Hyundai Teases Elantra N Sport Sedan

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Hyundai is sharing heavily doctored images of the upcoming Elantra N, offering a taste of what its performance arm plans to do when unleased upon the rest of the company’s lineup. Unlike N-Line products, which are more about supporting modest performance upgrades with visual embellishments, N models are basically as hardcore as the manufacturer can build a vehicle while still attempting to turn a profit.

Thus far the formula has only had sufficient time to produce the 275-horsepower Veloster N — a hatchback that seems intentionally designed to dunk on the more reserved Volkswagen GTI. But the Elantra is rumored to embrace the Veloster’s powertrain and a similar personality, resulting in something relatively unique for our market.

The only difference is that it’s unlikely to get the six-speed manual that’s available on the Veloster. Instead, it’s assumed to receive the same eight-speed dual clutch that’s going into the Kona N (below) that’s scheduled to drop this fall. But the manufacturer has confirmed neither in an official capacity and may yet surprise us. Meanwhile, we’re happy to guarantee a brake upgrade (something that’s clearly visible in the teaser shots) and some obligatory suspension enhancements to make the sedan dance a little funkier.

The Elantra N could arrive in the U.S. by the end of the year, or perhaps early in 2022, and is likely to yield a wilder spirit than just about everything else in the segment. It’s also going to be a bit flashier than its N-Line sibling, which is apparent in the teaser photos thanks to the addition of the N series’ signature red trim. Other upgrades include larger, 19-inch tires (wrapped in Pilot Sport 4S tires) and a unique spoiler. The exhaust ports also appear to be a bit wider than standard, which may or may not result in the same cracking and burbling offered by the high-strung Veloster.

It’ll be a delicate balance to maintain, however.

Despite Hyundai proving that it knows exactly how to make an insanely fun automobile with the Veloster N, it’s not as practical (or subtle) as the GTI. The German auto is clearly superior at eating up highway miles in style and comfort, while the Korean model is hellbent on making sure you’re having a good time from behind the wheel. The Elantra may not benefit from being quite so brash, at least where sales are considered. It’s almost a given that it’ll be more powerful than anything else in its segment. But we’re still hoping Hyundai decides to err against the side of caution and make it as crazy as possible, forcing rivals to step up their performance game while it steals the spotlight.

Hyundai has stated that the Elantra N will appear at the New York International Auto Show in August, meaning that its official debut is likely to take place shortly beforehand. Expect more in the weeks ahead.

[Images: Hyundai]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • ToolGuy My latest vehicle acquisition is slightly older than this one, same parent company, but has a full frame, rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted pushrod V8 gasoline engine. Almost like it was engineered and manufactured by a completely different group of people. Hmmm...
  • EBFlex Smart people
  • Wjtinfwb "Rovelo" tires? Good to see TTAC is not above the shameless commercial endorsement of unknown product like it's bigger print competitors.
  • Wjtinfwb Looks in decent nick for a Junkyard car. Other than the interior being partially gutted for some trim pieces, you could probably drive it out of the junkyard. Maybe a transmission issue and the cars value precluded a $2k or more fix? J cars were pathetic when introduced in '82 and never really got any better. But GM did sort out most of the reliability issues and with a modicum of maintenance these would run a long time if you could stand the boredom. Guess this owner couldn't.
  • GS340Pete I see a lot of these on the road. I can't remember the last time I saw one on my local Chevy dealership's lot. They've never in my memory had a few lined up with balloons. Short sighted to kill it off? Perhaps. But I certainly think the rows of $65k and up trucks is short sighted. That's going to bite soon. Looks like they're piling up already.And what about the Trax? Malibu or Trax? Gotta be honest, I'd pick the Trax.Although it should have 50 more HP IMHO. And why are so many preaching doom about the 'wet belt' engine?RIP, Malibu. Ride the highway in the sky with the Impala (talk about short sighted.)
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