Yahoo Autos The Hyundai Elantra N Looks Like It'll Be a Hoot
For most of its history, Hyundai hasn’t been associated with performance-oriented machines. Ever since Albert Bierman, longtime head of BMW’s M division, joined the South Korean automaker, that’s been changing. The Hyundai Veloster N took home our 2020 Performance Car of the Year award, despite facing off against the likes of the C8 Corvette and the Lamborghini Huracan Evo. That’s no small feat, and mighty impressive for a hot hatch. Hyundai is eager to continue building on this burgeoning performance brand, and has just shared new teaser images of its latest sporty offering, the upcoming Elantra N sedan.
This isn’t the first time that we’ve gotten a peek at the Elantra N, as the automaker shared camouflaged teasers back in November. These new images ditch the camouflage to better highlight some of the changes to the N model. New side sills help channel the air around the car and give it a more aggressive look with the N range’s signature red accent. A large rear spoiler is also part of the aero package, which Hyundai promises is actually functional and increases high-speed stability. We also see a unique set of wheels shod in Michelin rubber, as well as a dual exhaust. Hyundai chose not to show the front of the Elantra N in these uncamouflaged teaser images, but previous images show a larger front intake, as well as a proper front splitter. Combined with the black body trim throughout, the Hyundai Elantra N looks to have significantly more presence than its standard stablemate.
Hyundai hasn't spilled any technical details about the Elantra N just yet, but we suspect this sporty sedan will use the same 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder found in the brand's current performance offerings, the Veloster N and Kona N. That would mean around 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. In the Kona N, this engine comes paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic; the Veloster N adds an available six-speed manual. Hyundai, if you're listening: Put the manual in the Elantra N. Please. A stiffer suspension, better brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential are surely on the menu for the new sedan as well.
The Hyundai Elantra N will join the Veloster N hatchback and the Kona N performance crossover in showrooms for the 2022 model year. While the automaker hasn’t shared a specific debut date at this time, we expect the reveal to take place in the coming weeks.
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