is that IRIS Blue ?
Photos Courtesy Hyundai
With the N model, the Hyundai Veloster finally kicks open the door to the private lounge of A-list sport compacts and demands to be taken seriously. Developed by Hyundai’s Albert Biermann–formerly of a little division you may have heard of at BMW called M–and a team of seriously hardcore engineers, the N adds some subtle and not no-so-subtle upgrades to the Veloster, which was already growing into one of the sleeper picks for fun, modern hot hatches.
Not merely a badge-and-boost package, the N designation adds some legit engineering to the Veloster platform. Several dozen additional spot and seam welds, along with a few carefully placed braces, stiffen the chassis, and electronically controlled shocks and differential provide some of the most intuitive handling we’ve experienced in a car of this class.
The 275-horsepower engine available in the Performance Package trim has a flat torque curve from about 3000 rpm all the way to the too-low-feeling, sub-7000 rpm redline. (The standard-issue Veloster N get 250 horsepower, an open diff and 18-inch wheels instead of the available 19s.)
Actually, if we were picking nits we may say that the Veloster N’s linear power delivery actually makes it a little less exciting for everyday driving. It serves to mask the actual quickness of the car, as the engine never really feels like it’s working too hard.
On track, it’s great, though. That flat torque curve works well along with the magic “corner carving” diff. (Hyundai’s designation, although we’re not going to argue.) End result: You can seriously fine-tune front end attitude with the throttle during cornering.
The chassis is darn near magic, and easily one of the most accessible front-drive platforms we’ve ever driven. Any cornering attitude is available to even moderately skilled drivers.
Want benign understeer? Just slow to corner-entry speed in a straight line and throttle through the apex. Want a little bit of oversteer? Wait on that braking and trail into the corner until the rear is at the desired slip angle–and then get back on the gas. It’s all immensely fun and immensely satisfying on track.
Seemingly durable, too: The Performance Package’s upgraded brakes with the dealer-available track pads installed never complained during a day of hard laps by journalist at Thunderhill. Hyundai techs said they probably wouldn’t even need pad replacements after two days of abuse by the media types, who can be a little tough on equipment at times.
Maybe the most exciting part of the Veloster N, though, is Hyundai’s direct outreach to the track community. In addition to those Pagid pads, they’ll sell you some R-compound Pirellis through the local Hyundai dealer.
We got to sample an N fitted with the 235/40R19 Pirelli Trofeo R tires and can report that the chassis is easily up to the task of handling the additional grip and capability of the more hardcore rubber. Yeah, all cars go faster with R-comps, but some cars easily have their chassis overwhelmed by the additional friction. Steering feel can go away, and handling at the limit can become somewhat unpredictable. Not so with the Veloster N, which just stays composed, intuitive and friendly, just with more grip.
There’s a lot here to like, and not enough room to discuss it, so we suggest you head to our YouTube page at youtube.com/grassrootsmotorsports and check out our comprehensive review of the Veloster N. It should be in dealers soon, with the Performance Package equipped cars coming in under the $30,000 mark.
is that IRIS Blue ?
Reminds me of the Gulf color scheme, I dig it.
That would be an interesting option if I needed a practical car.
Do want.
A few years ago I never thought I’d say that about a Hyundai.
That baby blue with red accents is HAWT!
I'd love one of these. If only Hyundai would've thought of the Accent...
Albert Biermann and Hyundai have officially developed a "hot hatch." Bravo! This is a good thing. Unfortunately, like so many modern cars, the Hyundai Veloster N looks like a Transformer. Apparently, automotive design is now all about computer modeling and wind tunnels, so looking like a Transformer must be mandatory. The 2019 Hyundai makes sporty, burbling noises. It is front wheel drive and weighs over 3100 lbs, just like the other commuter cars on the road. There's different driving modes and various electronic safety devices to minimize the chance of a crash if you screw up. Yes, it's pretty fast on a track, but if you can't make a car perform well with 275 HP and 235/40/R19 tires you are in the wrong line of work. My brain says I'm glad to see another competitor in the market place, especially at a lower price point, but my heart says "meh." It's a "me too" car, built to meet a benchmark at a specific price point. There's nothing "wrong" with this Hyundai. I guess I'm still waiting to see something truly innovative from someone that colors outside the lines.
