I'll confess…I didn't really expect Hyundai to go Breaking Bad on us like this.
I mean, this is our friend Hyundai…right? Known for "sensible shoes"…ie: attractive pricing… long "let's get married" warranties…thoughtful features and overall utility…right?
Yep. But most families I know have a black sheep hidden somewhere….and the "N" is Hyundai's resident Bad Boy. And oh is Hyundai's Bad Boy good!
I'll show you how serious the N is in a bit, but for now, let's get clear on the nomenclature, OK?
First available as a KONA…and now as an Elantra…the "N" is not to be confused with Hyundai's "N Line". The N Lines are sweet little performance upgrades available on many Hyundai's now. In the Elantra, for example, the N Line brings a 1.6 Turbo. It's a spirited drive…and probably a lot safer than the N from a speeding ticket standpoint.
The "N", in contrast, is an animal. A civilized animal, but a genuine brute nonetheless.
A 2.0 turbo four gets you from 0-60 in less than five-and-a-half seconds…thanks to 276 HP and an 8-speed dual-clutch auto. But a 6-speed stick is yours if you'd like.
You'll also have 19" alloys clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Summer rubber, big red ventilated brake rotors, grippy suede-like heated seats…and wait till you see the illuminated "N" in the seatbacks…plus a sunroof, Bose Premium audio and heated mirrors.
And then here's the good stuff. In addition to those 276 horses, you get Hyundai's "N-Grin" button…giving you an additional 10 HP for up to 20 seconds…plus individually customizable suspension, steering, engine, transmission and exhaust settings, plus a lap timer, G-Force indicator and big dual pipes in the rear…all topped off with a spoiler and some attractive N-specific red and black body trim.
Want more? You've got it. You'll also get Hyundai's "N-Corner Carving Differential". Look it up on the web, but the short version is that you get a computer-controlled suspension that'll get you around curves faster, safer, and with less body lean.
Oh…and speaking about body lean…how many street vehicles come standard with a built-in body brace between the trunk and the rear seats? Hyundai's N comes with some serious stuff. In its first year, it's already winning IMSA races, in fact.
Pricing? Low to mid $30's to start. Mileage? Figure mid 20's overall….maybe even 30 on the road. Both of which are excellent figures for a performance sedan.
You guys out there drivin' the hot Civics and VW's…you've got excellent rides. I'm just sayin' that there's a new kid in town who wants to eat your lunch.
And you guys who are already driving Hyundai's new Elantra N's…just watch out for the blue lights.
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Bob Jackson2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Bob Jackson2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Bob Jackson2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Bob Jackson2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Bob Jackson2022 Hyundai Elantra N
