Hyundai has officially revealed its all-new Veloster at the North American International Auto Show, while also whipping the covers off the high-performance Veloster N variant.
As expected, the second-generation Veloster retains its coupé shape as well as its additional passenger side rear door for an asymmetrical “two-plus-one” configuration.
While the design isn’t too dissimilar to the original model, the Korean automaker says the Veloster’s A-pillar has been shifted rearward and its roofline lowered, while the rear gains a more aggressive integrated diffuser design.
The base model employs a 2,0-litre petrol engine worth 110 kW and 179 N.m, mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The Veloster Turbo, meanwhile, features a 1,6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing an unchanged 150 kW and 265 N.m, and linked to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
But you’re really here to read about the high-performance Veloster N model, aren’t you? Well, Hyundai says the Veloster N (like the i30 N before it) has been developed to deliver “thrilling cornering ability coupled with everyday sports car drivability and race track capability”.
The flagship Veloster makes use of a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine cranking out 205 kW and 353 N.m, with a relatively high (for a turbopetrol engine) compression ratio of 9,5:1. The four-cylinder unit is married to a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission complete with a downshift rev-matching function. The brand has yet to release official performance figures.
A multi-mode, high-flow active sports exhaust system (with a variable exhaust actuator) serves up what Hyundai describes as “an exhilarating engine over-run exhaust crackle” in the angriest of driving modes.
The Veloster N boasts a model-specific front bumper and grille with dedicated air ducts for enhanced brake cooling. It also gains N-design side-sills and lightweight 18- or 19-inch alloys wrapped in either 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot SuperSport rubber or 235/35 R19 Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
Round back, the high-performance model sports a larger rear spoiler, unique rear bumper design and large-diameter dual exhaust. Inside (as pictured below), this derivative gains front cloth sport seats (with added bolstering), along with N-design versions of the steering wheel, shift knob and instrument cluster.
The Veloster N furthermore features a special multi-mode electronically controlled suspension setup, along with what Hydundai calls an “N corner-carving limited-slip differential”.
