The covers are finally off the Hyundai Elantra N sedan. Hyundai says this new Elantra N is their purest expression in their mission to increase driving pleasure, which is the fifth model in the Hyundai N line-up after the i30 N, Veloster N, i20 N and Kona N.
While it might look all aggressive and wild, the Hyundai Elantra N actually has no changes in dimensions versus the regular models. The front fascia in semi-glossy black pearl continues to have an incredibly complex surface that is said to been inspired by battle-ready helmets.
Purposeful ducts and slots have been created though, for increased air intake for front brake cooling and engine breathing. Red accents and large exhaust tailpipes continue the Hyundai N styling language. A new three-bridged spoiler wing on the boot lid provides visual drama plus some downforce.
Hyundai has also fitted large-diameter brake discs onto the Elantra N, measuring 360 mm. They are also combined with high-friction material pads and properly cooled via air ducts and guides from the front bumper as well as holes on the dust cover.
While other Hyundai N models have been selecting Pirelli P Zero as its preferred tyre supplier (even come with HN marking), the Elantra N has been fitted with Michelin PS4S tyres (found in many other performance cars such as the Toyota GR Yaris Performance Pack) measuring 245/35ZR19.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine continues to dish out the same 280 hp and 392 Nm of torque, with response and drivability being moved up a notch thanks to a larger turbine wheel plus turbine passage area of the turbocharger.
With N Grin Shift (NGS) that provides an additional 10 hp (a total of 290 hp) for 20 seconds and launch control plus all other N-themed high-performance software, the Hyundai Elantra N launches from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Similar to the Hyundai Kona N launched earlier, the Elantra N only comes with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The in-house unit has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, such as N Power Shift (NPS) that provides a ‘push feel’ akin to a sequential gearbox in a race car, Creep Off function as well as N Track Sense Shift (NTS) that does all the shifting work at racing circuits.
In the chassis and handling, similar hardware is used such as the E-LSD, electronically controlled suspension (ECS) and significant amounts of bracing and reinforcement for added rigidity. A new Integrated Drive Axle or (IDA) provides a stronger yet lighter connection of the driveshaft, wheel hub and bearing.
First used in the Elantra N, the IDA technology was inspired by Hyundai’s success at WRC rallying and the new IDA sees a weight reduction of 1.7 kg versus regular assembly method. Another first that further elevates the ride and handling is the dual compound bush (DCB) insulator that keeps both vertical and horizontal forces in check. Fine-tuning of the suspension has also been done at the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Like to have a pixel art of the Nurburgring? Check out more here with other iconic landmarks!
Inside, the Elantra N features optional bucket seats that are lightweight as well as offer a 10-mm lower seating position. The standard N Sport seats, as expected, have reinforced bolsters to firmly support occupants during enthusiastic driving.
Hyundai has also found the solution to complaints of many modern turbocharged cars with augmented engine sounds played into the cabin via audio speakers. The Elantra N has a new N Sound Equaliser (NSE) that allows drivers to not only select sporty or even soundtrack from the TCR racing car, but also able to customise the whine, throat and bass levels of the synthesised soundtrack.
In addition, the variable exhaust valve (LVE) system, which delivers N’s distinctive ‘popcorn’ and ‘bang’ sounds, now uses a linear control method to reduce the booming sound during idling while maintaining the distinctive N exhaust note for the driver’s enjoyment.
By now, you would have noticed there seems to be a tonne of acronyms being used. Yes, there are over 40 acronyms that are featured in the new Elantra N and this will be the final one- UBS or Upshift Bang Sound.
The LVE exhaust valve works together with controlling of fuel flow of the single cylinder to create the sound during gear upshifts, an emotional sound of motorsports as seen by Hyundai.
No word yet as to how much the new Hyundai Elantra N will be priced. In the UK, the Hyundai i30 N starts from GBP33,745, while Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the same vehicle in 2019 at a price of RM298,888.
As for regular the Hyundai Elantra 1.6, HSDM starts the pricing from RM139,888 for the Executive variant.
GALLERY