If I was looking for a Car in this segment I'd be very tempted by this. It's interesting that Hyundai is one of the few manufacturers building small displacement turbo engines with linear power delivery and that pull hard to redline.
My brother tells me he's ordering one. Not sure of the time table. Further bulletins as events warrant.
Close enough to Gulf Blue, would look good liveried up I bet.
There's no accounting for taste.
The Veloster has always been ugly as sin. The Veloster N is no different.
Why are we getting a "Veloster N" when the rest of the world gets the "N" treatment on the Elantra hatchback body? The Elantra looks much better.
you guys are harsh. Hyundai finally builds a true enthusiasts car and you dump all over it.
I like the veloster, It was on my short list of cars when I got my Abarth
Um...I dig it.
In reply to mad_machine :
Agreed.
Straight down gauges - individually selecting firmness/lockup/etc on the electronically controlled pieces (unlike Honda and friends) (i.e. race mode steering, soft dampers, race mode throttle control, etc)- really cool little car from all accounts. I'm very excited to see one in the flesh.
Has anyone reported a 1/4 mile time?
I too am very excited by this new player, but going from a FiST with 4 doors and a hatch, I would much prefer the Elantra N. I will have to see how tight the back seat is, having never been in a Veloster. I don't need to fit Kareem back there, just my 6 year old.
poopshovel again said:Has anyone reported a 1/4 mile time?
C&D reported 13.9 @ 102mph.
In reply to BluEvo210 :
I disagree. Compared to the recent offerings from Nissan and Honda, the Veloster is downright conservative and gracefully styled. It's no E-Type, but it's way less offensive to look at than a lot of new cars these days.
I would like this inside a Forte 5 body.
Snrub said:poopshovel again said:Has anyone reported a 1/4 mile time?
C&D reported 13.9 @ 102mph.
HOLY CRAP.
Looking at that quarter mile time - for all intents and purposes this is a new Mazdaspeed3 with 3 doors instead of 5. All the vitals are roughly the same, I'm sure they go about it a bit different, but even the "they go to roughly 7 grand, but run out of wind" is the same.
Nifty.
accordionfolder said:for all intents and purposes this is a new Mazdaspeed3 with 3 doors instead of 5.
It's actually a 4 door in a weird way. They borrowed the passenger side rear door from a RX-8. It's a good setup, although I think they should have done it on the driver's side too. :)
It's also faster than a Mazdaspeed 3 (14.5 @98), brakes better, handles better, weighs 200lbs less. I think the Veloster Turbo R might be the better point of comparison. It's an extra 150lbs lighter and the straight line specs line up. It has more/nicer stuff (panoramic moon roof, heater steering, etc) and costs the same in absolute dollar terms (Mazdaspeed 3 would presumably be a few grand more in today's dollars).
BluEvo210 said:There's no accounting for taste.
The Veloster has always been ugly as sin. The Veloster N is no different.
Why are we getting a "Veloster N" when the rest of the world gets the "N" treatment on the Elantra hatchback body? The Elantra looks much better.
Agree 100%. Hot hatches are what sell in this country more than oddball FWD sporty cars. If we got the Elantra N, I would have looked long and hard at it as an alternative to the GTI I just bought. I didn't look at the Veloster specifically because of its looks.
Snrub said:accordionfolder said:for all intents and purposes this is a new Mazdaspeed3 with 3 doors instead of 5.
It's actually a 4 door in a weird way. They borrowed the passenger side rear door from a RX-8. It's a good setup, although I think they should have done it on the driver's side too. :)
It's also faster than a Mazdaspeed 3 (14.5 @98), brakes better, handles better, weighs 200lbs less. I think the Veloster Turbo R might be the better point of comparison. It's an extra 150lbs lighter and the straight line specs line up. It has more/nicer stuff (panoramic moon roof, heater steering, etc) and costs the same in absolute dollar terms (Mazdaspeed 3 would presumably be a few grand more in today's dollars).
