The Hyundai Veloster N is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, yet that’s about to change. Seen testing at the Nurburgring not long ago was a prototype of the car equipped with an automatic transmission – and now a different example with the same ‘box has been nabbed again at the same track.

Given the quick-shifting sounds and Hyundai’s existing DCT gearbox, we are, in all likelihood, looking at some sort of dual-clutch automatic, which will still be coupled to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

In base form, the mill delivers 250 PS (246 hp / 184 kW) and 352 Nm (260 lb-ft) of torque. With the optional Performance Package comes a boost in power, to 275 PS (271 hp / 202 kW), as well as some performance-enhancing features such as an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels wrapped in grippy Pirelli P Zero rubber, bigger brakes and a sports exhaust system.

Also Watch: Is The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N Any Match For The Honda Civic Type R?

We don’t know yet if the new DCT will be offered with the more powerful version of the car only, but it will likely drop a few tenths of a second off the 6.1-second 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) run of the manual model. On our side of the Atlantic Ocean, the Veloster N Performance Package has an MSRP of $29,000, $2,100 more than the entry-level car. Expect a small price bump in the case of the automatic version.

Given that testing of the DCT-equipped Veloster N seems to be almost ready, we wouldn’t be surprised if Hyundai launches it before the end of the year.