Did you think the hot versions of the i20 and Kona, in addition to the i30 and Veloster, would round out the Hyundai N family? Well, then you may have forgotten about the range-topping Elantra.
Expected to arrive for the 2022 model year
in the United States as a rival to the Honda Civic Type R, the hot version of
the Korean compact model is still in the testing phase, and we just got a new
batch of spy shots that show it driving on public roads.
The camo has yet to come off, but it’s
clear that the Elantra N will follow in the footsteps of its agile siblings by
getting a new more aggressive body kit over the regular model. For instance,
the front bumper will be redesigned, with a larger lower air intake and two
bigger openings below the headlights, chunkier side skirts, and a sharper rear
bumper with a four-fin diffuser. The boot lid hosts a spoiler, and the dual
round exhaust pipes, specific wheels, red brake calipers, and ‘N’ badges will
complete the styling on the outside.
More changes are expected in the cockpit,
such as the front sports seats and new upholstery and trim, but the highlight
will be the engine. Like its N brethren, the 2022 Elantra N will use the same
turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. It will develop 275 HP and launch
with two transmission options, a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch
automatic, and front-wheel drive.