The gen2 MS3 on stock 225 width tires will do a 14 flat - dip into the 13's with wider meats under it depending on conditions. It's nearly the exact same weight according to all the spec sheets I'm seeing, including C&D. I doubt greatly it's that much better on the braking, especially with decent pads on it (I'm running stock pads good for a 1:49 at RA and a 2:00 @ Sonoma) It's got more torque, but less horse power. On paper and real life they're pretty much identical specs. I won't doubt the magic electric wizardry isn't cool (and will make a huge difference in daily livability), but they line up pretty neatly numbers wise. I'm definitely not knocking the Hyundai, just noting that the numbers are oddly similar. I'm in love with this car (and it's assorted gadgetry), just no reason to buy a new car right now - I hope to make up a reason some time soon ;)
http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/road_tests/2010_mazdaspeed3
"In fact, our 0 to 60 time of 5.2 seconds is over a second quicker, with a similar improvement for the quarter mile at 13.9-seconds and 102 miles per hour."
In reply to accordionfolder :
Does Mazda make that car anymore?
In reply to bobzilla :
Sadly - no - it's why I'm so excited about Hyundai and this car. Definitely wasn't trying to derail, just very happy to see a high power, real differential (it's my biggest gripe with the Ford's ST brothers), goofy hatch in the US! I felt the numbers really lined up neatly - the lack of crazy brakes (just big standard brakes), etc, etc.
It looks like a speed 3 on paper, but nobody ever waxed poetic about the sublime handling of the Mazda.
Neat car, limp "track warranty" support. Wish we got the i30N instead of the veloster.
I dislike this veloster less than the previous ones and this one got decent suspension from the i30.....
Sounds like it will do decent on track though. so regardless of warranty it should do well.
Nice to see Hyundai try hard and not just put lipstick on a pig pedestrian car like the previous Kia racing efforts...
spacecadet said:Neat car, limp "track warranty" support. Wish we got the i30N instead of the veloster.
I dislike this veloster less than the previous ones and this one got decent suspension from the i30.....
Sounds like it will do decent on track though. so regardless of warranty it should do well.
Nice to see Hyundai try hard and not just put lipstick on a pig pedestrian car like the previous Kia racing efforts...
No one is going to give you full "track coverage" from teh factory. There's just too many variables. I'd say the good news there is it won't void the rest of your warranty, and they'll take everything on a case-by-case basis, giving owners, techs and service managers to talk about it like grownups.
Looks a lot like a Ford Focus to my eye, a little porky at 3100 pounds, but that much horsepressure would be a bit intoxicating. I bet I would get really crappy gas mileage if I had one of those, and use up a lot of tires.
In reply to spacecadet :
You mean the Optima racing team that was going head to head with mustangs and the Acura teams? That one? I think they did pretty damn well.
3-4 years ago my wife and I test drove a Veloster after going to the Portland Auto show thinking we wanted a Mini Cooper. The interior of the Mini was all cheap plastic and O o O oO OOO's everywhere. We O'd out and forever lost interest in the current MIni. At the same show we saw the Veloster and the interior and exterior were really tasteful- so we later drove one. Meh- the motor was not ready for prime time. Now it is a fully cooked pckage. We both think they look great plus Great Gobs of FWD Go!
JG Pasterjak said:spacecadet said:Neat car, limp "track warranty" support. Wish we got the i30N instead of the veloster.
I dislike this veloster less than the previous ones and this one got decent suspension from the i30.....
Sounds like it will do decent on track though. so regardless of warranty it should do well.
Nice to see Hyundai try hard and not just put lipstick on a pig pedestrian car like the previous Kia racing efforts...No one is going to give you full "track coverage" from teh factory. There's just too many variables. I'd say the good news there is it won't void the rest of your warranty, and they'll take everything on a case-by-case basis, giving owners, techs and service managers to talk about it like grownups.
Has Chevrolet removed the track warranty from the 1LE cars?
Nice blue, the Veloster has come a long way. BTW, that grill looks like it could eat squirrels and small dogs...
I drove past the Hyundai dealer today & they have an orange Turbo R with black wheels parked out front. It sure looks nice from the street.
The orange is a great looking color.
z31maniac said:JG Pasterjak said:No one is going to give you full "track coverage" from teh factory. There's just too many variables. I'd say the good news there is it won't void the rest of your warranty, and they'll take everything on a case-by-case basis, giving owners, techs and service managers to talk about it like grownups.
Has Chevrolet removed the track warranty from the 1LE cars?
