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]
N for “not needed”
Wrong Slavuta: N is for “needed”. For “not needed” it would be NN.
Look at that wheel picture up top ^^. It has NN
Wouldn’t this compare against a Jetta GLI moreso than a Golf GTI. Anyhow, I saw a new Elantra in the flesh just this week and was struck by how big it seemed.
In terms of price and capability, I think this will slot between the GLI and the Golf R/Civic Type R. The Veloster N runs around $33,000 (and they are NOT dealing on it).
That’s because of very limited supply. I got mine for just over 28k out the door with PP last April and very glad I did! Now you can’t find them new and used ones are selling at 30k, or even more. Chip shortage?
Could be the chip shortage, plus the base price on it went up by like four or five grand this year. Either way, it got a bit pricey.
I was able to check one out, though – it’s a party to drive for sure, but not really what I was looking for. I needed something with a better back seat and a lot more highway polish.
They weren’t dealing at all on the few I found. Somewhat reasonable deals could be had on the Sonata N-line, though.
If they’d given the outgoing Elantra GT this treatment, I’d be on it. But the new Elantra is really, really ugly. I’m sure it’ll be a hoot to drive, but I’m not interested.
Spoilers!
I really liked the Elantra Sport from the previous generation (specifically before the mid-cycle refresh). It had the right equipment and was priced reasonably enough for me to seriously consider it. I’m not a master of driving a manual but I had no trouble with it in the Elantra. If I had found one close by in the really nice blue it came in with the 6 speed and auto climate control, I’d have probably bought one.
I’ll be interested in seeing this once it’s revealed.
I am in America, rejoice, my dream came true! This is the car I was dreaming about in Russia in 1990s. Most other people in despair settled for a new Daewoo (formerly Opel Kadett, now Chevy something) made in Uzbekistan of all the places.
I am in America, weep, my dream is denied! Lada Niva, I must have.
I’d go for N Line Elantra if I was in market for Elantra. 201 HP & better balance of value to performance.
I drove 2017 Elantra sport – pre-cursor to N.. Or as I call it NN. It had good power, ok steering, great brakes and engine sound. But the clutch uptake and feel ruined the entire experience. Add to this horrible interior, it was a “no!”
Regarding NN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjZONFu1fps
This song resembles lynyrd skynyrd
The best TV show featuring Niva is “Mukhtar Strikes Back”.
Apparently Niva is featuring in many movies
https://imcdb.org/vehicles_make-Lada_model-Niva.html
Hyundai also had the Elantra GT N line (small wagon) 201 HP with a manual. Supposedly was a great little car. Alas I think they canceled it for 2021
They did indeed cancel it. I drove the N-line and Sport (the sedan) a few years back – nice, but they definitely needed more power. They fixed that and then whacked it with an ugly stick.
It has been clear this was coming for at least a month or so…once Hyundai introduced the race version in pro racing.
Is the CUV called The Barbarian?