Hyundai wants to introduce their ‘N’ performance sub-brand in the U.S. market. The first model will be the 2019 Veloster N, available in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Based on the second-generation Veloster, the Veloster N gets a similar treatment as the i30 N hot hatch. On the exterior, there is the N-design grille, air ducts for enhanced brake cooling, LED headlamps, N-design side skirts, a large N-design rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and an integrated diffuser with two circular tailpipes.
Rounding off the exterior looks are tastefully applied red accents and lightweight 19-inch machined alloy wheels shod with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero summer tires. As standard, the car comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interiors have a similar flair as the i30 N, especially when you look at the pale blue accents, steering wheel, twin-pod instrument cluster, shift knob and floating infotainment system. Also present are N-brand metallic door sill scuff plates and N-design cloth sport seats with performance-focused bolstering.
As engine speed approaches redline, a progressive sequential shift indicator is displayed, alerting the driver of an impending shift point for maximum acceleration.
The Veloster N is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the i30 N. In the standard tune, it develops 250 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque from 1,450 – 4,000 rpm. When opted for a performance package, the engine boasts 275 hp at 6,000 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque from 1,450 – 4,700 rpm.
As we can see in the pictures, the transmission is a short-throw 6-speed manual, with downshift rev-matching capability. Power is transmitted to the front wheels.
Also present is a sport exhaust system with variable exhaust actuator. Options list includes electronically-controlled torque-vectoring N Corner-Carving Limited-slip Differential, and oversized 13.6-inch performance rotors on the front axle and 12.4-inch rotors at the rear. The standard rotors aren’t bad either, they measure 13.0 and 11.8-inches front and rear, respectively.
The N Grin Control System drive mode selection system offers Normal, Sport, N, Eco and N Custom modes, which alter throttle response, engine speed rev-matching, exhaust note, active differential tuning, suspension damping rates, steering feel and yaw-control characteristics.
The electronically-controlled suspension uses a load-transfer control system that reduces dive during braking, enhances roll control during cornering and reduces rear suspension compression under hard acceleration.
The Veloster N is available in 4 exterior colors for the U.S. market: Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red, and N-exclusive Performance Blue which apparently is inspired by Hyundai’s Motorsport division.
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