January's 2011 Detroit Auto Show brought with it the production version of the long rumored Veloster, but Hyundai->ke201 is using the Chicago Auto Show to display a rally version of the car.

The Veloster Rally Car is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission. Making giant leaps across the rally road will be made easy with the engine's 500hp and all of that power comes with an estimated 40mpg.

This particular version of the Veloster will make its rally debut at the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship Series. In fact, three Velosters will be racing during the Rallycross; one will be driven by Rhys Millen, the second will be piloted by rally champion Marcus Dodd and world record freestyle motorbike rider Robbie Maddison, and the third will be driven by to-be-announced celebrity drivers.

Update 02/07/2011: Hyundai has revealed the Rally version of the Veloster coupe today at the Chicago Auto Show.

UPDATE 01/25/2012: Hyundai has unveiled a new commercial for the Veloster Rally Car that shows Join Rhys Millen and crew as they play around with the Veloster Rally Car on the golf course. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the Hyundai Veloster Rally Car.

2011 Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Hyundai Veloster Rally Car
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Starting with a standard Hyundai Veloster, the rally version replaces the standard hood, doors, quarter panels, front fascia, and rear fascia with new ones made in carbon/Kevlar. The carbon/Kevlar panels are 75% lighter than the sheet metal they replaced. This weight-saving approach is carried throughout the car without compromising its powerful curves and surface detail or hidden third door. On the rear, there is a custom RMR rear wing, so the total weight is now 2,656 pounds.

For the interior, all the comfort and convenience features have been removed and replaced with a custom-fabricated eight-point safety cage. The safety cage is required for rallying and a Sparco racing seat further protects the driver in the overhauled cockpit.

The entire carbon/Kevlar body is wrapped in a paint scheme combination of blue, white, and orange.

Engine

The rally car is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers and impressive 500 HP and is mated to an Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission.

The car will get a new custom suspension and 18-inch HRE wheels and 245/40-18 Hankook Racing tires. Stopping power comes from 14-inch Alcon brake rotors and six piston Alcon calipers.

Prices

Since Rhys Millen Racing (RMR) has prepared this car for their personal use, we don't expect anyone else to be ab;e to get their hands on one!

Competition

The new Veloster Rally Car will make its debut at the X Games during the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship Series. Rhys Millen will be taking on David Higgins and Dave Mirra in their Subaru WRX STIs, Ken Block and Tanner Foust in their Ford Fiesta’s, and Antoine L’Estage in his Mitsubishi EVO X.

However, the strongest competition will remain the Fiesta with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 490 horsepower at 8,000 RPM.