After the basic Elantra debuted, Hyundai unveiled the new N Line version of the Elantra effectively replacing the old Elantra Sport. Internally code named as CN7, the new Elantra N Line sported much of the same looks as it lesser kin, but Hyundai gave the N Line a much more aggressive and functional front end. Air intakes in the front bumper and grill for the intercooler, radiator and brakes to and a different rear diffuser with twin exhaust tips. Aside from the front and rear appearances, the new Elantra N Line received a black rear lip spoiler, blacked out mirrors and side trim along with a 3 spoke steering wheel, unique gauges and more bolstered front driver and passenger seats with the N logo embroidered in the center. Powering the new Elantra N Line was the oh so familiar, yet wonderful, 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder motor making the same 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque and can be fitted with a 6-speed manual or updated 7-speed dual clutch automatic. Manual versions can be had with 18’ wheels wrapped in 235/40R-18 Goodyear Eagle F1 summer tires while automatics suffered with Hankook all-season tires. Suspension was an independent multi-link rear setup but with firmer dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars and spring rates. This makes the N Line a very fun car to drive on the track or twisty back road (I know, I own one).
However, the fun doesn’t stop with the new N Line as Hyundai is bringing out a much higher performance-oriented version dubbed the Elantra N to compliment the Veloster N and new Kona N. While no one has officially tested the new Elantra N at the writing of this article in North America, some have gotten their hands on prototypes in Korea and have driven them around the streets. What we do know is the 2022 Elantra N will be powered by an updated version of the Veloster N’s 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Horsepower can be increased to 286 for 20 seconds using Hyundai’s NGS (N Grin Shift) mode however instead of a 3 minute cool down time on the Veloster N, Hyundai has given the NGS a software update and cooldown time has been reduced down to 40 seconds. The new Elantra N also gets huge 245/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and 14.2 inch brake rotors. 6-speed manual transmissions are standard while Hyundai’s new and incredible 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission will be optional.
With more horsepower, torque and stickier larger tires than the Veloster N, I imagine the Elantra N with the DCT beating the Veloster N’s 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds (as tested by Car & Driver) but not by much. I reckon it would make around 4.6-4.7 seconds. If it manages that, it will either tie or beat the Mini Cooper JCW GP as the fastest production front-wheel drive vehicle. When you think of it like that, it shows you how far Hyundai has come, even in just 4 years. It shows that Hyundai has the right engineers on its side to help make the fun sporty compact cars that most of us can love and afford. And judging by how well the Veloster N community has grown in the last year or 2, it just goes to show you that Hyundai isn’t playing around anymore. It truly wishes to shed the Elantra’s image of a boring commuter car to a bonified performance monster. Does Hyundai have the capability to do so? You damn right it can and I’m all here for it!
Stungbykia.com is honored to have Drew Cox as our first columnist. Drew is owner and founder at KDM Elite which showcases the best of the best from KDM owners around the globe! KDM Elite also organizes and sponsors local and national events for all Hyundai, Kia and Genesis owners. Find them on Instagram @kdm_elite