Hyundai Veloster N is Not a Numbers Car, Testing Chief Says

We knew Hyundai would unveil a new Veloster at the Detroit auto show, but little did we expect the N-badged version to also make an appearance. Making its debut particularly special, this vehicle will be the first N car to arrive on U.S. shores. At the show, Hyundai revealed how it went about creating the Veloster N and testing it on the Nürburgring.

The Veloster N was presented by Albert Biermann, head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development and former chief engineer at BMW M. When asked for specifics about how much larger the Veloster N’s turbo is, or how its peak boost compares with other applications, Biermann would say only that this was not designed to be a “numbers car.” Rather, a premium was placed on responsiveness­ and agility. The intake and exhaust systems are unique and, along with the new turbo, account for the added power and torque.

This car is very closely related to the i30 N that has been on sale in Europe for a little while. Both were heavily developed on the Nürburgring, and tests included 10,000-kilometer durability cycles on the ‘Ring. The i30 N underwent two such cycles­, in part because daily tire changes resulted in fatigue to the wheel lug nuts. They were redesigned and another cycle was undertaken. The Veloster N has survived one such cycle.

The aero tweaks at both ends of the car are designed to result in roughly zero lift and downforce, because Hyundai’s goal is to make the car feel planted and stable on the fastest stretches of the Nürburgring. The N’s fascia also incorporates cooling ducts for the front brakes. Relative to the i30 N, the Veloster is slightly lighter and its frontal area is slightly smaller, which should make it quicker and could result in a higher top speed if both weren’t limited to 155 mph.

Introducing the N brand opens many new possibilities for Hyundai, including a chance to potentially tap the speed-parts and aftermarket sales opportunities currently being offered in Europe for the i30 N. These include track-compound brake pads, adjustable anti-roll bars, lighter wheels, and slick-tread tires for track use only.

The car will be built in Ulsan, South Korea, while the i30 N is built in Nošovice, Czech Republic. The Veloster N will go on sale in the fourth quarter, probably in November, with pricing that is extremely competitive with segment competitors from Ford, Volkswagen, and others.