It’s been more than a year since the Veloster N was unveiled, yet Hyundai was recently spied testing a new prototype near the Nurburgring. Why? Well, there could be a very good reason for that.
Currently, the Veloster N is available solely with a six-speed manual transmission. This prototype, though, sounds like it’s fitted with some kind of automatic transmission. It is difficult to tell, but based on how seamlessly and fast it appears to shift, as well as the fact that Hyundai already has a dual-clutch gearbox available and this is a sporty model, it’s very possible that this car is indeed boasting a DCT.
Reports from early 2018 indicated that the Veloster N would receive an automatic transmission option sometime during 2019, and that seems to be the case, but before it is officially released, Hyundai is evidently putting it to the test at the Nordschleife.
A performance Hyundai for those that don’t want to row their own gears
Powering the Veloster N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that, in base form, puts out 250 hp and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. Opt, however, for the Performance package, and max power increases to 275 horses, plus you also get an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloys with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires to put the power to the tarmac even more efficiently.
There’s no solid info at the moment, but in all likelihood, the DCT version of the Veloster N will be sold in the same guises as the manual model, while the addition of a quick-shifting dual-clutch may shave a few tenths over its acceleration times.