Hyundai Veloster N gains 8-speed DCT, i30 N to follow

Hyundai has unveiled the newly enhanced Veloster N which is now available with an N specific 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) for quicker shifting and performance.

Joining the Veloster N 6-speed manual variant, the Veloster N DCT provides the engagement and connectedness of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic. With the N DCT, the new Veloster N can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, nearly half a second quicker than the manual version’s time of 6.0 seconds.

The N DCT is equipped with electronic actuators that operate the double clutch. 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 gearbox also comes with video game-like features such as the appropriately named N Grin Shift (NGS), which increases torque by 7 percent from 353Nm to 377Nm by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximises transmission response for 20 seconds – performance that is certain to induce “driver grin”.

Additionally, N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of throttle, mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. 

The N DCT also comes with N Track Sense Shift (NTS) that discerns when road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving and activates automatically, selecting the right gear and shift timing just to provide optimal performance.

All of these features can be configured in Veloster N’s improved 8-inch infotainment system display, where settings for Rev Matching, Launch Control and Overboost can also be customised.

As before, the Veloster N comes with Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies, including Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).

Customers also can opt to equip the new Veloster N with N Light Sports Bucket Seats. The unibody bucket seats are wrapped in soft, suede-like Alcantara upholstery and are thinner and weigh approximately 2kg less than standard seats. As its name suggests, the N Light Sports Bucket Seats have an illuminated N logo on the upper side of the backrest, adding to the interior aesthetic. 

Whilst the Veloster N is not sold in Australia, the all-new N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) will be available on i30 N and i30 Fastback N models from early 2021.