Hyundai confirms dual-clutch, overboost function, new interior goodies for Veloster N

We recently wrote about a few changes coming to the Hyundai Veloster N, a sublime hot hatchback with driving fun placed squarely at the center of its purpose. The changes—chief among them an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—began leaking out on the N sub-brand’s Instagram page late last week. Hyundai has now officially confirmed the addition of the new wet dual-clutch gearbox, along with a few other delightful details.

The new electronically-actuated DCT will widen the appeal of a high-performance Hyundai to those who shy away from three-pedal driving experiences. Veloster N drivers armed with the DCT will enjoy its launch control capability—Hyundai says the DCT-equipped cars are good for 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds—along with a new transmission feature that senses road conditions and can adjust the drivetrain’s behavior accordingly. Think engine braking when going down large hills to prevent overheating the brakes.

In our previous post, we speculated that “Grin Shift” was a special drive mode that would temporarily spike the boost pressure to the engine, providing an extra shot in the arm to what already is a highly entertaining machine. Turns out, not only does the system allow a 20-second jump in torque—up seven percent to 278 lb-ft from the standard 260—it also puts the transmission into its most responsive and sporty setting. Sounds perfect for on-ramp blitzes and that twisty set of turns on your favorite road.

Inside, Hyundai’s larger eight-inch touch-screen infotainment system replaces the existing one. But the biggest interior upgrade is the pair of new N Light Sports Bucket Seats, which weigh roughly four pounds less than the softer, standard seats. The unibody seats feature a light-up N logo insert in the backs, and they come wrapped in Alcantara for maximum love-handle hold during higher cornering loads.

No word yet on the how much the new seats or the DCT itself will cost, but we’re hopeful that the new buckets are also available on manual-equipped cars. Those seats with three pedals and the optional sport package sound like a winning combo.

Expect the new Veloster N to hit North America later this year as a 2021 model.