The next product in the busy Hyundai launch schedule has been leaked online, with new photos showing the 2013 Santa Fe from different angles.

One of the oldest models in the current lineup, the photos show just how dramatic a design change this will be, gaining the brand’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language. Notable is a chrome hexagon grille (part of the brand’s signature), while there are elements of the new Ford Explorer mixed with the BMW X1. Like some of the other Hyundai products (notably the Genesis Coupe), there seem to be design cues taken from Infiniti, particularly with the Santa Fe’s taillights.

Along with the obvious chrome, look for LED light bars for the headlights as well as the use of LEDs for the taillights

No details on engines for the new Santa Fe are yet available, but it’s likely the the 274 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder from the Sonata will find its way under the hood, while a more potent V6 is an option as well.

Look for a possible debut at the New York Auto Show in April.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: Hyundai-Blog]

If there were any doubts that Hyundai is planning to offer a second generation of its Elantra Touring in North America, this should pretty much do away with them.

Spied parking in an underground condo garage in Toronto, Canada and sent to us by a friend who runs the Endras BMW Blog, the spy photos at first seem to show some type of Volkswagen prototype. The shape of the headlights, however, is just some camo trickery, and the fenders are most certainly those of the Hyundai Elantra Touring. As though more confirmation was needed, a peak inside shows the Hyundai badge on the steering wheel and a typical Hyundai interior.

When it does arrive on our shores, look for the same engine as the current Elantra, with a 2.0-liter making 148 hp and getting 40 mpg on the highway. Previous reports have suggested a 200 hp turbocharged model could be in the works, as well as a plug-in hybrid version.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Touring Spy Photos

Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Hyundai Elantra Review Here

Hyundai has made incredible gains in the global market, challenging larger automakers in markets they once dominated. While Volkswagen has globally sold a record number of vehicles in 2011, Hyundai Motors and its Kia affiliate have exceeded VW’s numbers in the United States. According to senior analyst of auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell, “Hyundai offers compelling design at an affordable price– a win-win for must consumers. Brand exposure has long been the problem for Hyundai, but that has certainly eased.” The South Korean automaker has made some smart moves to gain publicity, including ads aired during the Super Bowl as well as the company’s sponsorship of the World Cup.

The pressure on Volkswagen doesn’t end at North America, however, as Hyundai intends to bring the fight to Europe as well. Chief operating officer Allan Rushforth for Hyundai Europe said, “It’s very important for Hyundai to be successful. Europe is a top priority because it affects how the company is perceived elsewhere.”

Just as European nations tackle a debt crisis and consumers face austerity measures, Hyundai looks to offer products that mix great value, reliability, European styling and handling. While Volkswagen focuses its attention on challenging GM and surpassing them for the title as world’s largest automaker, Hyundai sneaked up on the German Automaker as Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at Germany’s University of Applied Sciences, said, “Hyundai is one of VW’s most serious challengers. The mix of good value, quality and design is a solid basis, and they’ve been getting more innovative every year.”

During the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, a video was posted on YouTube capturing a concerned conversation between VW CEO Martin Wintekorn and his associates at Hyundai’s show floor. Upon studying the adjustable steering column inside the Hyundai i30, Winterkorn  noted, “Nothing rattles. Why can they do it? BMW can’t. We Can’t.”

Winterkorn adds, “It’s become increasingly clear that whoever’s at the front has a lot of opponents. Our competitors are attacking Volkswagen all over the world.”

For Hyundai’s European offensive, the South Korean automaker has prepared a $12.4 billion investment, intended for plant upgrades and vehicle technology development.  Meanwhile, Volkswagen steels itself against imminent competition by holding onto a 62.4 billion euro budget to invest in factories and new vehicles over the next five years.

GALLERY: Hyundai Elantra

[Source: Bloomberg]

In terms of prime time viewing, it often doesn’t get any better than during the Super Bowl. As a result companies want to make every second of air time count during the commercial breaks, often leading to some of the most inventive ads of all time.

This year, Kia Motors is pulling out all the stops, thanks to a commercial which Michale Sprague, head of Kia’s US marketing and communications calls “the ultimate man’s dream.” It’s all part of a plan for Kia to boost its image into a more upscale, edgier brand.

