HYUNDAI has confirmed the future will include an i30 N with an automatic transmission, after revealing an enhanced version of the Veloster N, equipped with the all new N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT).
Hyundai developed the N DCT to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission, with the Veloster N the first production model to feature it.
Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, the performance edition of the unique hatch is not available in Australia thanks to the difficulties in converting the special edition to right-hand drive.
But that shouldn’t stop us dreaming about it, because the DCT version is equipped with electronic actuators that operate the double clutch, providing ride comfort, fuel efficiency and most importantly, driving fun.
Unlike a traditional dry double clutch transmission, the wet variety uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance, which is typical of higher torque applications. The 2020 edition of the Veloster N also includes some cool additions.
N Grin Shift (NGS) increases torque by 7 per cent from 36.0 to 38.5kgf-m by allowing turbocharger over-boost, maximising transmission response for 20 seconds. Performance wise that is certain to induce “driver grin”.
There’s also N Power Shift (NPS), which engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using up shifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels.
N Track Sense Shift (NTS) discerns when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activates automatically, selecting the right gear and shift timing just like a professional race car driver might, to provide optimal performance.
All of these features can be configured in Veloster N’s improved infotainment system, using the latest operating system shown on a larger high-definition 8-inch display. It’s paired with premium JBL sound system.
The go fast edition of the Veloster comes with Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies, including front collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane follow and keep assist, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic warning.
Customers can opt to equip the Veloster N with N Light bucket seats (with illuminated N logo). The uni-body sports seats are wrapped in soft, suede-like Alcantara upholstery to firmly hold the driver in position when the car is taking corners at high speeds.
Hyundai developed its high-performance N brand to make the driver’s heart beat faster whenever they’re behind the wheel. With fun-to-drive character its top priority, the performance Veloster delivers thrilling cornering capability, and racetrack performance.
It’s those same characteristics that make the i30 N such an outstanding offering locally, with the addition of a DCT set to expand its popularity when it arrives in early 2021 for both the hatch and Fastback variants.
Speculation continues that there could be an all-wheel drive offering for both vehicles in the future, but that is yet to be confirmed by Hyundai Motor Company or its performance arm.
