage masking its rear end, the pictured prototype comes courtesy of our friends over at The Korean Car Blog. From the low-res photo, we notice a handful of go-faster elements that will up the appeal of the compact coupe: two centrally mounted exhaust tips, big alloy wheels, i30-inspired taillights, rear diffuser, and a huge roof-mounted wing.

The cited publication hints that the 2018 Hyundai Veloster has more go-faster goodies in store for us, namely something called IRS. Short for independent rear suspension, Hyundai is no stranger to this sort of setup. The 2017 MY Elantra Sport has its rear wheels kept in check by multi-link IRS, so the tech is there if Hyundai's engineers can make a case for it in the Veloster.

It most probably will if the automaker wants to gain credibility in this segment and among young customers interested in cars that handle well. A 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo-four is likely to be offered as the performance-oriented engine. In the current Veloster, the 1.6 T-GDi is rated at 201 horsepower (204 PS) and 195 pound-feet (265 Nm) of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm.

In the United States, the Veloster is expected to be refreshed for the 2019 model year. In terms of transmissions, the Veloster Turbo will make do with a 6-speed manual. Customers who can’t or don’t want to drive stick will be given an alternative in the form of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In related news, there's an ever hotter Hyundai slated to debut before decade's end. Here are three things the RM16 N-inspired hot hatchback prides itself on: mid-engined, RWD, and XXL-sized wheel arches.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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