We knew it was coming and the 2020 Hyundai
Veloster N has just been unveiled with an all-new N eight-speed wet dual-clutch
transmission. Hyundai has been developing this transmission for quite some time
to be offered alongside the six-speed manual. It will soon find its way also
into the i30 N and i30 Fastback N and is equipped with electronic actuators
that operate the double-clutch system. Being a wet DCT, it uses oil to
significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance over a dry
dual-clutch.
Coupled to the same 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine we’re familiar with, the new Veloster N will hit 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Hyundai’s press release makes no mention of whether
this engine will continue to be offered in 250 hp and 275 hp guises in the U.S. The dual-clutch comes with a host of
unique features to add to the driver involvement. For starters, there is an ‘N
Grin Shift’ (NGS) mode that increases torque by 7 per cent from 352
Nm to 377 Nm by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizing
transmission response for 20 seconds.
Hyundai’s new eight-speed also includes N
Power Shift (NPS) that engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 per
cent throttle and operates upshifts at the perfect time to deliver maximum
power to the wheels. There is also an N Track Sense Shift (NTS) that determines
when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activates
automatically to select the right gear and shift timing.
It’s not just the dual-clutch that is new
for the 2020 model year. The updated Hyundai Veloster N comes fitted with an
enlarged eight-inch infotainment system and a JBL premium audio system. Other
features include Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies with Front Collision-Avoidance
Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist,
High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic
Collision Warning. New optional N Light Sports Bucket Seats have also been
developed for the car and are clad in Alcantara while weight approximately 2 kg
(4.4 lbs) less than the standard seats.
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster N will go on
sale in South Korea later in April followed by other markets in the coming
months.
