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Hyundai Surprises Detroit with N Performance Brand Arrival in USA

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Hyundai's press conference at NAIAS is brought to you by the letter "N"

Hyundai Veloster N reveal debut 2018 North American International Auto Show N performance brand car specs

For those gathered at Hyundai’s press conference at the 2018 North American Auto Show, the reveal of the next-generation 2019 Veloster was anticipated. The automaker had already publicized its plan to unveil the refreshed look of its asymmetrical sports hatchback, intending to stir up more interested in the underrated model.

What attendees didn’t expect was another model debut during Hyundai’s presentation. After more than a year of saying that the automaker’s N performance brand wasn’t going to arrive in the USA anytime soon–being primarily targeted at European markets–Hyundai hit its fans with a thunderous surprise: the sound of growling exhaust system on the brand-new Hyundai Veloster N.

Needless to say, Hyundai fans across the nation were fist-pumping and back-flipping over this unexpected news.


Another Spunky Performance Hatchback: First look at the 2018 Elantra GT


Why the Hyundai Veloster N Is a Big Deal

Hyundai Veloster N reveal debut 2018 North American International Auto Show N performance brand car details

It’s true: Hyundai is finally bringing its N sub-brand to America. The Veloster N marks the debut of the highly-anticipated effort by Hyundai to develop a reputation for high-performance vehicles.

At the NAIAS presentation, Head of Hyundai’s High Performance Development & Vehicle Division Albert Biermann President took the stage to proclaim the many electrifying features that the N version of the redesigned Veloster would have. To make turns more exciting, Hyundai engineered N Corner Carving Differential and N Power Sense Axle. Boasting far higher output than the basic or even Turbo 2019 Veloster, the N edition has a 2.0-liter, direct-injected turbocharged poweretrain rated at 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Five available driving modes adjust throttle response, steering, damping, etc.

Hyundai Veloster N reveal debut 2018 North American International Auto Show N performance brand car pictures“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.”

Hyundai apparently has much more planned for its N brand, Biermann hinted, including greater motorsports aspirations. For the time being, however, the automaker will give fans a virtual race around the track through a free download of the Hyundai Veloster N on Forza Motorsport 7 this week.

The arrival of the Veloster N is a huge deal for Hyundai’s American lineup and great news for the brand’s fans. Clearly, Hyundai has high aspirations for the near future, and is already laying the groundwork to become one of the country’s hottest brands.


What Else Is Going On? News on the big changes to Hyundai’s lineup for this year