Essentially, the ad incorporates a Kia Optima tearing around a race track,  while scantily clad  supermodel Adriana Lima and mixed-martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell do what they do best, as Mötley Crüe rock on stage, performing Kickstart My Heart.

The 60-second commercial will first be seen in movie theaters beginning on February 3, while 15-second teaser ads will also air beforehand. In an attempt to maximize the ad’s potential Kia will also leverage both the Twitter and Facebook followings of the stars featured in the commercial.

[Source: USA Today]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that investigations of the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento have both ended.

The NHTSA first looked into Accord Hybrid models after initial investigations linked unintended acceleration to a fatal accident. After a thorough investigation, the agency found no evidence of defect within the Accord Hybrid. No safety recall has been issued for the Accord Hybrid.

A total of 18 complaints have been reported, relating to fuel spilling from the filler port of Kia Sorento models from 2003-2004. The Sorento’s fuel evaporation system has a canister filter that may clog over time. Excess pressure could build due to the clog and may cause gasoline to spill out of the filler neck. A total of 86,000 Soreno units will be repaired and Kia agreed to provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.

Alongside the highly touted Veloster Turbo, Hyundai also revealed an updated Genesis coupe at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

Sporting revised styling with a new front fascia, headlight, foglight, grille and hood design, tweaked LED taillights and new look 18 and 19-inch wheels, this latest Genesis coupe, which will go on sale this spring as a 2013 model also gets more power in the shape of a 2.0-liter four that now cranks out 274 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, plus a stronger V6 rated at 348 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of grunt.

Aiding the power and torque increases are more efficient intake setups on both engines, as well as retuned exhaust systems with throatier resonance. The turbo four also gains a more efficient intercooler that’s 53 percent larger to provide a cooler, denser air charge and promote more power and better throttle response.

The standard six-speed manual has been updated with improved shifting feel, while both engines on the 2013 model can be teamed with Hyundai’s in-house designed and built eight-speed automatic with a SHIFTRONIC manual mode, activated by steering wheel mounted paddles.

In conjunction with the updated powertrains, chassis and suspension calibration has been tweaked  in an effort to improve agility and reduce body roll, while also promoting better ride comfort. Steering has also been revised, with a new quicker ratio 13:8.1 rack.  A Telescopic steering column also makes its debut in the Genesis coupe for the first time.

Other neat features include left side, rear-seat walk-in access, a three stage traction control (which can be completely turned-off for serious track days) and available Hyundai Blue Link (essentially a technology umbrella that incorporates safety, service and info-entertainment features with voice recognition, designed to provide drivers access to the information they need while keeping eyes firmly on the road).

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Watch AutoGuide’s first look video of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe below:

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In a contest where any of the three finalists could seemingly have won, the Hyundai Elantra has officially been crowned the 2012 North American Car of the Year. The Elantra beat-out the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Passat for the honor, which was announced today in Detroit at the start of the North American International Auto Show.

The Elantra has been praised for its impressive design, high-grade interior and, perhaps most importantly, the fact that it gets 40-mpg standard – regardless of the transmission choice and without having to purchase an expensive high fuel-efficiency model.

The North American Car of the Year selection process is decided by a panel comprising 50 accredited automotive journalists from the US and Canada.

Last year’s North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Volt.

GALLERY: 2012 Hyundai Elantra

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 Detroit Auto Show Coverage here

For many, there is only one problem with the Hyundai Veloster: it’s slow. Funky asymmetrical design aside, the interesting new Hyundai product left enthusiasts wanting and so to solve that issue the Korean automaker has unveiled a new turbocharged model today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

With a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder output is rated at 201 hp at 6000 rpm and a significant 195 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm. That’s a serious jump over the standard car’s 138 hp and just 123 lb-ft of torque. With that power (and more standard equipment) comes several hundred pounds of extra weight, putting the Veloster Turbo at 2,800 lbs. More than a MINI Cooper S but less than a Civic Si, Hyundai can still boast a better power to weight ratio than either of those cars.

As for fuel economy, the use of direct injection helps deliver a projected 27/38 rating with the six-speed manual. No numbers for the dual-clutch six-speed automatic are yet available.

In the transmission department both a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic are available, with wider gears for the manual, so as to cope with the added power, while the auto-box gets closer gears to help keep it in the ideal power range.

