The Hyundai Elantra GT N packs 246hp and 353Nm of torque

MANILA: After revealing a few pieces of information and teasing its photos a couple of weeks ago, Hyundai didn’t waste any time in launching the N Line version of the Elantra GT.

“Since its market debut in 2017, the Hyundai N original high-performance car has received multiple outstanding reviews and awards. Drivers seeking maximum fun-to-drive qualities on the road as well as on the track now receive an even wider range of performance and design features with the new Hyundai i30 N. The new design, new wheels, N Light Seats and the new wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission particularly make the Hyundai N experience sportier and more convenient than ever before,” says Hyundai Motor Company Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division Thomas Schemera.

Designed to be racetrack-capable, the Elantra GT sports the N signature on the wide center grille that sports a sharp mesh design optimized to allow efficient engine cooling. It comes with new LED headlamps with V-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and outer bumper corners with built-in air curtains to improve the airflow and reduce turbulence into the wheel housing.

The hatchback comes with a large wing spoiler with the distinctive N triangular brake light creates downforce and excellent balance, updated rear lamps with a new LED signature and two large exhaust pipes integrated into the lower bumper diffuser.

A great feature in the cabin is the analog cluster with an active variable LED red zone that varies according to engine oil temperature. There are sporty metal pedals, blue stitching, seatbelts with blue accents, and a one-tone black interior with full cloth or artificial suede and leather seats.

For the first time, the new i30 N comes with the option of N Light Seats which are uniquely designed monoform high-performance sport seats 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats. The pronounced bolsters offer excellent lateral support. N Light Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest for a high-quality feeling.

Powering the Elantra GT N Line is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with either a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or — for the first time — a wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT).

The standard trim gets 246hp  and 353Nm of torque while the variant with the Performance Package 276hp and 392Nm of torque. Both have a maximum speed of 250kph.

A notable feature of the new eight-speed dual clutch transmission is the N performance functions, N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift.

The N Grin Shift (NGS) increases torque by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizes transmission response for 20 seconds. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function. When NGS is activated, the driver will experience a “push feel” when upshifting.

Using the N Power Shift (NPS) gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting. It engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle and mitigates any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels.

N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognizes when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activates automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it provides optimal performance, just like a professional race car driver.

On top of the N performance functions of the gearbox, there are also the standard drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom.

An electronically controlled suspension improves ride and handling performance for both transmission types. Performance Package benefits from the N Corner Carving Differential, an Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a larger front brake disc size 360mm) for a better braking performance.

Drivers who want to take it to the track will enjoy the Performance Driving Data System that monitors the driver’s track skills and displays it with updated graphics. It saves and displays driving data, including information on power, torque, turbo boost. It also comes with a lap and acceleration timer.

Photos from Hyundai

Also read: The Hyundai high-performance Elantra N Line hits the market