The Hyundai Veloster, with its distinctive three-door design and sporty intentions, has always been a unique offering in the automotive landscape. Enthusiasts naturally wonder which iteration of this quirky hatchback delivers the most thrilling performance. Determining the "fastest" Veloster isn't just about raw horsepower; it's a combination of factors including engine output, weight, transmission, and tuning. This article delves into the various Veloster models, trims, and performance metrics to identify which one reigns supreme in terms of speed and overall driving experience.
Veloster Performance Metrics: A Comprehensive Table
| Model/Year | Engine & Transmission | 0-60 MPH (seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2017 Veloster (Base) | 1.6L GDI I4, 6-speed manual/6-speed DCT | 8.5-9.5 |
| 2013-2017 Veloster Turbo | 1.6L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic | 6.8-7.3 |
| 2016 Veloster Rally Edition | 1.6L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual | 6.9 |
| 2019-2021 Veloster (Base) | 2.0L I4, 6-speed manual/6-speed automatic | 8.0-8.5 |
| 2019-2021 Veloster Turbo | 1.6L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT | 6.1-6.6 |
| 2019-2021 Veloster Turbo Ultimate | 1.6L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT | 6.1-6.6 |
| 2019-2022 Veloster N | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual/8-speed DCT (2021+) | 5.5-5.9 (manual), 4.8-5.6 (DCT) |
| 2021 Veloster N (with Performance Package) | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4, 6-speed manual/8-speed DCT | 5.5 (manual), 4.8 (DCT) |
Detailed Explanations
2012-2017 Veloster (Base): The original Veloster was powered by a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. This engine provided adequate power for daily driving, but its acceleration wasn't particularly impressive, making it the slowest of the Veloster range. The available transmissions were a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
2013-2017 Veloster Turbo: Hyundai introduced a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter engine, significantly boosting horsepower and torque. This resulted in a noticeable improvement in acceleration and overall performance. The Turbo model offered a more engaging driving experience compared to the base model.
2016 Veloster Rally Edition: The Rally Edition was a limited-production model based on the Turbo. It featured unique styling cues and suspension upgrades aimed at improving handling. While it didn't offer more power than the standard Turbo, the Rally Edition's improved suspension contributed to a slightly quicker 0-60 mph time.
2019-2021 Veloster (Base): The second-generation Veloster featured a larger 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine in its base form. This engine provided a modest performance bump compared to the first-generation base model, offering slightly improved acceleration and responsiveness.
2019-2021 Veloster Turbo: The second-generation Veloster Turbo continued to utilize a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, but with refinements and improvements. This model offered a significant performance improvement over the base model, making it a fun and sporty hatchback. The introduction of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) further enhanced its performance capabilities.
2019-2021 Veloster Turbo Ultimate: This trim level built upon the standard Turbo, adding more luxurious features and technology. The performance remained largely the same as the standard Turbo, focusing on enhancing the overall driving experience with added comfort and convenience.
2019-2022 Veloster N: The Veloster N is where things get serious. It's the high-performance variant developed by Hyundai's N division, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing significantly more power than the other models. The N model also includes performance-oriented upgrades such as a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD). From 2021 onwards, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) was offered alongside the standard 6-speed manual, further improving acceleration times.
2021 Veloster N (with Performance Package): While not always explicitly marketed as a separate model, the 2021 Veloster N often came equipped with a performance package. This package included features that further optimized the car's performance, allowing it to achieve its maximum potential. The introduction of the 8-speed DCT in 2021 significantly improved acceleration times, making it the fastest Veloster variant in a straight line.
Key Considerations for Determining Speed:
- Horsepower and Torque: Higher horsepower and torque figures generally translate to faster acceleration and higher top speeds. The Veloster N, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, boasts the highest horsepower and torque output of all Veloster models.
- Transmission: The type of transmission plays a crucial role in acceleration. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) offer faster and smoother gear changes compared to traditional automatic transmissions. The Veloster N's available 8-speed DCT provides the quickest acceleration times.
- Weight: A lighter vehicle generally accelerates faster. While the Veloster N includes performance upgrades, it also adds some weight compared to the base models. However, the increased power more than compensates for the added weight.
- Tuning and Suspension: The Veloster N's sport-tuned suspension and electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) contribute significantly to its handling capabilities, allowing it to maintain higher speeds through corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Veloster has the most horsepower? The Veloster N, equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, boasts the highest horsepower, reaching up to 275 horsepower.
What is the 0-60 mph time of the Veloster N? The Veloster N with the 8-speed DCT can achieve a 0-60 mph time as low as 4.8 seconds, while the manual version clocks in around 5.5 seconds.
Is the Veloster Turbo faster than the base model? Yes, the Veloster Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, offers significantly quicker acceleration compared to the naturally aspirated base model.
Does the Rally Edition Veloster offer better performance? The Rally Edition offers slightly improved handling due to suspension upgrades but doesn't have a significant power increase over the standard Turbo.
Is the DCT transmission faster than the manual in the Veloster N? Yes, the 8-speed DCT in the Veloster N provides quicker and more consistent shifts, leading to faster acceleration times compared to the 6-speed manual.
Conclusion
Based on the available data and performance metrics, the Veloster N, particularly the 2021+ models equipped with the 8-speed DCT, is unequivocally the fastest Veloster. Its powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, combined with the quick-shifting DCT and performance-oriented upgrades, delivers the most thrilling and engaging driving experience. If you're looking for the fastest Veloster, the N model is the clear choice.