Dwelling as much as its N model’s mantra as being a line-up of “On a regular basis Sports activities Automobiles,” Hyundai revealed a high-performance variant of its Elantra compact sedan.
The N Collection are Hyundai’s highest performing avenue vehicles, ones that take their classes from Hyundai’s motorsports expertise. It’s a connection Hyundai trotted out through the digital introduction of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N.
For many who don’t observe racing, Hyundai needs to remind you that its Elantra N TCR race automobile scored its first IMSA victory, simply three races into the 2021 season at Mid Ohio. The model is hoping that the previous adage “win on Sunday, promote on Monday” nonetheless applies.
So, what’s so particular?
On the coronary heart of this fast new compact sedan is a 2.0-liter turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque by means of a 6-speed handbook transmission.
An 8-speed “moist” dual-clutch transmission is non-compulsory. Along with the Eco, Regular and Sport driving modes utilized in different Elantras, the N will get N Customized driving modes permitting you to customise settings for steering, suspension, the dual-clutch transmission and the powertrain’s rev-matching operation by way of a REV button on the steering wheel.
Ordering with the dual-clutch transmission not solely brings with it paddle shifters, but additionally an N Grin Shift button on the steering wheel that will increase horsepower to 286 for as much as 20 seconds.
Hyundai says that there have been greater than 40 specialised N parts employed to create the Elantra N. Take into account the suspension. Like different Elantra fashions, the N is fitted with MacPherson struts up entrance with a multi-link impartial rear and stabilizer bars at each ends.
In contrast to different Elantras, it’s electronically managed and has a bigger rear stabilizer bar and larger brakes, with 14.2-inch brake rotors. The driveline additionally makes use of an built-in drive axle to avoid wasting weight, a design lifted from WRC rally vehicles, and has rack-mounted energy steering for a extra constant driving really feel. And naturally, it breathes higher than lesser fashions to extract the added energy.
However, this track-ready setup requires premium unleaded gas.
Unique styling particulars
As you’d anticipate, the Elantra N sports activities a singular entrance spoiler, together with quite a few aerodynamic enhancements, together with an N-exclusive wing spoiler with rear diffuser, and a twin, single-tipped exhaust. Climb inside, and also you’ll discover N-exclusive trim, together with the steering wheel, shifter, seats, door scuff panels and metallic pedals. Driver and passenger sit in N mild sport seats which are 10mm decrease two inches thinner than inventory Elantra thrones.
Preliminary driving impressions
Hyundai is billing the Elantra N as a track-ready mannequin that may be pushed on daily basis. That’s a tall order and a declare loads of different efficiency fashions haven’t been in a position to reside as much as. However is it true? Lately, TheDetroitBureau.com briefly put the Elantra N by means of its paces previous to its unveiling Aug. 19, and got here away impressed.
Hitting the starter button awakens the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a particular guttural burbling acquainted to those that’ve already hung out within the Veloster N.
As soon as the automobile involves life, toggling to the Sport driving mode adjustments the all-digital instrument cluster to fireplace engine crimson and shifts the gauges to a extra track-oriented format. Gingerly stepping on the throttle generates a burst of energy that chirps the entrance wheels. Punching the N button brings an additional burst of acceleration that forces you again into driver’s seat.
There’s no query that, in Observe mode, the experience is tough on poorly-maintained pavement. However the trade-off is a sports activities sedan that effortlessly carves its approach round corners, retaining its poise even when coming into into a very tight curve a bit too sizzling. When it comes time to carry issues to a halt, you’ll end up believing Hyundai’s declare that the Elantra N has track-level brakes.
Switching to regular mode, the N relaxes, like an athlete coming down after a giant sport. The pavement all of the sudden appears smoother, the throttle much less able to leap on the slightest twitch of your proper foot.
To those that doubted Hyundai’s talents to serve up a compact sports activities sedan to rival the Honda Civic Sort R or Volkswagen Golf R, the forthcoming 2022 Hyundai Elantra N is a giant shock, one which’s positive to thrill these for whom the Quick and the Livid is a lifestyle, slightly than only a good automobile flick.
Writer and Editor-In-Chief Paul Eisenstein contributed to this report.
