New Elantra N joins Hyundai’s high-performance portfolio

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched the Elantra N through a digital world premiere yesterday, July 14. The "N" denotes its membership in Hyundai Motor’s high-performance N portfolio.

This high-performance variant of the all-new Elantra (which was launched in April 2020) features a stronger, more dynamic driving capability and more aggressive design elements compared to the standard variant.

In a video presented during the launch event, the N brand teased its participation in another endurance race with a vehicle that fuses a hydrogen fuel cell with an electric battery.

In a statement, Hyundai Motor Company Executive Vice President and Customer Experience Division Head Thomas Schemera said, “Pairing hydrogen and battery power could open up very interesting future options for Hyundai in motorsports and beyond. Hydrogen can be used as a range extender or a power booster. We have the technology available and I am quite confident that we will make this happen.”

The Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo flat engine that generates maximum power output of 280hp and maximum torque of 40 kgf-m. The engine comes with a 52mm turbine wheel and a 12.5mm² turbine passage. The optimization of the shape and material of the cylinder lock helps enhance the performance and stability of the engine. The flat power technology also helps keep the maximum power output from about 5,500rpm for rapid acceleration.

The flat power engine is mated to an eight-speed wet dual clutch transmission (DCT). It also comes with N Grin Shift (NGS) that increases the boost pressure and temporarily improves output up to 290ps. This feature also enables the Elantra N to reach a top speed of 250kph and accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in just 5.3 seconds.

The Elantra N also comes with N Corner Carving Differential, variable exhaust valve system, and launch control that support its dynamic performance. These high-performance features come standard. The DCT variants also come with N Power Shift (NPS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) to maximize driving pleasure.

The Elantra N is also equipped with 360mm brake discs that come with high-friction material pads to enable exceptional braking performance. Moreover, the dust cover comes with a cooling hole that improves cooling efficiency and helps release heat from braking friction. Every detail was meticulously crafted to achieve consistent braking force even in tough driving conditions.

The Elantra N is the first ever Hyundai model that is equipped with an integrated drive axle (IDA) inspired by technology used in WRC rally cars. The overall weight was reduced by combining drive shaft, wheel hub, and bearing, making the Elantra N a “lighter and stronger” car.

It is also the first Hyundai model that features a dual compound insulator on the front suspension. The dual compound insulator and the dual compound trailing arm bush help deliver optimal performance in ride and handling, as well as in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

To make the body more durable, the Elantra N is equipped with four-point strut rings and rear stiff bars. It also uses torque feedback R-MDPS to provide a consistent steering even when the outside environment is changing.

The Elantra N comes with an advanced infotainment system with a graphic interface dedicated to N, allowing drivers to intuitively enjoy the car’s spirited performance. The information needed for high-performance circuit driving, including oil and coolant temperatures, torque, and turbo pressure, is displayed in numbers on the cluster. The Elantra N is also equipped with a lap timer and an N Track Map that records the vehicle’s location and movement on the circuit in real time.

The Elantra N features an even sportier styling than the standard variant as it comes with additional performance-enhancing parts that optimize its dynamic driving capability and aggressive look. The front fascia’s design drew inspiration from the appearance of a driver’s race helmet, while the lip spoiler suggests a low-slung stance with performance intent.

The car’s high-performance capability is further highlighted by the prominent, N-only wing-type spoiler and the rear diffuser.

The high-performance sedan also features an N-specific interior that is applied with N-branded elements such as the steering wheel, shifter, seats, door scuff panels, and medal pedals.

Hyundai N Brand Management and Motorsport Subdivision Head Till Wartenberg said, “Hyundai Motor’s high-performance N brand constantly aims to provide customers with a range of exciting choices for increased driving pleasure. Elantra N is the purest expression of our mission to date.”

Photos from Hyundai

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