Just Announced: Mid-Engine Hyundai Veloster

That it's all braced up with just a bunch of structural steel (C channel and that WF in the back) speaks very deeply to me.

So, the big question for the rest of the class: Would you rock it?

I'd be happy to test it for 5000miles and some track laps the week before Mother's Day, starting/finishing in South Bend.  

That would be a fun toy. I would drive one. 

R&T says: A Hyundai insider with knowledge of the RM19 project confirmed to Road & Track a toned-down version of this car is heading for production.

The regular Veloster N already sounds rowdy, so the production version better sound downright evil.

Snrub said:

R&T says: A Hyundai insider with knowledge of the RM19 project confirmed to Road & Track a toned-down version of this car is heading for production.

Holy christ. If that is the case and they can keep it just under ~$40K, I will have one. If it has a manual of course. 

The more I look at the pics and the more I think about the more I think this thing is awesome. The idea that it may end up as production car is intriguing.

Klayfish said:

Oh helllllllll yes

THIS

Dave M said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Something something C8.  In other words, this has to be $45 or $50k or what's the point?

Two words: stick shift

If it were to go into production, it seems they would have to make the frunk a usable storage space since it looks like the entire hatch is now the engine compartment. I suppose there may be a little room for cargo where the back seating area was, at least room for a few small things behind the seats in front of the firewall.

In reply to Javelin :

Good point!

This would be tasty.

With Ford, GM, and BMyota losing their edge and desire in the car nut market.....  I find myself all of the sudden interested in Hyundai.  Wow, how the world changes.

Snrub said:

R&T says: A Hyundai insider with knowledge of the RM19 project confirmed to Road & Track a toned-down version of this car is heading for production.

To me, "toned down" means 100hp less and putting the engine back in the factory location. Let's hope not.

T.J. said:

If it were to go into production, it seems they would have to make the frunk a usable storage space since it looks like the entire hatch is now the engine compartment. I suppose there may be a little room for cargo where the back seating area was, at least room for a few small things behind the seats in front of the firewall.

Why? Why not leave it as completely impractical like the R5 Turbo? Make it nuts, something that doesn't make any sense but gets people excited about Hyundai. It's never going to a high volume seller.

As for the C8 competition, I don't see it. You don't cross-shop a gold-chain 'Vette with a hot hatch with a hand grenade turbo four where the groceries are supposed to go.

iansane said:

Snrub said:

R&T says: A Hyundai insider with knowledge of the RM19 project confirmed to Road & Track a toned-down version of this car is heading for production.

To me, "toned down" means 100hp less and putting the engine back in the factory location. Let's hope not.

They already sell that car.

AnthonyGS said:

With Ford, GM, and BMyota losing their edge and desire in the car nut market.....  I find myself all of the sudden interested in Hyundai.  Wow, how the world changes.

Right? 2019 is very very confusing. 

iansane said:

Snrub said:

R&T says: A Hyundai insider with knowledge of the RM19 project confirmed to Road & Track a toned-down version of this car is heading for production.

To me, "toned down" means 100hp less and putting the engine back in the factory location. Let's hope not.

They already have that in the form of the Veloster N haha. Albert B. said he already wants to make it happen, so we'll probably see a detuned, 2 seat, mid-engine variant. 

Sounds to me like they want to make a hybrid or electric sports car and this is a step along the road in that direction.

Whatever it’s purpose, I think it’s pretty darn cool, and it’s good to see Hyundai letting their engineers play.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

I just want a frunk or some other storage so it would be something I'd actually consider buying. I bought my miata over an MR-s because of the trunk. Other than storage space, I liked the MR-s more.

If I was going to have a road car that I couldn't use for errands (like going to the grocery store or driving to the airport with luggage) I would buy that WCM Ultralite for sale.

In reply to goingnowherefast :

$42k is the rumor I've heard...

this is promising...

Please have them include the hardware to run a utility trailer to bring the extra set of track rims/tires and a box for the tools/jack.

Please.  I promise to not drive much over 55 when I'm pulling the trailer.

Really.

I was a diehard Datsun/Nissan guy then fell in love with my manual tranny Honda Accord.  I said I would buy the 510 if they made it.

Wife owned GM cars for 38 years and loves her 2018 Honda Pilot and was blown away by the service my Accord gave us. 16 year old daughter loves her 210,000 mile 2009 Civic.  

Honda? Nissan? I can see myself headed over to Hyundai for this type of car and never looking back.
 

captdownshift said:

In reply to goingnowherefast :

$42k is the rumor I've heard...

If true, amazing!

seems like the Corvette may have killed it already.

I did see a headline about the number of C7s still on the lot due to the coming C8.

I still think the next Camaro if there is one should be mid-engined too.