2019 Hyundai Veloster N Introduced, Where Else But At The Nurburgring

Hyundai’s first N-branded model to be offered in the US is officially introduced to the media at the German Nurburgring.

The new 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, first revealed at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, is set to become the brand’s “highest performance vehicle ever for the U.S. market”.

With development taking place at Hyundai’s Nurburgring testing center, it was only appropriate for the company to pick this place for the first driving impressions of the media.

“Veloster N takes Hyundai to a new level of purchase consideration for true driving enthusiasts in the U.S. market,” said Albert Biermann, president and head of Performance Development and High Performance Vehicle Division, Hyundai Motor Group. “The Veloster N is another example of Hyundai Motor’s capabilities, creating an exciting sports car with thrilling dynamics combined with a compelling affordability equation as key to the N high-performance concept.”

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection that produces an estimated 275hp at 6,000rpm and 260lb-ft of torque from 1,450 to 4,700rpm. Paired to it is a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching function. The gearbox also features carbon-coated synchro rings and gear material reinforcement that enables smoother operation and lower shift force.

The powertrain is completed with a high-flow active exhaust system that produces an angrier soundtrack when in N mode. There’s also an Electronic Sound Resonator that enhances the engine’s natural sound.

The chassis of the new Veloster N has been optimized with N’s so-called Power Sense Axle. Thanks to its design, the torque from the turbocharged motor is delivered to the tarmac smoothly and efficiently.  The front axle’s geometry is also optimized for better corner-exit precision while the rear multilink suspension features a model-specific and unobtrusive rear strut brace for greater rigidity.

The multi-mode electronically controlled suspension features a track-focused N mode and a load-transfer control system that reduces dive during braking, improves roll control and reduces the rear end’s compression under hard acceleration. A torque vectoring limited-slip differential is also present.

Hyundai will announce the exact performance figures, as well as pricing details, closer to the model’s launch in the U.S. market. Speaking of which…

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N will enter production this September in Korea and will launch in the U.S. market during the fourth quarter of 2018. Customers will be offered the choice of four exterior colors: Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red, and the N-exclusive Performance Blue shown in the pictures.