2021 Hyundai Veloster N Adds Performance Including Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission

Tuned on Germany’s fabled Nurburgring to deliver maximum bang for your performance buck, the Hyundai Veloster N has received a steady supply of shiny new updates since its 2019 debut. Now, the 2021 Veloster N gets another round of improvements in the form of standard performance and safety features.

For starters, the Performance Package (previously a $2,100 option) is now standard. This package not only boosts the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine’s output from 250 horsepower to 275 but also outfits the Veloster N with an N-brand “corner carving” electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and a variable exhaust valve system. Torque remains the same at 260 pound-feet but increases in range from 1,400 rpm to 4,700 rpm, a 700-rpm broadening at the top end over last year.

The newly standard Veloster N Performance Package also upgrades the previous 18-inch alloy wheels to a 19-inch set paired with Pirelli P Zero summer tires. The brakes are bigger, too, increasing to 13.6-inch ventilated front rotors (previously 13.0-inch ventilated discs) and 12.4 inches of ventilated stoppage in the rear (a change from 11.8-inch solid discs).

Completing the upgrades, an all-new Hyundai N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (N DCT) debuts as an option to replace the standard 6-speed manual transmission. This transmission differs from a dry DCT in that the wet N DCT utilizes oil via an electric oil pump to improve the lubrication and cooling performance needed for high-torque performance engines. So equipped, Hyundai says the Veloster N zooms to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

Developed in-house, the new N DCT offers manual and automatic modes, can be controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, includes both N Track Sense Shift with launch control and N Power Shift, and is equipped with electronic actuators to benefit ride comfort and fuel efficiency. The N DCT can be further customized to driver preferences via the Settings menu and N Grin Shift drive mode selection system, and when N Grin Shift is active an overboost function supplies up to 278 lb.-ft. of torque for 20 seconds.

The Veloster N receives a couple of interior updates as well. All-new N Light Sport Seats offer a 4.4-pound weight reduction from the previously standard cloth sport seats. Wrapped in cloth and leatherette upholstery, the N Light Sport Seats feature performance side-bolsters and an illuminated N logo. Also standard is an 8-inch display screen with navigation. The 2020 model came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, but navigation was not an option. (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, however.)

With more performance prowess comes more Hyundai SmartSense safety features. Standard driver-assistance technologies now include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, lane centering assistance, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Lastly, a new gray exterior color arrives, replacing Chalk White as an available hue.

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster N will arrive in dealerships this October. Pricing is not yet available but, for comparison, all trim levels of the otherwise carried over 2021 Hyundai Veloster see a $100 year-over-year increase. However, with the long list of newly added standard features, it’s likely the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N price will see a more substantial increase. Still, chances are pricing will start at less than $30,000.

The information in this article is from Hyundai. It was accurate on July 29, 2020 but may have changed since that date.