To clarify, it applies for the 1LE 4/6cyl, regular SS and up models.
So is this worth the price difference over the R-Spec? I do know the N is supposed to be in DS for the 2019 SCCA autox season.
mazdeuce - Seth said:It looks like a speed 3 on paper, but nobody ever waxed poetic about the sublime handling of the Mazda.
They have and still do rave about the 3's handling. It's what Mazda does best.
Car and Driver:
"What makes the Mazda 3 one of our favorite cars—not to mention a multi-time 10Best Cars winner? Its winning formula is simple and continues to win us over: sharp looks, a near-premium interior, and sublime driving dynamics."
I dropped by a Hyundai dealership - the lower tier Velosters don't have much presence still - though they are cheap! I can't wait to see that crazy blue color in person.
JG Pasterjak said:spacecadet said:Neat car, limp "track warranty" support. Wish we got the i30N instead of the veloster.
I dislike this veloster less than the previous ones and this one got decent suspension from the i30.....
Sounds like it will do decent on track though. so regardless of warranty it should do well.
Nice to see Hyundai try hard and not just put lipstick on a pig pedestrian car like the previous Kia racing efforts...No one is going to give you full "track coverage" from teh factory. There's just too many variables. I'd say the good news there is it won't void the rest of your warranty, and they'll take everything on a case-by-case basis, giving owners, techs and service managers to talk about it like grownups.
My issue is that unlike the GM warranty that says, here's what you have to do in order to maintain your warranty for the powertrain, "change your oil with oil meeting this exact spec every 4 hours of track time."
bobzilla said:In reply to spacecadet :
You mean the Optima racing team that was going head to head with mustangs and the Acura teams? That one? I think they did pretty damn well.
but the street car was still nothing special, that was more my point.
In reply to accordionfolder :
Not a fan of turquoise colored cars but in the end I really like the blue color on both of these cars.
Maybe I just like Datsun’s in general.
In reply to spacecadet :
Neither was the Acura TLX in street form. Both were boring pedestrian sedans.
Ozzy said:So is this worth the price difference over the R-Spec? I do know the N is supposed to be in DS for the 2019 SCCA autox season.
Depends what you are after. From a performance standpoint, almost certainly. I have an R Spec. Its got a smaller motor, lower redline, 75 less hp, and an open diff (the N gets an electronic LSD, I'd like to see some feedback on whether or not that actually works).
Neither of them will be classed competitively in stock class.
I am curious how much tire someone could fit under the body. It doesn't look like a whole lot.
ProDarwin said:Ozzy said:So is this worth the price difference over the R-Spec? I do know the N is supposed to be in DS for the 2019 SCCA autox season.
Depends what you are after. From a performance standpoint, almost certainly. I have an R Spec. Its got a smaller motor, lower redline, 75 less hp, and an open diff (the N gets an electronic LSD, I'd like to see some feedback on whether or not that actually works).
Neither of them will be classed competitively in stock class.
I am curious how much tire someone could fit under the body. It doesn't look like a whole lot.
I saw your post about getting one. I am following to see your long term input on how you like it. I did look at Tire Rack's site & looks like you can get the RE71 in the size for the R-Spec. Though without the option for much negative camber on the front I am sure it would eat them up pretty quick if used for hard autox. The wife and I drove down to Indianapolis today for a dr appointment & there was a dealer near there that had a black one. If she hand been feeling bad I would have stopped to look/drive it. Our local dealer in Fort Wayne said they aren't planning to get one in. I like the price point & warranty. We have a 07 Entourage van that we put 165,000 miles on with only a few very minor issues. It has very little rust & still ran great when we sold it. Based on that I am not scared to buy another Hyundai.
Yeah mine appears to have zero camber. I don't know if there is any ability to get camber out of the stock suspension, or if camber bolts would be legal. If not, it would certainly chew through tires very quickly.
For the R spec, which comes with 18s, I'd run 17s
In reply to Ozzy :
We all know I'm the Korean car fanboi here. All in, we've now put 510k miles on 2 Hyundais and 3 Kia's. The 2000 Accent had the highest mileage with 250k when we sold it. The only failure was a manual trans that had the driveshaft shoved into the diff, causing an early failure at 130k miles. $300 and a pile of spare parts later and it ran another 120k miles without an issue.
