Road & Track website reports, “The first N-model on Hyundai’s next-generation front-drive platform that underpins sedans and crossovers, this Elantra N uses a lot of the same ingredients as the Veloster N. The 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder is still here, now making 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. That goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic linked to a torque-vectoring front differential. DCT-equipped cars also get a button that activates a 20 second overboost, good for an extra 10 horsepower. The new platform allowed for wider tires than what’s on the Veloster N and Kona N, so the hot Elantra gets 245-series 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, one of our current favorites. The car has launch control, adjustable drive modes, adjustable suspension, and a stiffened platform, plus great seats and an aggressively revised exterior.”
“Hyundai believes that the natural competitors for the Elantra N are the Civic Type R, the Subaru WRX, and VW’s GTI. That’s a pretty wide spread of cars, each with its own fanbase. The Elantra makes a case for itself against all of them in terms of track capability. While we have yet to try it on the road, it’s likely to be a blast there as well.”
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