Hyundai Motor Company celebrated the eighth anniversary of its high-performance N brand with the global launch of the newly refreshed Elantra N (sold as Avante N in South Korea and as i30 Sedan N in Australia). Hyundai released an Elantra N performance film featuring actual vehicles owned by N enthusiasts.
First launched in 2021, Elantra N has become a favorite ‘hot sedan’ of driving enthusiasts and helped to accelerate the N brand’s spread into the United States and Australia. Now, the enhanced Elantra N spearheads the brand’s expansion into China where the new model made its global debut earlier this year at Auto Shanghai 2023 alongside Elantra N TCR, which has proved its competitiveness with multiple wins since its debut.
The new Elantra N boasts upgraded technological capabilities transferred from motorsport competition to offer improved handling balance in high performance driving, enhanced safety and comfort to deliver an emotionally engaging driving experience based on the three pillars of N vehicle development— Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sportscar.
The first Elantra originated from Elantra N TCR, which took the crown for the TCR class at Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race for two straight years (2021-22) and won the WTCR team and driver championship in 2022. Then, knowledge from the Elantra N Cup One Make Racing (OMR) series resulted in detailed refinements in software (logic) and hardware (weight reduction, suspension setup) to create the new Elantra N and a more competitive race car.
“N brand has always been inspired by motorsport competition, and now that Elantra N TCR has proved its advanced technology with a successful race career, the new Elantra N becomes evidence of our commitment to bring motorsport-winning DNA into our road cars for N fans to enjoy,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President and Head of N Brand and Motorsport at Hyundai Motor Company.
Ride and handling enhancements include a reinforced engine mount membrane for reduced after shake and improved agility, G-bushing reinforcement for improved yaw response and steering precision, and a new rear suspension S/ABS insulator changed from rubber to urethane on rear support for improved damping and yaw response. Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) hardware has been improved for enhanced body control and optimized software for the hardware change.
For the steering system, the gear box yoke specification is improved for better steering feedback and direct feeling. The low-friction universal joint is used to increase steering precision. The motor-driven power steering software has been optimized according to new chassis and steering changes. Front and rear tire pressure has increased to 36/34 psi (compared to the current 35/33 psi) to compensate for front axle load increase while maintaining front to rear ride and handling balance.
The new Elantra N receives improved cooling without compromise in aerodynamic efficiency. For maximum cooling on the radiator surface, a duct-style air guard guides airflow to maximize speed, improve aerodynamics, fuel efficiency and cooling ability in extreme conditions. The wing-type spoiler improves aerodynamics for maximum speed and faster corner exits.
The new model’s front bumper air guide, derived from motorsports, improves braking performance by allowing air to flow directly towards the brake to cool off the heat generated from braking. Braking is further enhanced with upgraded Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software and the addition of a thermal protector on the front brake hose for increased endurance.
Furthermore, the new Elantra N’s software has been reprogrammed for optimal use of high-octane gasoline to improve performance, an enhancement derived from the voices of enthusiasts, whom Hyundai N has frequently communicated with at events, such as track days and N birthdays.
The new Elantra N’s 2.0T GDi engine was especially developed for N models. It is paired with 6 MT / 8 DCT transmission to deliver 280 PS, 40 kgf•m maximum torque and a top speed of 280 km/h.
“Recognized for its outstanding value in the global high-performance car market, the N brand stands as a symbol of Hyundai’s leading technological capabilities and will contribute to enhancing Hyundai Motor’s brand value,” said Joonwoo Park,Vice President of N Brand Management at Hyundai Motor Company.
Customers will start seeing the new Elantra N in stores as its global rollout begins.
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