It’s been more than a year since the Veloster N was
unveiled, yet Hyundai was recently spied testing a new prototype near the
Nurburgring. Why? Well, there could be a very good reason for that. Currently, the Veloster N is available
solely with a six-speed manual transmission. This prototype, though, sounds
like it’s fitted with some kind of automatic transmission. It is difficult to
tell, but based on how seamlessly and fast it appears to shift, as well as the
fact that Hyundai already has a dual-clutch gearbox available and this is a
sporty model, it’s very possible that this car is indeed boasting a DCT.
Reports from early 2018 indicated that the Veloster
N would receive an automatic transmission option sometime during 2019, and that
seems to be the case, but before it is officially released, Hyundai is
evidently putting it to the test at the Nordschleife.
Powering the Veloster N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder that, in base form, puts out 250 hp and 352 Nm of
torque. Opt, however, for the Performance package, and max power increases to
275 horses, plus you also get an electronically controlled limited-slip
differential and 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires to put
the power to the tarmac even more efficiently.
There’s no solid info at the moment, but in all
likelihood, the DCT version of the Veloster N will be sold in the same guises
as the manual model, while the addition of a quick-shifting dual-clutch may
shave a few tenths over its acceleration times.
