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Veloster Confirmed by Hyundai America CEO for 2011

After unveiling the Veloster Concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai prepares it to enter production. Hyundai Motor America's CEO John Krafcik revealed in an interview for Inside Line details about the upcoming model.

Krafcik said the production version will resemble 70-80% the Veloster Concept and will most likely take its name, although other suggestions are being considered as well. Krafcik disclosed the fact that the car will have a front wheel drive and will aim to attract with it's unconventional design line rather than sports car performance.

An important detail of the future model is the introduction of an innovative body style making the company the first to introduce this feature. “It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment” said Krafcik.

Referring to its size, Krafcik said “it's Accent-sized. Think of it like a 4-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and ring its neck and still get good mileage.”

Hyundai's CEO proceeded afterwards in giving details to Inside Line about the new car's engine. “It'll be powered by a 1.6 liter four cylinder with Direct Injection making 140 hp and it'll get over 40 mpg US” (5.8 l/100km).

It's very likely the car will impress with a standard screen in the dash to complement a futuristic look, as Krafcik let it slip that “screens are getting cheaper”.

Hyundai's CEO then ended with a confident claim that “there's just nothing out there right now with that kind of Eco-sport positioning” assuring the public this new model will be available at Hyundai dealers before the end of 2011.
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