Hyundai has announced a set of upgrades for the 2014 Hyundai Veloster. Overall, the Veloster retains its shape with that gaping front grille and the oddball rear profile, but the big news is the addition of a Veloster Turbo R-Spec for next year.

This announcement was made during the on-going 2013 LA Auto Show->ke211. Hyundai->ke201 claims, the "convention-shattering" Veloster adds convenience, performance and safety, making it more desirable than before. Well, its unconventional hatchback->ke304 design never really struck a chord with our visual senses, but that's just our opinion.

Since the Veloster Turbo's release, we've wondered if Hyundai would take advantage of the fast-growing hot-hatchback market in the U.S. and reveal a hotter variant. With the new R-Spec model, Hyundai did just that and then some, but the Korean automaker did not reveal all of its specs just yet.

Click past the jump to read more about the Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201
  • Torque: 195
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 R-Spec model clearly differentiates it from the rest of the Veloster line, thanks to a red-accented front splitter and side blades and ominous "R-Spec" badging on the rear hatch. Even without these nice updates, the Veloster's exterior design is plenty sporty, given its sport-bike-influenced body with the front windshield and the blacked-out A-pillars, giving it a helmet visor-like appearance.

In profile view, the Veloster->ke2534 looks sporty, and the fluidic design philosophy is evident. The front of the car is dominated by the large, hexagonal Hyundai grille and expressive headlamps. The R-Spec is available in Elite White, Ultra Black, Marathon Blue and Sprint Gray.

Interior

The new Active Sound Design is much like the one found on the BMW M5. Synthetic engine noise is pumped into the cabin through a set of speakers, adding some theater to the driving experience. The R-Spec model also adds in red leatherette-wrapped sport seats with black cloth inserts. These flashy-red seats tie the interior and exterior together nicely, as they match the red accents on the outside perfectly.

The R-Spec does, however, lose out on a few features from the Turbo variant. Proximity-key entry with push-button start gets the axe, along with the heated leather seats and the driver side auto-up window.

Floor Mat Detail

Drivetrain and Suspension

The 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec gets torque vectoring, which acts much like a limited-slip differential. The system helps cure understeer by selectively braking either of the rear wheels, and it works in conjunction with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) along with wheel speed sensors. This system is also offered on all Turbo versions as a standard feature.

Under the Turbo R-Spec's hood is a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-pot engine coupled with a six-speed manual transmission aimed at more spirited drivers. There's no mention of whether the R-Spec model is any more powerful than the base Turbo model, but Hyundai typically leaves the engine untouched in its R-Spec models, so we anticipate seeing the same 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

Where Hyundai's R-Spec line comes into play is in the braking and suspension systems. The Veloster Turbo R-Spec gains enhanced chassis tuning, a B&M Racing Sport Shifter and sport suspension with higher spring rates. The steering is also revised, making it more responsive on this high performance version.

Price

The 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo range starts at $22,110, including $810 destination charge, but there is no mention of what the R-Spec model will cost.

Competition

Mini Cooper S

When it comes to style, there's no denying the fact that the Mini Cooper S still one of the most desirable sport hatchbacks. Mini revealed the fourth-generation Cooper and Cooper S models recently, and it gets refreshed styling along with much larger proportions than the outgoing model.

Mini has always been a niche product with a premium brand image, and the Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec loses out on this front. The new Mini Cooper S is longer and wider than the previous generation, and it gets a well-executed, uniquely stylish design.

BMW has been successful with making the Mini Cooper S even more fun, thanks to its know-how and expertise in creating some of the best driver's cars of our time.

Volkswagen GTI

The GTI is likely a better competitor for the Veloster Turbo R-Spec, thanks to its 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Like the Mini, however, the VW is a more refined vehicle than the Veloster, but we think it is safe to say that the upgrades that come with the R-Spec package will make the Hyundai a more exciting car to drive, but the VW will still be quicker to 60 mph.

Conclusion

Seeing an R-Spec version of the Veloster Turbo is a welcome sight, given the Turbo version underwhelms a little in overall quickness. Sure the R-Spec package won't make the Veloster Turbo any faster, but it will make it feel faster because you can enter turns with more speed, thanks to its tweaked chassis and suspension system.