SPY PICS: Hyundai Veloster raised to the power of 'N'

Hyundai is understood to have an 'N' variant of its next generation Veloster in the works, although there's no knowing for sure whether it will debut with the lesser models that are scheduled for global launch sometime next year.

If true, the Veloster N would whip up another 34kW beyond the peak power figure for the current Veloster SR Turbo, with the engine from the i30N squeezed in under the bonnet. Add to that the innovative packaging and the latest corporate design theme, and Hyundai's sure to be on a winner.

The cars pictured here are atmo and turbo versions of the new Veloster, snapped in California's Orange County. Since both are left-hand drive, the rear passenger door is on the other side of the car, away from the camera lens – but it will presumably shift to the side closer to the camera for right-hand drive countries like Australia.

Based on the images supplied, the Veloster will adopt frontal styling like the current i30 and Elantra. It's speculated that the new car's footprint won't change much from the current Veloster's, but the window in the tailgate appears to be extended forward and the A pillars are different.

So while the second generation Veloster – which was in doubt to be built – is likely to remain on the current platform, there will be significant sheet metal changes.