Hyundai Delays Unveiling of Veloster to Early 2011

Fresh from the South Korean presses, we bring you the unfortunate news that the upcoming production version of the Hyundai Veloster 2-door compact hatchback will be delayed in unveiling to early 2011.

The Veloster, code-named "FS", was scheduled to be launched in its home market in November. However, with the coinciding launches of the all-new Accent and Azera/Grandeur planned for November and December respectively, Hyundai did not wish for the Veloster to steal the spotlight alone. Hyundai intended to produce 2000 units of the Veloster before the year's end.

According to the news source, Hyundai is also considering keeping the Veloster moniker for the front-wheel drive sport hatchback, as the automaker has not been able to coin a suitable name for it yet.

The production "FS" measures 4285mm in length and 1790mm in width, which is nearly the same as the dimensions of one of its rivals, the Volkswagen Scirocco. It will be powered by a turbocharged version of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with GDI (direct injection). Output is estimated at around 140 horsepower and it will be mated to a standard dual-clutch gearbox.

Hyundai will commence production of the Veloster in December and start sales in the South Korean market in January of next year. The automaker will subsequently launch the Veloster in North American and European markets by the first half of 2011.