In addition to power Hyundai has also tuned the car’s intake and exhaust notes and has firmed up the steering to improve driver feel. The car also looks noticeably sportier thanks to 18-inch wheels and it’s quite a lot meaner too, thanks to a large, monotone flat-fronted grille and a complete ground effects kit that ends out back with a large diffuser and two center-exit exhaust pipes. To help the car stand out further are Turbo-exclusive LED daytime running lights, as well as an optional Matte Gray paint – the first matte paint finish offered by Hyundai.

GALLERY: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

See AutoGuide’s First Look Video of the Veloster Turbo below:

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2011 marked another year of success for South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia. Having capitalized on its Japanese rivals’ year of challenges, sales for Hyundai and Kia have climbed like a rocket.

Final global sales numbers for 2011 are 4.05 million and 2.54 million for Hyundai and Kia respectively. Boasting an increase in overseas sales by 14 percent, Hyundai sold 610,000 units in India and 730,000 in China. Kia’s overseas sales increased by 24 percent.

Determined to keep the momentum going, the South Korean automakers plan to increase global sales by another 6.1 percent this year for a combined sales amount of 7 million vehicles. While it is a conservative amount compared to the growth of the last two years, Hyundai will be taking 2012 as a year to thoroughly improve the quality  of its vehicles and to invest more in research and development. Clearly learning from Toyota‘s misstep, Hyundai hopes that its concentration on quality control as well as on other areas that might have been overlooked during the company’s rapid growth can help to avoid enormous recalls that would damage the company in the future.

[Source: Bloomberg]

South Korean automakers have been on a roll for the past two years and there are no signs of letting off. A radical departure from Hyundais of the past, the new Hyundai Veloster earned GOOD DESIGN award in the transportation category. Held at the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, GOOD DESIGN awards are handed annually to the most innovative designers in a broad array of industries– not just automotive.

According to Hyundai Motor America director of Product Planning, Scott Margason, “With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle. Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

Highlights of the Veloster’s design are its three-door layout. While this design has been adopted by the and Saturn SC-2 3-door coupe in the past, the third door is opened conventionally rather than suicide, retains a B-pillar for structural rigidity, and has its own exterior door handle rather than needing to rely on the front door to open first. What’s more, designers compliment the Hyundai for its bold design statement and its distinctive forms including black A-pillars to give the sports coupe an aggressive motorcycle helmet visor appearance. A distinctive glass hatch in the rear and dual centered chrome exhaust tips carry the edgy design to the rear. Inside, the center console is designed to resemble a sport bike fuel tank while HVAC air vents are heavily influenced by motorcycle tailpipes.

Click here to read Autoguide’s review of the 2012 Veloster.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai‘s supremo across the pond, Allan Rushforth has given confirmation that the idea of a turbocharged i30 hatchback (known as the Elantra Touring stateside, shown above), is under serious consideration.

The car will reportedly boast sportier styling than the existing i30 hatchback and likely be powered by a 1.6-liter blown four-banger, rated at around 200 hp (a similar hot  Euro market Kia C’eed model, to which the i30 is related, is also being planned).

A turbocharged Veloster is also scheduled to make its debut in 2012, powered by a version of the same engine, though, despite that car also being planned as a North American entry next year (debuting at the Detroit Auto Show), it’ll be interesting to see whether a turbocharged Elantra eventually materializes on this side of the Atlantic.

[Source: Autocar]

Kelly Blue Book Released their list of the 20 most researched vehicles and three of the top five spots belong the Honda products. The Civic and Accord placed first and second respectively, with the Toyota Camry in third, the Honda CR-V in fourth and the Ford F-150 in fifth.

The Hyundai Sonata and Elantra placed sixth and seventh respectively, with the Elantra cracking the top 20 for the first time. The top five brands overall were Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet and Hyundai, with the Toyota Prius as the sole hybrid on the list. Check out the full list below, after the jump.

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While the city of Detroit is preparing itself to host the next major auto show on the global calender in January, Hyundai is looking to the future and preparing a concept for the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Their latest concept is called i-oniq and it is the work of Hyundai’s European research and development center in Russelsheim, Germany.

This latest concept is described by its chief designer Thomas Burkle as a “fluidic sculpture.” Burkle said, “two strong arched curves define the silhouette of i-oniq, creating a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features.”

