After
teasing it last week, Hyundai has now made it official: the Veloster N now comes equipped with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.
Called the N DCT, the 8-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic enables the 275-horsepower Veloster N to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds—faster than the manual transmission version. And unlike a dry double-clutch transmission, the wet N DCT uses oil to significantly improve lubrication and cooling performance, which is typical of higher torque applications.
The Veloster N’s N DCT also unlocks features such as: N Grin Shift (NGS) which increases peak torque by 7 percent from 353 Nm to 377 Nm by allowing the turbocharger to overboost for 20 seconds; N Power Shift (NPS) which adds a more responsive feel during shifts; and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) which discerns road conditions and selects the shift timing and gear. These are on top of other typical features such as rev matching and launch control.
Aside from the new gearbox, the new Veloster N gets an improved infotainment system with an 8-inch high-def display, available N Light Sports Bucket Seats with Alcantara upholstery (they’re 2 kilograms lighter than the standard seats) with illuminated logos, and Hyundai SmartSense driver assist technology.
The new Veloster N will first go on sale in South Korea this month followed by other markets.
Aside from this DCT gearbox, Hyundai’s high-performance N division has other plans for the Veloster N.
Expected to bow in by next year, is a more powerful version of the Veloster N. According to several reports, the likelihood is that Hyundai will plop a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine into their hot hatch. This Theta III Smartstream engine will enable the Veloster N to crack the 300-horsepower barrier putting it squarely into Civic Type R territory.
