Several amateur spy photos have appeared online showing what appears to be the upcoming Hyundai Veloster out testing in Korea. While the body cladding certainly covers up the details, the overall shape of the car is undeniably like the Veloster Concept. As it should; after all, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik did say the sub-compact would look a great deal like the concept version, calling it both “Accent sized” and like a,” four passenger Honda CRX.”

Thought by many to be the replacement for the Tiburon, the Veloster will be in a different class, with no Tiburon-type model in Hyundai’s future product plans. Instead, much as the Genesis Coupe is a slightly larger, more powerful and more expensive model, the Veloster will sit at the other end of the scale, undercutting the Tiburon in most areas.

Reportedly, the Veloster will be powered by a direct-injection 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that will get over 40 mpg on the highway.

The Tiburon’s sporty-CRX-like successor is due out as a 2012 model at dealers by late 2011.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster Spy Photos

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster

[Source: bobaedream.co.kr]

With all the excitement surrounding the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, you’ve probably forgotten all about the Tiburon.

The what?

Do they still make those?

Our point exactly… and technically speaking, no, they don’t make Tiburon’s any more… although you can still buy a “new” one.

OK, so the car does still exist, but it won’t for long. Hyundai is planning the next iteration of the sporty front-wheel drive vehicle but conceptually it’s going to be completely different and it probably won’t even use the Tiburon name.

Hyundai U.S.A.’s CEO John Krafcik told AutoWeek that the next car, expected in 2011, will be “positioned below the current Tiburon.”

It will still use the front drive Accent/Elantra platform and will be powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – so it better be small and light weight if it’s going to be at all sporty.

“It is not going to be all about performance,” Krafcik continued.

Instead, the car will be more economical and more environmentally friendly. It will, however, be recognizable as a sibling to the Genesis Coupe, with styling also based on the Veloster Concept car.

GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]