More information on this concept will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

Set to earn the title for the year’s best-selling luxury marque, BMW aims to keep the momentum going and targets its next goal to expanding U.S. sales by another 25 percent within no more than 3 years.

BMW U.S. head Ludwig Willisch addressed with conviction, “In the mid-term, we expect U.S. sales of 300,000 units for the BMW brand.” Comparatively, BMW is poised to sell 240,000 units this year and has sold 221,073 up to the end of November. At an extremely close second, Mercedes-Benz, has sold 219,491 units.

Despite leading by only a small margin, the head of BMW sales Ian Robertson is unfazed. “We want to be the number one premium brand in the U.S.– this year and in the future. Year to date, we are ahead of Mercedes [in the United States] and we intend to defend that position.”

[Source: Left Lane News]

Hyundai hyped its Veloster and the automotive media had high hopes for the innovative odd four-door hatchback, but when the reviews came out, the praise was missing. Good? Yes. But great? Hardly.

Still, Hyundai is calling the Veloster an early success, capturing the highest percentage of the “compact sporty car” market in its first full month on sale. Veloster sales accounted for 31% of this niche market, topping the Scion tC and Fiat 500, each taking 15% of the pie, and even topping the MINI Cooper, which accounts for 29 percent of the segment.

Perhaps more impressive is how high demand is for the car, with Hyundai indicating that it takes a Veloster just 8 days to move off a dealer lot. By comparison, the next closest competitor is the Scion tC, which sells in 22 days. The CR-Z, the car Hyundai pegged the Veloster at most, hoping to draw-in a legion of disappointed Honda enthusiasts, takes a brutal 139 days to sell.

According to J.D. Power numbers the highest percentage of Veloster buyers are already Hyundai customers (20%), suggesting either that the car is helping to retain customers, or that it is cannibalizing sales of other models. The most popular conquest brands are Chevrolet, Honda and Ford, with the most popular trade-in models for the Veloster being the Honda Civic and Mazda3.

Hyundai claims one major reason for the car’s success is its value, with an average transaction price of $20,902 compared to $21,154 for the tC, $21,383 for the CR-Z and a spendy $25,950 for the MINI Cooper.

Similar good things are happening in the rest of Hyundai’s 40-mpg lineup says Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik during a recent presentation at the Hyundai Technical Center in Ann Arbor, MI, with the Accent with just 20 days of cars in stock while over 70% of buyers are conquests from other brands. “The only reason the Accent isn’t the best seller in the segment is because can’t produce them fast enough,” he said.

Much the same can be said for the Elantra, which has “surpassed expectations” says Krafcik, saying it’s the fourth most shopped car in the entire industry, behind the Accord, Sonata and Camry.

As it stands, the supply issue is a major concern, for Hyundai and its dealers, with near-excessive demand for Hyundai’s well-priced high-mpg models like the Veloster.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

Read AutoGuide’s Hyundai Veloster Review Here and discuss this story at Veloster.org

With the debut of a new 5.0-liter Tau V8 in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec and rumors that it will find its way under the hood of the Genesis Coupe, Hyundai isn’t necessarily committed to eight-cylinders. That’s not surprising as the industry moves towards forced induction options like turbocharging and supercharging in order to deliver ideal power levels with reduced fuel consumption.

At a recent product preview and engineering tech session at Hyundai Motor America’s technical center in Ann Arbor, MI, powertrain boss John Juriga admitted that a turbocharged version of the company’s 3.8-liter V6 (offered in both the Genesis coupe and sedan) is a possibility for the future. “The 3.8 is a contender for turbocharging for some high-output applications,” he said. In fact, Juriga did one better, going on to comment that such an engine already exists and is undergoing testing. Speaking with AutoGuide, Jurega qualified that statement, commenting that the Hyundai engineering team is constantly exploring new engine options and that the existence of a prototype is no guarantee that such an engine will make it into production.

Expanding on Juriga’s comments, HMA CEO John Krafcik indicated that the Korean automaker is currently at a crossroads as to its future engine plans for its high-performance and premium models. Krafcik referenced the brand’s two SEMA Show Genesis Coupe concept cars, one powered by a 5.0-liter V8, the other by a supercharged 3.8-liter V6. The two cars, he explains, were built to generate feedback, to see which method of power delivery is preferred, with the more traditional high-displacement V8 versus the forced induction option.

