Hyundai dropped some info on its upcoming N and N Line models (including the Hyundai Tucson N Line), and while all the news is relatively exciting, these teaser shots of the upcoming 2021 Hyundai Elantra N have our pulse racing. There’s no denying the Veloster N, our first full N model on these shores, is a serious piece of machinery, nipping on the heels of the latest Honda Civic Type R. We’re expecting its sedan counterpart to adopt its hardware and hopefully its plucky, entertaining attitude in N form.
Note that this isn’t the Elantra N Line (blue, pictured below), which is an upgraded version that doesn’t rise to the full N treatment. Think of that model as the Honda Civic Si to the full N’s Civic Type R. The Elantra N Line packs a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and importantly it’s available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The Elantra N Line does get some sporty aesthetic touches, and instead of the torsion beam suspension on lowlier models it adopts a fully-independent rear setup for better handling. But, it’s a different animal.
The Elantra N should, essentially, be a much hotter animal, with the Veloster N hatchback’s powertrain wrapped in the 2021 Elantra‘s striking new body. That means a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, and and either a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed dual-clutch. Power is an open question. If you’ll remember, prior to the 2021 model year, the Veloster N came in base (250 hp) or Performance package (275 hp) flavors. The base N is gone for 2021, so all Velosters comes standard with the Performance package’s kit and 275 ponies.
If Hyundai wants to maintain the Veloster N’s place at the top of its sporty lineup, it could limit the Elantra N to 250 hp—mimicking last year’s performance and other running gear. Or it could bring over all the relevant upgrades for 2021, including the new Veloster N’s 19-inch wheels on summer tires, larger brake rotors, and a sporty multi-mode exhaust system. It’s also likely the DCT versions will get the Veloster N’s “N Grin Shift” overboost function, which jacks up the vehicle’s torque from 260 to 278 lb-ft for 20 seconds.
We hope the 2021 Elantra N adopts all the latest bits (and higher standard power) of the latest Veloster N, but it’s too early to say for sure. What can be said is look out: The Elantra N is no N Line.
