First Look: Hyundai Elantra N
The N sedan joins in the brand’s high-performance stable, and offers 276 horsepower and a manual
The Hyundai Elantra “everyday sport car” is all-new for 2021, and the up-styled N Line version is already out on roads. Now the Korean automaker is adding another Elantra to the troop, this one bearing an “N”and nothing more. You know the Veloster N and the Kona N? Think that sort of “N”.
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As with all N vehicles, the Elantra N was spruced up in both the performance and style categories, having been infused with the brand’s motorsport ethos and technology, plus more than 40 specialized N elements
At its heart is a 2.0L turbocharged, direct-injected (DCT) ‘eNgine’ that’s larger, more powerful, and mounted slightly differently than that in the standard Elantra. The Elantra N’s plant will make 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, with max output from the flat-power motor coming at 5,500 rpm. Activating the N Grin Shift feature that comes standard on the DCT unit boosts output to 286 horsepower for 20 seconds.
Two transmissions are on offer: an 8-speed wet, dual-clutch, and a six-speed manual. Both should be a treat to experience in the corners, as Hyundai has gifted the newest N with track-born technologies such as launch control, N Power Shift that keeps the torque on full blast when shifting, and N Corner Carving Differential that keeps the nose eagerly leading. The integrated drive axle that comes from the WRC rally world enables a 3.81 lbs lighter driveline that promises to boost performance under lateral g-forces, while a restructured air intake slightly increases power and decreases weight.
Connecting it all to the road are 19-inch alloy wheels wearing 245-section width Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
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To ensure drivers are feeling it all appropriately, Hyundai tweaked suspension and steering feedback as well. The Elantra N gets the brand’s first dual-compound insulator on the front suspension, which is paired with a trailing-arm bushing to limit noise and vibration. And to make sure they’re hearing it, there’s a virtual equalizer that allows the driver to adjust the engine’s “whine, throat, [and] bass” to suit their mood.
Brakes were similarly beefed up, earning best-in-class performance status with 360-mm front ventilated and 314-mm rear ventilated rotors fitted with high-friction pads and kept cool by half-cut dust covers and air guides.
There will be no mistaking the N for the N Line or standard Elantra. Visual differences are evident from almost every angle, but none more so than the front-on where the front fascia (inspired by “the battle-ready appearance of a driver’s race helmet”), lip spoiler, and sizeable air intakes darken the car from the headlights down.
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On the rear, the N-exclusive wing and rear diffuser help keep the car pushing down while pushing forward. Beneath it, an upside-down triangle reflector and dual, single-tipped exhaust further denote the performance sedan.
The N treatment inside the car includes the usual special wheel, shifter, door panels, and such, as well as an exclusive graphic interface displaying performance details like oil and coolant temps, torque and turbo meters, and allowing for certain engine and steering customizations.
Pricing for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N should be revealed closer to the car’s release date, which is anticipated to be announced later this year.