“We’re looking for feedback from you folks,” said Krafcik, speaking to the assembled journalists. AutoGuide was obviously more enamored with the V8 option when we got a chance to see both cars at the SEMA Show, although a turbocharged V6 option, versus a supercharged one, might change that. Let us know what you’d rather drive in the comments section below.

Slotting in above the Sonata and below the Genesis sedan, the Azera is Hyundai‘s highest front-drive offering, sitting as a rival to cars like the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima.

It looks like a larger Sonata, and in many ways that’s just what it is, offering the best leg and headroom in its segment. Power comes from a 3.3-liter V6 engine making 293-hp and delivering a class-leading 20-mpg city and 29-mpg highway.

The real selling feature of the new Azera is how well equipped it is, with an extensive list of standard features, and some incredible options too. Interested? Find out more by watching the video below.

GALLERY: 2012 Hyundai Azera

Watch the video below:

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If you’re into plus-size models, then you’re sure to appreciate the the all-new Hyundai Azera. Looking like a curvy Sonata but with some more meat on its bones, the Azera is all-new for 2012 and sports a more powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine making 293-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Using a six-speed automatic transmission Hyundai boasts it can achieve 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg highway for a combined 23-mpg rating, which matches the Acura TL and Toyota Avalon and tops all other rivals (if you don’t include the rear-drive Chrysler 300). Hyundai also touts the car’s power-to-weight ratio, at just 3,600 lbs it’s quite light for a full size car and weighs 200 lbs less than a Buick LaCross and 400 less than a Taurus.

Back to the car’s design, along with a large chrome grille it gets plenty of chrome detailing (perhaps too much), as well as LED taillights and accent lighting, integrated exhaust tips and 18-inch wheels standard (19s are optional).

Fitting between the Sonata and rear-drive Genesis Sedan in the Hyundai lineup, few might remember the old Azera but that’s likely to change now. It stretches 193.3-inches and is 73.2 inches wide. (For perspective, that’s 5-inches shorter and one inch less wide than a Chrysler 300). With all that size, the Azera boasts more front headroom and legroom than any of its front-drive rivals.

Perhaps the Azera’s best selling feature is its extensive list of standard equipment. Included on even base models is leather, dual automatic climate control, a 7-inch display screen with navigation and a back-up camera, a power driver’s seat, proximity key, nine airbags, second row air vents, a cooled glove box, plus heated front and rear seats. Those looking for all the goodies can upgrade to the Tech Package with 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, HID lights, a power rear sunshade and manual side rear shades, a 12-speaker 550-watt Infiniti audio system, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, an extendable driver’s seat cushion, vented front seats and rear parking sensors.

GALLERY: 2012 Hyundai Azera

See video of the new Azera below:

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Proving that the V8-powered Genesis Coupe is in fact possible, Hyundai unveiled the RMR500 concept at the SEMA Show recently, built with its motorsports partner Rhys Millen Racing. Powered by the brand’s new 5.0-liter Tau V8, as found in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec and with a few modifications, it makes an incredible 450-hp.

During a Q&A session today at the automaker’s technical center in Ann Arbor, MI, when asked if the company was serious about bringing such a car to market, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik replied: “How could you not be serious about that? How could you not be serious about a 450-hp Tau-V8 powered Genesis Coupe?”

Stopping just short of confirming the V8 Genesis Coupe, Krafcik did exclaim, “I want that for my next company car.”

Hyundai recently revealed photos of its facelifted 2013 Genesis Coupe, which will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. While specific details aren’t yet available, the 2.0T base engine is expected to increase from 210-hp to 274-hp, while the 3.8-liter V6 is expected to jump from 306 to 333-hp thanks to direct-injection technology. If Krafcik’s comments are any indication, those waiting for a V8-powered Genesis Coupe, might not be waiting in vain.

GALLERY: Hyundai Genesis Coupe RMR500

During a technical briefing at the company’s technical center in Ann Arbor, MI, Hyundai has given journalists a first peak at the upcoming Elantra Coupe. Billed as a preview of future products for next week’s LA Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show in January, Hyundai Motor America CEO announced that the official unveiling for the car won’t come until the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Unfortunately we can’t share photos of the car, but we can promise the sedan’s flowing lines work even better on the coupe – which might have the most elegantly executed Bangle-butt style rear decklid we’ve ever seen.

