Currently reading: Hyundai unveils wild mid-engined Veloster concept

Korean manufacturer produces experimental rear-drive coupé to explore future potential of Veloster's chassis

A mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Veloster show car has been unveiled at the Busan motor show in South Korea.

Developed by Hyundai's High Performance Team – which also carried out early development work on the Hyundai i20 World Rally Car – the two-seat concept is fully driveable.

Along with the Veloster's distinctive 2+1 asymmetric door layout, the 'Veloster Midship', as the show car is known, features a 2.0-litre turbocharged Theta GDI engine behind the front seats.

The powerplant, which produces 296bhp, is located within the car's wheelbase, to optimise the weight distribution and handling balance.

The Veloster Midship measures 4220mm long, 1865mm wide and 1340mm in height, making it slightly wider and lower than conventional versions of the coupé-cum-hatch.

Hyundai described the car as having a "high-rigidity body structure" and it also boasts lighter aluminum wishbone suspension, high-performance shock absorbers, uprated brakes and an active variable exhaust.

Inside, the regular seats have been replaced with a pair of lightweight sports bucket seats.

The Korean manufacturer also pointed out that the vehicle doesn't hint at a future model, but has been constructed as a "showcase for performance technologies", although it did hint that the concept explores future possibilities for the Veloster chassis.

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The Hyundai Veloster wins on practicality, price and standard kit but lacks the dynamic talent and appeal that a coupé should have.

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fadyady 30 May 2014

A hitherto little known

car maker emerges from Korea and offers a rear-wheel drive sport concept. Hint. Hint. Volkswagen! The trick in making a great sportcar lies not in just upping the power by adding turbo or presenting sketches of weird concepts. Rear-wheel drive - probably unheard of in the parts around Wolfsburg.
artill 30 May 2014

I love the idea of the extra

I love the idea of the extra rear door effectively being the bonnet, used when servicing the car.

But seriously, if Hyundai are going to start developing some actual drivers cars we can only applaud.