We haven't even got our hands on the Hyundai Veloster and already it's been fed through the terrifying Rally-iser Machine of Vengeance.
Set for a March debut in the 2011 US Rallycross series, this Veloster is built in conjunction with Rhys Millen Racing and Red Bull. It gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 500bhp and 600lb ft of torque, a stitch-welded chassis with carbon and Kevlar body panels and ‘custom' suspension designed to laugh in the face of the abuse it will inevitably get.
Rhys - son of Rod and long-time contender in the legendary Pikes Peak hillclimb - will drive the first Veloster rally beast, while Aussie motocross rider Robbie Maddison (a man who jumped 322ft in Las Vegas) and Marcus Dodd will pilot car number 2.
Don't forget, they'll be racing against Top Gear host Tanner Foust and Friend of Top Gear Ken Block in their Fiesta, among others...