Along with styling changes, look for a slightly sportier overall car than the 4-door. “We’re going to do some things to turn the knob,” said Hyundia Motor America CEO John Krafcik. “We’re not turning it up to 10. We’re turning it from 3.5 to 4.5.” That said, look for small changes like sportier gear ratios to help deliver slightly better acceleration numbers.

Is the Kia Soul just a touch too big for your needs?

Well if you happen to live in Kia’s home market of S. Korea, you could look into their newest offering, dubbed the Ray.

While the name might sound similar to the sea creature, the Kia Ray is neither sleek or stealthy. What it is, is a boxy city car for people who live in major metropolitan cities like Seoul.

The skin is very much in keeping with the style of all modern Kia’s, so it has a wide grille accented with chrome, plus L.E.D. daytime running lights.

What lies under the skin is anybody’s guess at the moment, although it could very possibly be carrying the three-cylinder, 1.0-liter engine or the four-cylinder, 1.25-liter engine currently offered in the Picanto, a model Kia sells in Asia and Europe, but not North America. An electric version of the Ray is also rumored.

It is also believed that while the Ray does not use the Picanto platform, much of the hardware will be shared between the two models to reduce cost.

What will surely be very unique to the Ray is the way its doors are arranged. While the rear door behind the driver opens conventionally, the rear passenger door slides, like in a minivan.

The Kia Ray might not make it to the North American market, but it could be headed to showrooms in other Asian markets like China.

[Source: Autocar]

Hyundai may be promoting its new Veloster model at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but it’s the brand’s modified Genesis Coupes that are generating the most buzz. With a supercharged V6 built in-house at the company’s technical center and a 5.0-liter V8 version using the donated engine from the Genesis R-Spec sedan it’s hard not to imagine a more fun-filled future for this Korean sports car.

Find out more in the video after the jump:

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The Hyundai Veloster is arguably this year’s hot sport compact, and Hyundai came out in full force with a collection of Velosters covering both the “show” and “go” ends of the spectrum.

First up is the hotly anticipated ARK Performance Veloster, featuring the first application of a turbocharger on the Veloster. With Hyundai’s subsequent announcement of a Veloster Turbo for 2012, the ARK gives us a pretty good preview of what to expect – a twin scroll turbocharger putting out 210 horsepower. The wild green paint scheme and tuner-esque wheels likely won’t make the cut.

The PM Lifestyle Veloster was developed by Universal Technical Institute, a training school for auto mechanics. Konig wheels, carbon fiber hood, a custom interior and the usual bolt-ons add visual flair and boost power to 163-horsepower. The Hyundai Re:Mix Veloster Music Veloster is obviously focused on audio, with a full DJ deck setup installed in the trunk while the Re:Mix Gaming Veloster is focused on video games, with an XBOX in place of the DJ booth.

Finally, the RMR Global Rallycross Veloster was built by Rhys Millen Racing to take on the competition in 2WD Rallycross. The sport exists in a much different form in the rest of the world, as opposed to the X-Games style Rallycross popular on our shores. Lightweight body panels, a 300 horsepower turbocharged engine, rally suspension, safety modifications and rally tires help take the Veloster from sport compact into a real deal race car.

For more SEMA coverage, click here

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster SEMA Concepts

As promised Kia has unveiled its Rio B-Spec race car at the 2011 SEMA Show today, based on the brand’s all-new Rio 5-Door sub-compact.

More of a kit than an actual race car, this is a project for the do-it-yourselfer. On top of the $13,600 price of a Rio, Kia’s racing partner Kinetic Motorsports will sell you a B-Spec kit for $14,000. It includes everything you need to transform the sub-compact into a budget racer, including a roll cage, racing seat, quick-release steering wheel, race harness, shocks, light weight wheels and spec-series tires, plus an oil sump pan expansion kit and…. (cue the Sweidsh IKEA voice) instructions.

Want to go fast for cheap but don’t want to do it yourself? No problem, for a modest fee of $6,000 you can ship it all to the Kinetic Motorsports facility in Buford, Georgia and they’ll build your race car for you.

The B-Spec Rio will be able to complete in various sanctioned events including World Challenge, GRAND-AM, the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and National Auto Sport Association (NASA) races starting next year.

GALLERY: Kia Rio B-Spec

See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show coverage here