Hyundai is developing the new N sub-brand to give us a lineup of vehicles that are sporty, aggressive, engaging, and a lot of fun to drive. These vehicles will be capable of ripping off fast laps but also be comfortable on the roads to allow you to enjoy a daily drive that can become exciting when you see a stretch of open and empty road ahead of you. The first model that will arrive in the North American market from this sub-brand is the new Hyundai Veloster N, but now there are some questions regarding this car.
We thought we got the complete picture of what the Veloster N would be when it arrived as it crossed the stage in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show in January, but it seems there are some changes that have taken place, although these changes might not affect the North American market at all. Certainly, this is one way that Hyundai can ensure we’ll continue to discuss this new car that will be offered in the future, but I think we were ready to have conversations regarding the Veloster N regardless of what they offered.
What are the Changes?
In reality, the changes we’re going to talk about might not have been changes at all, but planned offerings in other markets. No word has been discussed to tell us that a different layout will be offered in the North American version of the Veloster N at all. We expect to see the 275-horsepower engine under the hood to make sure we have the power desired going to the wheels, but there may be something other than the six-speed manual transmission offered for the drive desired. This could be an important change for some drivers.
Photos have surfaced of what appears to be a new Veloster N that is making use of a dual clutch automatic transmission. If an automatic is offered, the market for this car broadens a great deal, considering many young drivers aren’t even being taught how to drive a car with a manual transmission any longer. Whether this item will be offered in the Veloster N or it’s just a photo from the testing that Hyundai is doing with AWD and automatic transmissions isn’t clear, but what is clear, is the fact that an automatic transmission is enough to keep the conversation going.
The bottom line when it comes to the Veloster N is the fact that we will at least have a manual transmission and it seems to be here to stay in the Hyundai N models. Adding an automatic transmission will make sense if the N sub-brand is expected to be a volume selling part of the market, but if the Hyundai team wants to leave this brand to those who want serious driving, they might keep these models limited to a manual for the shifting. We certainly won’t know anything certain until Hyundai either adds the automatic to the Veloster N or they don’t.
Looking for something slightly different? Opt for the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
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