After testing the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N last year, we gave it the title of Hyundai's best-handling and most nimble vehicle. The Veloster N is built for performance and offers enhanced driving features that separate it from the standard Hyundai Veloster. The N's eLSD (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) system increases maximum cornering speed by 5%, an N Power Sense Axle improves grip, and a rack-mounted motor-driven power steering system (R-MDPS) stabilizes the vehicle at high speeds and improves responsiveness at lower speeds, making the Veloster N ideal for both street and track driving.
We were impressed by the Veloster N's composed ride, quick acceleration, and precise steering. On top of the impressive performance, the hot hatch came with a surprisingly affordable price tag of $27,600 MSRP. What the Veloster N didn't come with, however, was an automatic transmission, until now. For some purists who'd rather rope their own gears in the traditional sense won't care, but for those who don't want a sore left leg in gridlock traffic, the news is welcomed.
This week, Hyundai unveiled the enhanced 2020 Veloster N which gets an all-new N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission to offer convenience in addition to driving fun. As manuals become rarer, the likelihood that a driver or someone in their household doesn't know how to drive a stick is high. While the 6-speed manual Veloster N is still available, Hyundai is hoping to reach the masses with the new 8-speed DCT.
Hyundai chose a wet double-clutch DCT instead of a dry double-clutch transmission to improve lubrication and cooling performance for higher torque applications. The N Grin Shift increases the Veloster N's torque from 260 to 278 lb-ft.
Acceleration is comparable to the Veloster N's 6-speed manual with a 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds and is enhanced by the N Power Shift (NPS) which engages when accelerating with more than 90% throttle. The NPS uses upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels and gives the driver a feeling of responsive acceleration. Check out the video below for a quick look at the system:
To reinforce the trackable nature of the Veloster N, the N DCT has N Track Sense Shift (NTS) that identifies optimal road conditions for dynamic driving and automatically selects the proper gear and shifting time for performance that mimics a professional race car driver.
“Veloster N demonstrates Hyundai’s approach to high-performance cars. By equipping Veloster N with N DCT, drivers get performance and convenience at the same time,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor. “Anyone who wants a fun driving experience will jump at the chance to pilot the new Veloster N – an everyday sports car with racetrack capabilities.”
Although the new 8-Speed DCT takes center stage in the 2020 Veloster N, there are a handful of interior updates that should excite potential buyers. The Veloster N will offer optional N Light Sports Bucket Seats which add a track-inspired theme to the interior with unibody construction wrapped in soft Alacantara. The seats are designed to hold the driver in place while cornering at high speeds and feature an illuminated N logo on the backrest.
The Veloster N has an improved infotainment system that is accessed on a larger high-definition 8-inch display and a JBL premium sound system. Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite can be found in the 2020 Veloster N and includes features like Front Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.
The 2020 Veloster N DCT promises to offer similar driving thrills to its manual counterpart for everyday driving or a day at the track. The hot hatch goes on sale next month in South Korea and then will be rolled out to other markets.