I have no qualms buying a used Korean car that's not a Daewoo.
In reply to ProDarwin :
Yeah in SCCA "Street" aka stock class you can't use crash bolts or exceed the spec range specified in the factory service manual. My 2nd gen Neon gets around this problem because Dodge put a racing alignment in the manual but you have to use a specific dodge part# crash bolt & specific slotting procedure. But that's because it has the factory "competition package". All the other Neons can't use the racing alignment. I think I looked at a new Hyundai Genesis Coupe a few years ago & it came with the OEM crash bolts that were for racing purposes. They were in a package in the trunk. I know the local dealer sales manager thought the R-Spec came with crash bolts too. I never found anything in Hyundai's info about it having them or I didn't talk to the service manager about an alignment spec. range.
bobzilla said:In reply to Ozzy :
We all know I'm the Korean car fanboi here. All in, we've now put 510k miles on 2 Hyundais and 3 Kia's. The 2000 Accent had the highest mileage with 250k when we sold it. The only failure was a manual trans that had the driveshaft shoved into the diff, causing an early failure at 130k miles. $300 and a pile of spare parts later and it ran another 120k miles without an issue.
I have no qualms buying a used Korean car that's not a Daewoo.
Dont know if you remember me from the Elantra club forum or the ElantraXD forums but my XD model Elantra was a total tank. Thing had 350+k miles on the car without a single issue. Rusted to death finally and gave up the ghost on the subframe. Sold it for $500 and the guy put a new subframe in it and still drives it. I beat that car every day for 7 years with everythig i could throw at it. Snow, nitrous, 5000rpm clutch bombs, autocross and drag racing. Never let me down. Bought another one to turn into a $2000 chump/lemons racer.
I am very keen to drive one of the new 201hp Elantra GT Sport hatchback models to replace my Fiesta ST. I wish they would bring the I30N over here as that would be perfect. Im unsure about the 3 door Veloster as the last one i sat it didnt have very much room in the hatch area nor the back seat.
In reply to kevinatfms :
What was your screen name there? I traded mine for the Forte because I had terminal rot where the core-support bolts to the from frame rail.
bobzilla said:In reply to kevinatfms :
What was your screen name there? I traded mine for the Forte because I had terminal rot where the core-support bolts to the from frame rail.
Same screen name. Kevinatfms.
My old XD i sold for the same reason. Right at the two subframe support pieces that bolt to the body. Was replacing the clutch and snapped 2 of the bolts in the body. Car had been sitting outside for the better part of 2 years and it just had so much rust i couldnt keep up. Guy who ended up buying it sold it to another guy who has tried to remedy the rust issues. Car is still kicking though.
I bought another XD, a 2002 GLS, for a $2000 challenge style/Chump Car build. We are going to keep the drivetrain stock and just focus on suspension and lightening the thing up. Would love to make a full race without hiccups with this car. Ill post up a thread when i get everything sorted.
Any advice on suspension setup? Specifically alignment settings for a road race car? Will be running Tibby struts, H&R springs and Moog camber bolts. Tibby 18mm rear bar also going on.
I'd say probably max camber up front with the bolts. 1/4-1/2" toe-out.
What about the rear? Worth it to buy some camber bolts for the rear and setting that to maybe 2.0* of camber?
Build tool is up on their website: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/build-your-hyundai/index.aspx
In reply to goingnowherefast :
Just under $30k with the performance parts, as previously stated. That’s cool.
Pete Gossett said:In reply to goingnowherefast :
Just under $30k with the performance parts, as previously stated. That’s cool.
Yeah not bad at all.
So I inquired a few days ago to my local dealership. I asked if they were getting any, and if so if I could come check one out when they do.
Couple days go by and I get a call "Uh, my sales advisor said they are in pre-production still and every dealership is only getting one"
I told them there's literally 30-40 on autotrader, on dealership floors as we speak. The guy basically had no idea what he's talking about. But anyways, still on my quest to track one down and check it out.
In reply to kevinatfms :
We should probably take this else where.... but I remember there being an issue with the XD rear suspension design causing toe in/out depending on compression or extension. I'd just make it stiff and call it a day. But that's my uneducated opine.
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